Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney
It goes without saying that Florida is one of the best states to ride a motorcycle. Unfortunately, our state also has its fair share of negligent drivers. If you were hurt in a crash that someone else caused, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Florida to find out if you could be entitled to compensation.
Our highly accomplished litigation attorneys can handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on your health. We aren’t afraid to file a lawsuit if the insurance company or opposing party refuses to settle. Call us today at 813-440-2700 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Damages in Florida Motorcycle Accident Cases
Damages are a sum of money paid by a party who breaches the duty of care owed to another party. In a motorcycle accident case, this breach of duty often takes the form of a traffic violation such as speeding or operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If an accident occurs, the driver who broke the law and caused the wreck would owe damages to the people who suffered an injury or loss as a result. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not always willing to pay fair compensation to injury victims. This is where a motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
Damages are categorized as economic, non-economic and exemplary. Economic damages address monetary losses such as lost income, medical bills, property damage, and other accident-related expenses. The value of these damages can be evidenced by receipts, invoices, and sometimes the deposition of medical and financial experts.
Non-economic damages have a subjective value. They include things like:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Humiliation
Without an inherent value, these damages can be difficult to prove. The court will often calculate the victim’s economic damages and then use a multiplier between 1.5 and 5 to determine how much they should receive for their non-economic damages. The worse or longer-lasting the injuries, the higher the multiplier. For example, if a motorcyclist broke their wrist and suffered some road rash, a multiplier of 1.5 or 2 might be used. However, if the victim suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) and is paralyzed below the waist, a multiplier of 4 or 5 will likely be used.
Exemplary damages, or punitive damages, are intended to punish the defendant. These are only available in cases that involve gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
Motorcycle accidents result from many circumstances and are sometimes caused by more than one factor. It’s the job of your Florida motorcycle accident attorney to perform a thorough investigation to determine how your accident happened and who should be held liable. Motorcycle accidents are frequently caused by:
- Motorists switching lanes or merging without looking or slowing down
- Motorists failing to yield the right of way and turning in front of bikers
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Loose gravel on the road
- Poor road conditions or road defects
- Motor vehicle defects
- Speeding
It’s not always another driver who should be held accountable for motorcycle accident damages. For example, it could be the municipality responsible for road repairs and clean-up or even the motorcycle’s manufacturer. With an experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer, you can be assured that the right party or parties are held accountable to maximize your injury settlement.
Call a Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Capaz Law Firm
If you or someone you love was recently injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be wondering what to do next. After seeking medical care, your next step should be to contact a compassionate Florida motorcycle accident lawyer. At Capaz Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience in settlement negotiations and litigation. We also have access to well-credentialed medical, financial, and accident reconstruction experts.
You have nothing to lose as there are no fees unless for our services unless you win. We offer free consultations to get your case started. Our phone lines are open 24/7. Call our office today at 813-440-2700 or send us an email through our online contact form to schedule your private consultation.
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