What is Your Florida Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

Each year, hundreds of motorcycle accidents occur on Florida’s roads, with many resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. As an experienced Florida personal injury law firm, we have seen firsthand the devastation these crashes can cause and want to help riders who have been hurt through no fault of their own. If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident, you must take action right away to fully understand your legal rights and financial claim value.

Too often we see injured victims accept unfair insurance settlements because they were never informed of how much their case was truly worth. This blog post aims to shed light on how Florida law determines compensation for motorcycle accident victims like yourself, so you can make informed decisions about your claim and get the maximum recovery to which you are entitled.

In Florida, motorcycle accident claims are guided by specific principles and laws. Understanding these rules is key to unraveling the potential worth of your claim. Let’s delve into these principles and how they impact your claim’s value.

In Florida motorcycle accident claims, there are different types of damages that victims can claim. Economic losses include lost wages, both past and future, due to the accident. Calculating lost wages is straightforward if the victim has a set salary or hourly wage – it’s a matter of summing up missed time. However, future wage loss calculations get complex, especially if the victim can’t return to their previous job or work at all.

This calculation often involves expert witnesses to estimate what the victim could have earned in their lifetime or in a new career. For self-employed individuals or those with variable incomes, determining these losses can be challenging, as the defense might argue for a lower estimation of potential earnings.

Medical expenses are another crucial component. Victims are entitled to compensation for both past and future medical costs. Like lost wages, adding up past medical bills is straightforward, but estimating future medical expenses requires a long-term medical prognosis. This includes costs for surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and travel for medical appointments.

Additionally, compensation for pain and suffering is significant, covering physical pain from the accident and ongoing discomfort, as well as emotional stress and the inconvenience caused by the accident. In cases of severe injuries, such as head trauma or paralysis, the compensation for pain and suffering can be quite substantial.

When assessing the worth of a motorcycle accident claim in the state of Florida, several legal considerations play a pivotal role. These factors can significantly influence both the process and outcome of a claim. Key legal considerations include:

Florida’s motorcycle laws, while multifaceted and sometimes confusing, have clear requirements for rider safety. All motorcyclists must wear helmets that meet Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standards, though individuals over 21 have the option to forego a helmet if they possess an insurance policy with a minimum of $10,000 in medical benefits. Additionally, the law mandates that riders of all ages must wear proper eye protection when traveling on public roads, ensuring a higher level of safety for everyone involved.