Brandon Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Serving Injured Riders in Brandon, FL
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protection compared to other vehicles on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Brandon, FL, you must have an experienced attorney by your side. At Burnetti, P.A., we understand the complexities of motorcycle accident claims and are dedicated to helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our team will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact us online or by phone at (888) 444-8508 to request a free, confidential consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Brandon, FL today!
Florida Motorcycle Laws
Understanding Florida’s motorcycle laws is critical when pursuing a motorcycle accident claim. The state has specific regulations designed to ensure the safety of motorcyclists, and these laws can significantly impact your case.
- Helmet Requirements: In Florida, motorcyclists over the age of 21 who carry a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance are not required to wear a helmet. However, wearing a helmet can protect you from severe head injuries and may influence your claim if you are involved in an accident. Those under 21 are required to wear a helmet at all times.
- Insurance Coverage: Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning that drivers must turn to their own insurance for compensation. However, this rule does not apply to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists in Florida are not required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This means that in the event of an accident, motorcyclists may need to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- Licensing and Safety Courses: To legally operate a motorcycle in the state, riders must obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Additionally, Florida law requires all motorcyclists to complete a basic rider course.
- Lane Splitting: Unlike in some states, lane splitting — riding between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction — is illegal in Florida. Motorcyclists must remain in a single lane while riding.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result from the negligence of other drivers. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted may fail to notice motorcyclists, leading to collisions.
- Failure to Yield: Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at intersections or when making turns, cutting off motorcyclists and causing crashes.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a collision. When a driver is speeding, they may not have enough time to see a motorcycle or brake to avoid an accident.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction times, making accidents more likely.
- Road Hazards: Motorcycles are more susceptible to hazards like potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces. Poor road maintenance or hazardous conditions can contribute to serious motorcycle accidents.
- Vehicle Blind Spots: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than other vehicles, especially when they are in a driver’s blind spot. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging can cause accidents.
Common Legal Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accident claims can present unique legal challenges, including:
- Bias Against Motorcyclists: Unfortunately, there is a common bias against motorcyclists, with many people assuming that motorcyclists are reckless or dangerous drivers. Insurance companies may attempt to use this bias to reduce or deny your claim, arguing that you were at fault for the accident.
- Determining Fault: In some motorcycle accidents, it can be difficult to determine who was at fault. For example, if the accident occurred at an intersection or involved multiple vehicles, each party may point fingers at the other. Gathering strong evidence, such as eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction, is key to proving fault in a motorcycle accident claim.
- Serious Injuries: Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. These types of injuries may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation, and the full extent of the damages may not be immediately apparent. It is crucial to work with a lawyer who understands how to calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements to accident victims. They may attempt to downplay the extent of your injuries or argue that you were partially at fault for the accident. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference in negotiating with insurance companies and securing a fair settlement.
How a Brandon Motorcycle Crash Attorney Can Help
Motorcycle accidents often involve serious, life-threatening injuries. Survivors may be left with job loss or a loss in the ability to earn wages. Permanent damage can restrict your ability to care for yourself, loved ones, or perform daily tasks. Our motorcycle accident attorneys focus on helping you recover the compensation you need for the future.
By working with Burnetti, we will assist you by:
- Evaluating the Accident: This includes obtaining incident reports, eye-witness accounts, and other important factors tied to the wreck.
- Calculating Damages: Our motorcycle accident attorneys review financial losses and pursue compensation for time missed at work, damage to property, and medical bills.
- Negotiating & Settling: If the insurance company denies a fair settlement, our legal team may file additional requests or prepare to take the case to court.
- Representing Clients in Court: As your legal representative, we collect evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case.
- Nursing Home Lawyers Protecting Your Rights: From the start of your claim to the final settlement, our nursing home attorneys will guide you through every step.
- Answering Your Questions: We provide compassionate legal counsel during what can be an unfamiliar, difficult time.
If you can no longer ride your motorcycle or suffered the wrongful death of a loved one, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. It is essential to speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible about your case.
Contact us online or call (888) 444-8508 today to learn more about how we can help you!
What Sets Us Apart?
Reasons to Trust Burnetti, P.A. with Your Case-
A Proven Record of Results
We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, including many multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.
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A Culture of Customer Service
We treat all of our clients like family, requiring regular calls to clients in an effort to promote the best possible client experience.
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Decades of Unwavering Service
Our firm has proudly served injured people throughout the state of Florida for 30 years, and we're just getting started.
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A Network of Support
We help clients find doctors, deal with insurance companies and recover compensation for medical bills and lost wages.