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Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Pinellas County? This type of accident is often life-changing or deadly for those involved. Nearly 80% of motorcycle accidents in Florida result in injury or death. To make matters worse, injured motorcyclists are often not at fault in the accident. Nearly two-thirds of motorcycle accidents in Pinellas occur because other drivers don’t yield the right-of-way on dangerous roads like U.S 19 and along Bay Drive. If you have been severely injured, you’ll have a much better shot at recovering the compensation you need if you talk to a Pinellas Park motorcycle accident lawyer.
Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is ready to assist you. We have the skillset needed to get our clients the maximum compensation for their injuries, dispute low settlement offers from insurance companies, and manage the entire legal process so that you can focus on recovering.
If you have been injured in a Pinellas Park motorcycle crash, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t at least contact Herman & Wells. Co-founder Cliff Wells is one of the few attorneys in Florida who is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, a credential that takes years of litigation practice to earn.
We offer free case evaluations, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about what you may be entitled to for your injury claim. If you’d like to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers, then you can call our firm directly at (727) 821-3195 or use our online form to request a free initial evaluation with an attorney.
Immediately contact the Pinellas Park Police Department. If there has been a serious accident with property damage worth at least $500, this can be particularly important. When possible, police officers should be on the scene as soon as possible to help build a solid legal case. In the event of an accident, the police are supposed to file a report and will keep records that can be referenced in the future when seeking compensation for injuries sustained in an accident.
It can be very beneficial for your legal case to take note of your location, the time, and your surroundings. Visualize the scene of the accident. Photograph the scene of the accident, including the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as your injuries, if you have a smartphone handy. In order to gather and analyze information relevant to your case, even seemingly insignificant details can prove helpful in the end.
Getting the names and contact information of all motorists involved in an accident as well as witnesses is crucial. A list of each driver’s name, insurance information, address, phone number, and license number will be helpful. Even in a hit-and-run case, other evidence may still be able to be used to recover damages. For example, your lawyer might request security camera footage of the incident or other pieces of evidence in order to assemble the information necessary to identify the negligent party and build a case to recover damages.
After getting into a motorcycle accident, you should call an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. It is crucial to seek legal guidance in order to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses and other forms of compensation for less quantifiable damages, such as pain and suffering. A motorcycle accident attorney can be an ally in filing a strong claim against the negligent party by conducting a thorough investigation and gathering evidence of the accident.
In order to seek recoverable damages, you must notify your insurance company of your accident. However, because your insurance company may ask for a statement, you should seek legal advice before calling. Before providing an insurance agent with a statement, consult with an attorney. Your choice of language in the immediate aftermath of your accident can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may be able to help you describe the accident to your insurance carrier or communicate directly with them on your behalf.
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you are more likely to receive the compensation you deserve if you hire an attorney. An experienced Pinellas County motorcycle accident lawyer gathers evidence in support of your compensation claim. Your attorney can help manage your medical records and consult with healthcare experts to assist in determining the full extent of your injuries. Additionally, they’ll gather witness statements, recreate the scene of the accident, collect police reports, and speak to the insurance companies on your behalf. Once your attorney gathers evidence, he or she will talk to the defense about the settlement. In the event that negotiations fail, the personal injury lawyer you hire should be prepared to go to trial and represent you. The two things that insurance companies fear most are a good case and an injury attorney who will maximize that case at trial.
Finding an attorney in Pinellas Park with a track record of securing compensation for injured parties, as well as trial experience, will be the most beneficial. Recovering compensation after an accident is no easy task. When seeking compensation for accident-related damages, you should work with an attorney who has vast experience navigating the legal complexities that can arise. A wide array of expert resources is a good indicator that a lawyer is capable of building a strong case in evaluation with the necessary individuals and entities. Resources can include professional connections, working relationships with other attorneys with experience, and other tools necessary to gather ample evidence for your personal injury case.
Despite following the same laws of the road as automobile drivers, motorcyclists also need to possess certain safety equipment and licensing, which can vary from state to state. For motorcycle accident compensation claims in Pinellas County, a motorcycle rider must prove his or her right to compensation under an entirely different set of criteria.
Bias or a failure to collect enough evidence could be the cause of a failed motorcycle injury claim. In contrast to automobiles, motorcyclists are completely exposed to the elements. Consequently, motorcycle accidents are more likely than car accidents to cause severe physical harm, including spinal cord injuries, second and third-degree burns, and joint or muscle damage. In turn, the cost of treating these injuries is likely to be higher than that of treating auto accident injuries, which can impact the way insurance companies respond to claims.
For motorcycle drivers to receive compensation, they must prove that the other party was more likely than not the one at fault for the accident. Motorcyclists sometimes have a harder time proving this than automobile drivers.
The laws of negligence often determine who is at fault in a personal injury case. The term “negligence” describes when one party fails to use reasonable care. That includes failure to observe traffic laws and regulations or failure to use common sense when driving. The rider must have evidence proving this, whether through witness observation, videos, or sometimes just the damage to the motorcycle, cars/truck or other evidence left at the scene. Motorcycles react differently in accidents than automobiles, and even witnesses may find it difficult to know who is to blame.
Florida’s motorcycle laws have many facets that can be confusing. In Pinellas County, all motorcycle drivers are required to wear helmets that meet all Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standards. If you are over 21, however, you can get away without wearing a helmet as long as you have proof that your insurance policy covers at least $10,000 in medical benefits. According to Florida law, anyone under the age of 21 who operates or rides a motorcycle must wear a helmet.
The passenger on a motorcycle who is under 21 years of age must wear a helmet and eye protection at all times. In the case of a passenger over 21 and with an insurance policy that covers at least $10,000 in medical benefits, they can also opt not to wear a helmet. In Florida, all passengers must wear protective eyewear while on public roads.
Helmets are vital safety equipment that could save your life. A car is equipped with airbags, seat belts, sturdy frames, and a host of other safety features to ensure the safety of its occupants in case they are involved in an accident. Motorcyclists have nothing but the clothes on their backs and a helmet. Choosing not to wear a helmet means you’re taking away one of the only safety options you have.
Motorcycle accidents can result in non-fatal accident costs that range from $2,500 to many millions, depending on the severity of the injuries sustained. Medical bills, such as emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, contribute to the costs associated with motorcycle accidents.
After a motorcycle accident, motorcycle accident victims may be able to receive coverage for medical bills from multiple sources. Due to Florida’s no-fault insurance, drivers’ insurance policies come with $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) benefits that cover motorcycle accident medical bills. In Florida, according to Florida Statute 627.736, the named insured, members of the same household, and persons in or operating insured vehicles are covered under personal injury protection policies. The PIP policy covers 80 percent of medically necessary treatment for accident injuries up to a policy limit of $10,000.
As part of PIP coverage, x-rays, surgical care, dental care, rehabilitation services, prosthetic devices, ambulance transport, and nursing services are covered. Initially, injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident must have been treated within 14 days after the accident for PIP coverage to apply. Motorcyclists may also be able to recover medical bills from a negligent driver who caused the accident if their PIP is not enough to cover their expenses. Upon the successful filing of a personal injury claim by the victims, the driver’s liability insurer, if any, will pay for the victim’s losses.
It can be very helpful for your own understanding of your legal rights and entitlements to learn the laws applicable to your case when you are facing a difficult legal situation. Motorcycle accident laws vary by state, and sometimes even by locality.
As a general rule, a motorcycle accident statute of limitations refers to the amount of time a person has to file a claim after an accident. Motorcycle accident claims are governed by state statutes of limitations. In Florida, for instance, riders injured after March 24, 2023 can file motorcycle accident claims up to two years after the incident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims may have up to four years, however.
Evidently, the type of claim and the state in which you reside can both have an influence on the length of time you have to file a lawsuit. If you need to find out how long you have to file a claim for yourself or a loved one, you should consult your state’s laws or speak to an attorney who is familiar with the local legal requirements.
The Florida minimum coverage does not include liability coverage, so if you are hit while on your motorcycle, and the person who hit you asked their insurance carrier for the absolute minimum they can buy, your injuries will not be covered by their insurance. When this happens, your motorcycle UM coverage is often the only thing that can cover you for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
Motorcycle accident cases already create enough stress without having to worry about whether or not your attorney is going to call you back in a timely manner. The last thing you should deal with is a lawyer who refuses to return calls or explain what is happening with your case while you are recovering from a serious injury.
You deserve regular updates about your case, and the right law firm will give them to you.
At Herman & Wells, the firm openly recognizes that poor communication is one of the biggest frustrations clients face during injury claims. That is why the firm created its 30-Day Communication Promise. Every client hears from their legal team at least once every 30 days about the status of the case, ongoing work, delays, or next steps. Whether it is a big or small update, our attorneys make sure to inform our clients.
Motorcycle accident victims often face long recovery periods, and during that time, communication from your attorney matters. You shouldn’t have to repeatedly leave voicemails just to learn whether medical records were requested or settlement negotiations started. Good communication helps clients understand where the case stands and what to expect moving forward.
Even when there is no major development, silence creates unnecessary anxiety. At Herman & Wells, we believe clients still deserve honest updates and responsive legal support.
Many injured riders believe they are stuck once they hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Pinellas Park. That is not true. In fact, it’s usually possible to switch lawyers during an ongoing case without having to file a new lawsuit. We can request the file, notify the previous attorney, and continue handling the case moving forward. Switching attorneys is easier than most people think.
Some people wait too long because they worry about delays or extra costs. Others assume changing lawyers will hurt their settlement. In reality, staying with an attorney who refuses to communicate may create even more problems. Motorcycle accident claims often involve significant damages and aggressive insurance defense tactics. You need a legal team that keeps you informed. Oftentimes, the reason you are not informed is that your attorney has not worked your case when they should have.
A second opinion can help you understand whether your current case is progressing the way it should. While they cannot give a person that is represented by someone else legal advice, another attorney may advise you of what their own standards are for handling communication, delays, or items that deserve attention.
You don’t have to stay with a law firm that makes you feel ignored. Our firm treats communication as part of client service, not an afterthought. After a motorcycle accident, you should feel confident that your legal team is paying attention to your case. You should know who to call, what stage the claim is in, and what happens next.
The attorneys at Herman & Wells emphasize a client-first approach focused on responsiveness, transparency, and consistent updates throughout the legal process. We feel that our contact with our clients also helps us get better results. We handle the transition for you. If communication has broken down with your current attorney, speaking with another law firm may help you regain clarity and confidence about your motorcycle accident case.
A Pinellas Park motorcycle accident lawyer at Herman & Wells possesses the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to help you pursue a fair settlement for your claim. Get started on your claim as soon as possible.
We understand that this type of crash can leave you with devastating injuries, so let us handle the legal work while you focus on your healing. Call (727) 821-3195 to schedule a free evaluation today!
If the other driver was the one at fault, their insurance could step in to cover the rest. Sometimes they were driving in the course and scope of employment, in which case their employer is responsible. Also, if they are driving someone else’s car, that person’s insurance will usually also cover you. If neither of these is enough, your own UM (Uninsured/underinsured Motorist) coverage will cover your losses. These claims may require filing an injury case with the company and negotiating a settlement. If this does not work, or the company disputes who was responsible, a lawsuit may need to be filed. This is why it is vital to have legal representation to deal with the insurer and courts.
Insurers are a business, and they are concerned with their bottom line. The company may offer you a settlement that is less than what you need, but if you accept the offer, you also give up your right to pursue additional compensation. Be sure to have an attorney before talking to the insurance company.
Like all personal injury attorneys we have ever met in Florida, we work on contingency, which means you do not have to pay for our services until you receive compensation in your claim. Talk with our team to learn how we work.
The answer depends on the injuries, as Florida’s pure comparative negligence rule could reduce the amount of compensation based on your percentage of fault. Your legal counsel could help you understand what you could still recover in this situation.
