Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help Victims Get Compensation for Their Injuries

Recent estimates show Florida has the second-highest number of registered motorcycles of any statein the US.. Our beautiful weather and scenic highways and byways provide bikers with many options for long or short rides at almost any time of the year. Unfortunately, with so many motorcycles on the road, Florida also experiences many motorcycle accidents. According to recent data, Florida had the most motorcycle accident fatalities in the United States in 2019 (11%) and 9% of all motorcycle accident injuries.

These wrecks can leave victims struggling physically, mentally, and financially.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in the Tampa area, you need to call  a personal injury law firm that will give your case the time and attention it warrants. Call RTRLAW today at (813) 370-0229 or tollfree at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) for a free, no-obligation case review. RTRLAW’s experienced, knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyers will make your recovery a top priority.

What are Common Dangers Motorcyclists Face?

Without the benefit of most safety features found in modern cars, such as airbags, seatbelts, crumple zones, and roll cages, bikers are vulnerable to severe injuries in a crash. Sadly, this means motorcycle riders have a much higher risk of experiencing a fatal accident. In a 2020 report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that motorcycle riders were almost 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles.

With the stakes so high for motorcyclists, all drivers need to remain aware of accident risks to keep everyone on the road safer. Some of the most frequently seen causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida include:

• Inattentive driving: Anyone splitting their attention between driving and another task, such as texting or eating, is dangerous to everyone on the road. However, motorcyclists can face the worst consequences from the actions of a distracted driver.
• Speeding: Driving over the posted speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to stop their vehicle quickly and makes them more likely to lose control.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Intoxicated driving slows reaction times and dulls awareness of hazards, which dramatically increases the risks of accidents.
• Not seeing motorcyclists when turning: A large portion of motorcycle fatalities occur when drivers fail to notice an oncoming motorcyclist when they are making a left turn.
• Dangerous lane changes: Violating a motorcycle’s right-of-way is a common way drivers cause accidents. This happens most often when drivers merge lanes or pass without carefully checking for motorcyclists.
• Hazardous road conditions: Motorcycles have less stability than cars, which makes them more vulnerable to crashes caused by poorly maintained roads, loose gravel, grass cuttings or sand on the pavement, and slick roadways.

What Injuries Can Victims Suffer in a Wreck?

Motorcycle accident victims face many of the same injuries experienced by individuals in car accidents, including:

• Broken bones
• Bruising and cuts
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Head injuries
• Crushed limbs
• Face, jaw, and eye injuries
• Back and spine damage

However, there is a greater likelihood of catastrophic injuries, such as limb amputation or paralysis, because there is no car frame cushioning the rider from impacts with the road or other vehicles. One unique risk for motorcyclists involved in a crash is “road rash.” Road rash is the common name for deep lacerations caused by the friction of sliding across the pavement at high speeds. Road rash is similar to a skinned knee but much more severe. These injuries can take a long time to heal and may require skin grafts. Thick leather riding gear is recommended to provide some protection from this type of injury.

While helmets are not mandatory for riders over the age of 21 in Florida, they can help protect riders from life-altering head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs are potentially life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical treatment and can result in long-term effects, such as:

• Seizures
• Difficulty speaking
• Memory issues
• Personality changes
• Chronic, severe headaches
• Depression and anxiety
• Vision changes

Can You Use Your PIP Benefits If You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Crash?

Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is required for all automobile drivers in Florida. Because Florida is a no-fault state, victims file a claim with their own insurance for their losses when they are involved in a car accident. PIP benefits can cover medical bills and lost wages up to the plan limits of the insured. Unfortunately, motorcycle accident victims cannot utilize their PIP benefits for their damages because coverage is limited to accidents involving vehicles with four wheels. For this reason, riders may choose to purchase additional motorcycle accident insurance to protect themselves in case of crashes. If your injuries exceed the limits of your insurance, RTRLAW can help you explore your legal options for recovering compensation.

Are You Eligible for Compensation if You Are Partially Responsible for Your Accident?

Yes, you may be eligible if you partially responsible for your own accident. Florida is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning that victims are able to seek compensation as long as they are not entirely at fault for their accident. This allows most individuals to file a claim to recover damages. However, properly determining fault is still critical to your case, because your award will be reduced proportionally by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if your motorcycle accident claim is valued at $100,000.00, but you are found to be 20% at fault for your accident, your settlement will be reduced by $20,000.00. A skilled RTRLAW personal injury attorney can help you recover the best settlement amount possible for which you are entitled.

What Are the Differences Between Economic, Non-economic, and Punitive Damages?

If you are a motorcycle accident victim, you may experience many losses related to your crash and injuries. A fair settlement provides compensation for all of these damages. Generally, damages are split into three types:

• Economic damages: These include the financial impacts related to the accident, such as lost wages, hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation expenses, doctor fees, future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and more.
• Non-economic damages: Accidents and the resulting injuries can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being, as well as your finances. Non-economic damages account for the less tangible harm you’ve suffered. You may recover compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, the loss of life’s enjoyment, and scarring and disfigurement.
• Punitive damages: These are not negotiated as part of an insurance settlement but can come into play if you file a motorcycle accident lawsuit and your case goes to trial. The judge may award punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions were intentional, malicious, or showed a wanton disregard for human life. These damages act as punishment and show others that there are consequences for behaving in this manner.

Why It Is Critical to Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Time can pass quickly after your accident. You are likely attempting to heal from your injuries and spending as much quality time as possible with your friends and family. It can be easy to put off your motorcycle accident claim for a later date, but this could damage your case. As time goes on, crucial evidence may disappear, and witnesses may struggle to recall what happened. You also risk missing filing deadlines for your claim. Although the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Florida is two years from the date of the accident (Four-years if the accident occurred prior to March 24, 2023), there are some situations where the deadline may be shorter. For example, if the defendant is a government entity, you may have only a few months to file your claim. Promptly bringing your case to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer or law firm, such as RTRLAW, can help ensure your legal rights are upheld.

RTRLAW provides  free, no-obligation case reviews and we take personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay no fees upfront and will owe us nothing unless we secure a settlement for you. RTRLAW’s personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of recovering compensation for our clients. Since 1988, we’ve assisted tens of thousands of clients recover hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation.

In Tampa, call us at (813) 370-0229 or tollfree at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (833-447-3787) today to schedule your no-obligation case review and see how our 35 years of legal experience in handling Florida motorcycle claims can benefit you. You can schedule an appointment at our Tampa office or any of our 7 convenient offices in Florida, or in Dallas, Texas. If you can’t make it to see us, we’ll come to you – or you can handle everything electronically by text or email if you prefer. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, be sure to contact RTRLAW today.

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