What This Page Covers:
- High Risk in Florida: Florida’s alarming rate of motorcycle accidents highlights a significant danger for riders, with factors like driver negligence and mechanical failures contributing to these incidents.
- Complex Claims: Victims face complex legal challenges, including comparative fault laws in Florida, which may result in compensation being reduced if the claimant is partially at fault for the crash.
- Difficulties with Causation and Injuries: Motorcycle crashes result from any number of causes, including distracted driving, inexperienced motorists, roadway design defects, and mechanical defects. Defendants and insurance companies also often dispute the link between the crash and the injuries suffered, depending on the parts of the body impacted.
- Hersh Kirtman Injury Law’s Legal Guidance: Our law firm specializes in navigating these intricate cases, offering comprehensive legal support to ensure victims receive rightful compensation.
Motorcycles provide a means of transportation. But, they also offer riders a sense of freedom and connection with the road. That is why there are many who are passionate about motorcycles and riding. Given the exposure, though, riding a motorcycle comes with a heightened degree of risk. Florida in 2021, according to the National Safety Council, led the nation in motorcycle deaths. When crashes occur, riders often suffer severe injuries because motorcycles obviously cannot have the same level of crash protection devices as cars and SUVs. Motorcycle crash victims often face a daunting journey through medical recovery and financial uncertainty. This is where the role of a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer becomes invaluable. At Hersh Kirtman Injury Law, we stand by your side to guide you through the legal processes, ensuring you are not alone in this difficult time. Our Deerfield Beach motorcycle accident attorneys remain dedicated to navigating you through an uncertain process, seeking to recover for the injuries and damages you suffered.
When a motorcycle crash is caused by another’s negligence, injured riders have the right to seek compensation for damages, which includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other things. The legal process involves numerous steps, which include opening insurance claims, tracking medical treatment, gathering evidence, and, in some cases, filing personal injury lawsuits or wrongful death lawsuits. Our role is to assist you and represent your interests through this multifaceted process.
How the Deerfield Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Hersh Kirtman Injury Law Can Help Your Claim
The path to justice for motorcycle accident victims may be challenging. Defendants and insurance companies use many tactics to avoid or limit their exposure and responsibility to the victim. They attack motorcycle riders and attempt to place blame on them. They dispute whether injuries are real or caused by the crash. They fight liability. Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys at Hersh Kirtman Injury Law are adept at handling these complexities, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
We handle the following aspects of your motorcycle accident claim to increase your chances of success:
- Conducting an investigation into your motorcycle accident
- Gathering evidence of negligence
- Determining one or more liable parties
- Negotiating with insurance companies and relevant parties on your behalf
- Guiding you through the legal process
- Assessing the totality of the damages you suffered
- Preparing your case for trial, if necessary
In most instances, the accused party denies responsibility, and even when they admit some fault, they often try to shift blame onto you or others, aiming to lessen their own liability. This is especially so given Florida’s comparative fault laws, where any negligence assigned to you or third parties diminishes the amount the defendant is required to pay. As a result, not only do you have the task of proving your claim, but you also might have to counter claims alleging your own fault. Florida’s comparative fault laws were overhauled in 2023, resulting in greater risk to victims who may have some responsibility in the crash. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to diligently collecting the required evidence to establish your case and to vigorously fight any claims suggesting your shared responsibility in the incident.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Deerfield Beach
Florida is one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists, with almost 400,000 collisions in 2022. Many factors contribute to motorcycle accidents, including the following:
- Alcohol or drug-related accidents
- Texting or using the phone while driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Making an improper lane change
- Following too closely behind a motorcycle
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to use turn signals
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Faulty steering
- Structural issues with the motorcycle
- Maintenance defects
Riders are especially susceptible to catastrophic injuries in accidents caused by negligence, as they have less protection than a passenger vehicle. In fact, per miles traveled, motorcyclist fatalities occurred almost 28 times more frequently than passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in collisions in 2020. If you suffered injuries due to negligence, speak with the motorcycle accident attorneys at Hersh Kirtman Injury Law to assess liability on your behalf and seek the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Recoverable Compensation in a Successful Motorcycle Accident Claim
When pursuing a motorcycle accident claim, the types of economic and non-economic compensation you may be eligible to recover include the following:
- Medical expenses: This covers all healthcare-related costs, both present and future, such as hospital stays, surgical procedures, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost wages (past and present): You may receive compensation for income lost due to your injury, encompassing days absent from work or a diminished capacity to earn.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and mental suffering stemming from the injury. Pain and suffering is just one form of non-economic harm Florida law permits; there are in fact several others that are relevant in every claim following a motorcycle crash.
- Property damage: If personal property is damaged, such as your motorcycle, you might be entitled to costs for repair or replacement.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for adverse effects on your relationships with your spouse or family due to the injury.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, these are awarded to penalize the responsible party for severe negligence or intentional harm.
Consulting the Deerfield Beach motorcycle accident lawyers at Hersh Kirtman Injury Law provides a clear understanding of the damages you can seek. The specific compensation amount depends on the details of your injury, the severity of the accident, and the liability on the part of the at-fault parties.
Speak With the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Hersh Kirtman Injury Law Today
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident may be challenging and complex, often involving physical injuries, accumulating medical expenses, motorcycle repairs, and loss of income. It is essential to be informed about your legal rights and the procedures for obtaining compensation. This is where an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can be instrumental to a successful outcome.
At Hersh Kirtman Injury Law, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial tolls that motorcycle collisions inflict. Our Deerfield Beach motorcycle accident attorneys are here to assist you in maneuvering through the intricacies of filing a motorcycle accident claim. For a consultation, reach out to our firm by calling (561) 208-3700 or filling out our contact form.
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY
Michael Hersh and Ian Kirtman, Trial Attorneys
September 10, 2024
Attorneys Michael Hersh and Ian Kirtman are experienced personal injury attorneys who have won their clients more than $100 million in verdicts and settlements throughout their 30 years of experience.
✓ Fact Checked
✓ Editor
