In Broward County, where Fort Lauderdale is located, there were 655 motorcycle crashes in 2020, resulting in 580 injuries and 28 fatalities. (Source: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles)
If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Fort Lauderdale area, you need to call Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at 954-915-7405 to see what possible compensation you may be eligible for. You could be eligible for compensation for your injuries.
Your compensation could help pay for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more. The sooner you call us at 954-915-7405, the sooner you can begin your claim for some form of compensation. We’ll review your case and give you an honest review of whether or not you should file your motorcycle claim.
If you’re eligible for a claim, we can file that claim for you before the statute of limitations is up.
We know you have a life to live and want to get back to your life as soon as possible. The sooner you call us and get us on the case, the sooner you can concentrate on healing and getting your life back. In Florida, you have up to four years to file your claim; however, the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll begin to receive compensation for your injuries and needs.
Don’t hesitate to call today, and let’s review your case and see if we can help you. Don’t waste your precious time by arguing with an insurance company; your job should be recovering from your injuries. Reduce your stress and hire a professional to represent you in court.
Call Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers today at 954-915-7405, and let’s get started on your case.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help With My Compensation Claim?
Many people erroneously think that they can file their own motorcycle claim without an attorney’s assistance. It’s always wise to seek legal advice from a highly trained professional for anything involving a claim. Don’t risk not knowing that you require a specific document or something else important by trying to do things yourself to save money.
Hire a professional and do it right so that you can receive the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you with your compensation claim by properly preparing the paperwork required to file so that you’ll receive your claim. At Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers, we have represented many cases similar to yours.
We have the experience to represent you in a court of law and win your case.
While you’re recovering from your injuries, your lawyers can be hard at work on your case. This gives you more time to recover from your injuries and less worry about paying your medical bills and other bills.
The compensation that you receive will help you greatly with your bills, but only if you file your motorcycle accident claim on time and with the right documentation.
At Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Klotzman Law Firm, we have the experience required to file your documents and get your case started in court. We’ve handled many cases such as yours and have the know-how to properly present and prepare your case for court.
We’ll handle all of the required details to ensure that your case is properly filed and managed from start to finish.
You can spend your time recovering while we handle things for you in court. This will help to reduce your stress and allow you the peace of mind that you need to fully recover from your injuries and get back on track with your life. Your family will also appreciate the peace of mind that your attorney can give you.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents?
A lot of motorcycle accidents are preventable and avoidable. When people take due diligence to be aware of what is going on around them, there will likely be fewer motorcycle accidents. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents may include any of the following situations:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Driving or riding while under the influence of drugs
- Driving or riding under the influence of medications
- Too sleepy or tired to drive or ride
- Anything unexpected
- Failure to pay attention to motorcycles
- Failure to pay attention to other traffic around you
- Animals running out in front of traffic
- Faulty equipment (this includes brakes, lights, mirrors, and other equipment parts)
- Unexpected road debris that must be swerved around
- Unexpected pedestrians or other distractions
- Uneven roadways
- Road damages
- Poor weather conditions
- Poor driving conditions
- Wind conditions
- Sun glare
- Traffic conditions (congested areas, detours)
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Left-hand turns
- Illegal actions by other drivers
- Failure to yield
- Unanticipated or sudden stops
- Inexperienced drivers or riders
There are other unexpected and unanticipated situations that may arise and cause a motorcycle accident. The reasons aren’t limited to those above; those are just some of the more common reasons that a person may be involved in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Here are a few statistics regarding motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We’ve gone back a few years to make sure that we cover how things have changed in the past few years. Every year the population increases, so this increases the dangers of potential motorcycle accidents.
Florida ranks 20 in the statistics for motorcycle accidents in the 50 United States.
Florida had 602 bicycle and motorcycle accidents in 2020, with 49 of those fatalities.
In 2021, there were even more of these accidents, with 702 motorcycle accidents, 38 of these accidents were fatalities.
Florida has a more moderate temperature which means that more motorcyclists will be on the road than in other regions of the nation, where temperatures get much colder during winter months.
Many regions in Florida are ‘party areas,’ which also increases the dangers statistic-wise. This is especially true during spring break and other festive seasons and holidays.
Along with party areas comes a younger generation, and sometimes, youth aren’t as experienced as older drivers or riders.
A booming population that is ever-increasing also contributes to the dangers of motorcycle and ATV accidents in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Fort Lauderdale has a lot of construction going on, which translates to:
More traffic driving on less traveled and maintained roads.
More construction debris which may be loose and picked up by the wind and thrown at you while driving by.
More detours and alternate routes that may not lend themselves well to motorcycle travel.
Unexpected situations such as road condition changes, route changes, heavier traffic, etc.
What Are The Motorcycle-Specific Laws In Florida?
Florida, just like many other states, has its own set of motorcycle laws. It’s important to familiarize yourself with such laws, especially if you’re moving to Florida from another state or if you’re just visiting Florida. Not all states have the same laws, and it can be very important if you’re in an accident to be in compliance with all of the laws for the area that you’re traveling in.
Motorcyclists must have a motorcycle endorsement on their license.
Cars must give motorcycles a full lane (they can’t drive beside them in the same lane).
Motorcyclists must remain seated on the motorcycle (not standing) at all times.
All motorcycle riders must wear protective eyewear or goggles, even if not wearing a helmet.
No more than two motorcycles may ride side by side in a lane of travel.
No stunt riding is allowed on public roadways (wheelies and other stunt ridings).
There must be a designated seat for passengers as well as footrests if you have passengers on your motorcycle.
Mirrors are required on both sides of your motorcycle.
Headlights must remain on at all times when the motorcycle is in operation.
Lane splitting is illegal (the action of riding between two vehicles that are traveling in designated lanes). Lane splitting is legal in some states, but Florida is not one of these states, and you can face a hefty fine if you’re charged with lane splitting or if there is an accident due to lane splitting.
Listening devices must not interfere with being able to hear. You must be able to hear emergency vehicles at all times, so it’s important to keep this in mind if you’re listening to music through your helmet headphones.
Motorcyclists under the age of 21 must wear a helmet (over 21, the helmet is optional; however, you must have at least $10,000 in medical benefits on your insurance if you’re not wearing a helmet).
What Are The Most Common Injuries Seen In Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury should they be in an accident. With no metal surrounding them while they are traveling roadways, they can be injured more severely than someone who is riding in a car or truck. For this reason, injuries may be more severe in a motorcycle accident than in other types of accidents.
Typical injuries may include any or all of the following:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Bruising
- Brain injuries
- Spinal Cord injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Organ damage
- Eye damage or loss of vision
How Is Fault Determined In A Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident?
There are many factors to be considered in determining who is at fault in a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle accident. Many of these factors are preventable if drivers are following the rules and regulations as laid forth by the laws of Florida. The fault is determined by the following factors an accident attorneys factor in the variables in the case.
Duty of care:
It must be proven that the plaintiff did not follow the duty of care. Drivers on the road owe each other duty of care as they are all expected to drive safely and follow the laws in order to attempt to avoid accidents.
Breach of duty of care:
After establishing the duty of care, it must then be proven that the driver breached this duty. An example of this would be running a red light, making an illegal turn, etc.
Injuries:
The victim must prove that the reason for their injuries is due to the breach of duty of care.
Losses:
It must be proven that the victim was injured or harmed due to the injuries and accident.
Each case will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Just as no two people are alike (not even identical twins), no two accident cases are alike. For this reason, attorneys work very diligently to ensure that each case is evaluated on its own merit.
What Type Of Compensation Can I Receive For My Motorcycle Accident?
Each motorcycle accident case will be evaluated on its own individual merit. Compensation will be determined by the level of injuries, the variable factors in the accident, and the road conditions at the time of the accident.
These are but a few of the contributing factors that are looked at when determining how much and what type of compensation a person will receive.
Economic Damages: Medical treatment, loss of income, and other costs such as travel and housekeeping services if you’re no longer able to cook, clean, and drive yourself to and from your medical appointments. This may also include caregiver services if you require a caregiver to do these tasks for you while you’re incapacitated.
Non-Economic Damages: Loss of bodily function (no longer can walk, must be in a wheelchair, etc.), permanent injuries, scarring, disfigurement, and death.
Punitive Action: Is there evidence at hand that indicates this was a deliberate action? An attorney will evaluate your case from many angles to find out the answers to this question and more.
Why Was My Motorcycle Accident Claim Denied?
There are many reasons that a motorcycle accident claim may be denied. If you believe your claim was denied in error, you will want to find out what their reason was for denying your claim. At Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers, we can help you find out why the claim is being denied. Give us a call at 954-915-7405 and get your free consultation today.
- The policy was canceled
- The policy has lapsed.
- The policy wasn’t paid and thus was in a lapsed position.
- The policy has missing or incorrect information.
- The claim has missing or incorrect information.
- The claim was filed with the wrong insurance company.
- You didn’t seek care with a provider in your network.
- The driver was not insured under the policy.
- You didn’t seek prior approval for your care.
- Your license was expired.
- Your license was suspended.
- They believe the accident was your fault.
- You weren’t feeling well, yet you were on your motorcycle.
- The courts don’t believe the injuries are as serious as you state that they are (your medical information can help you back this up).
- The courts don’t think the accident is the reason for your injuries.
Other reasons that claims are denied. Some things should never be said or done after an accident. If you do any of these things, your claim may also be denied:
- Never admit fault.
- Never apologize (this could be misconstrued as an admission of fault).
- Never tell the other driver or the police officer, “I’m sorry.” Again, this could be an admission of fault in court.
- You failed to seek medical attention at the scene of the accident (refused an ambulance or medical attention).
- Never use the words “I think”; always deal in facts.
- Don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken with your attorney (you may be inadvertently signing away rights to compensation).
- Stating you have “whiplash,” if your doctor hasn’t told you that you have whiplash, it screams FAKE to insurance companies.
- Don’t give the insurance company “more” information than they need. Don’t discuss the case with them.
- Don’t tell the insurance company it was “my fault.”
- Never tell your insurance company you don’t have an attorney.
- Never sign anything without your attorney present or at least their agreement; you could be signing away your rights to compensation.
- Don’t give information such as names and contact information to friends, family, and doctors to insurance companies, or they may call them to discuss it, seeking out more information than is required. Stall if you have to but don’t give this out to the insurance company.
It’s always best to let your attorney handle all of the details when you’re filing a claim. They are experienced and know what and when to say things. Don’t start talking and give out the wrong information and lose your case.
Are There Time Limits To Filing A Claim In The State Of Florida?
Every state has its own laws and regulations regarding the timing of filing a claim. In the state of Florida, you have four years from the date of the accident in which to file your claim.
If you fail to file your claim within the four-year time frame, you risk losing out on potential compensation for your injuries and medical bills and more forms of compensation that you may have been eligible for.
It’s important to note that if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended up to seven years from the date of the accident. However, it’s always wise to file as soon as possible and not risk losing out on potential compensation.
Your attorney can best advise you on the best time to file your motorcycle accident claim.
Don’t risk losing out on potential compensation by failing to file in a timely fashion. At Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: Klotzman, we know that a motorcycle accident can greatly alter your life and that of your family.
At Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, we can help to track down the parties who are responsible for your accident and file for compensation on your behalf.
Motorcycle accidents can change not only the life of the injured party but also the life of their family. Families may lose their source of income, they may have to spend more time caring for the person and less time at their own jobs, and the entire family dynamic may change dramatically all due to one motorcycle accident.
Your attorney will launch a full-scale investigation of your case if he or she feels it’s warranted. Many people are ashamed and fatigued after an accident and fail to follow through and hire an attorney.
However, it’s in your own best interest to follow through and hire a professional who knows the ins and outs of the court system and the law.
You don’t want to miss out on compensation just because you didn’t take the time to call and attorney to go over your case. Sometimes it’s the little things that you have overlooked that make or break your case.
Your attorney knows the right questions to ask you and others to find these little details that can make all the difference in winning your case.
There are many mitigating factors in an accident that you may not be aware of. From a customer being over served alcohol to a medical emergency, you may find that there are more contributing factors than meet the eye.
Your attorney will be able to find these contributing factors, and they may make or break your case for compensation.
It’s not unusual for a reconstruction of the accident site to be used in the investigation. We know that speeding, texting while you’re driving, road hazards, construction, vehicle issues, driving while intoxicated, and more are all reasons that many road mishaps happen. We’re experienced attorneys who know how to present your case in court so that you will get the compensation that you deserve.
At Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, we can assist you in finding out if you’re eligible for compensation for a variety of reasons for your injuries. A drunk driver can change someone else’s life forever; however, in some cases, it can also fall to the server at the establishment where the person was drinking as compensation that is owed to you for your injuries.
A good attorney will know all of this information and more. Don’t chance losing out on compensation that may be due to you for your injuries by failing to file on time. Give our Fort Lauderdale Accident Lawyers a call today.
You can reach us via 954-915-7405 at any time. Remember, the sooner you call us, the sooner we can get to work on your case and help you to receive the money that is due to you for your injuries in a motorcycle accident.
