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Boasting year-round balmy weather and world-class scenic beaches, Florida naturally attracts motorcyclists. Unfortunately, it is also the top state for motorcycle fatalities, with about 17 percent of all vehicular fatalities involving motorcyclists, while the national average is 14 percent.
These sobering statistics underscore the importance of protecting yourself from the dangers of the road and irresponsible motorists who cause accidents. Injuries from motorcycle accidents in Clearwater are likely to be devastating. If you were hurt in a wreck, you should work with a skilled motorcycle crash attorney at Herman & Wells to seek compensation for your losses. Call us today for a free consultation.
Because motorcyclists are vulnerable when sharing the roads with much larger and heavier passenger vehicles, if an accident happens, even a minor one, injuries are certain. In many cases, they are catastrophic, permanently preventing an individual from performing any gainful work.
Some common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:
If a motorist is responsible for the injuries you sustained in a Clearwater motorcycle crash, you should not be expected to absorb the losses you incur. The attorneys at Herman & Wells understand the consequences an accident like this can have. If you cannot work because you are severely injured, your financial health suffers as medical bills accumulate. You will have questions throughout your legal journey, and we are always accessible to answer them. We could devote our vast experience to your case to help you achieve the best possible outcome for you, your family, and your future.
You can take legal action over your injuries when the motorist who crashed into you was negligent. However, you must be able to prove their negligence, which involves demonstrating that the motorist breached their duty to drive responsibly and caused the accident that injured you. Florida follows a no-fault auto insurance system that generally requires drivers to first seek compensation for medical expenses and certain lost wages through their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the crash. PIP coverage is limited and does not compensate for all damages, such as pain and suffering. However, if your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold or your damages exceed available PIP benefits, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. You may also seek compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if applicable.
In Florida, motorcyclists do not have to wear helmets if they are at least 21 years old and carry $10,000 in benefits for motorcycle-related injuries, although they must wear eye protection unless their motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.
Opposing counsel may try to accuse you of contributing to your own injuries if you were not wearing a helmet, as your damage award could be reduced if the jury agrees. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that all riders wear helmets. Statistics show they do save lives and lessen the catastrophic impact of accidents. Our Clearwater motorcycle crash attorneys could fight the assertion that you are partly responsible for your injuries, because no law requires you to ride with a helmet if you are 21 or older and have the proper insurance. We will strive to secure the maximum possible compensation and empower you by keeping you informed of your case’s progress.
Severe injuries from motorcycle accidents in Clearwater take a toll physically, emotionally, and financially, especially if you were operating your vehicle responsibly and the motorist who hit you was not. Let the highly experienced trial attorneys at Herman & Wells advocate for you by understanding the nuances of your situation, building a strong case, keeping you informed, and treating you with the respect and attention you deserve.
Call now to schedule a complimentary consultation and discuss your options.
