Motorcycle crashes often cause catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you love was hit by a negligent driver while riding a motorcycle, a Tampa personal injury lawyer can help you hold them accountable.
Distasio Law Firm has been representing Floridians since 2006. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Tampa can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
How a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
After a motorcycle crash, insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the rider or minimize the value of the claim. A Florida personal injury lawyer can step in and help by:
- Investigating the accident: We can gather police reports, witness statements, photos, and expert opinions to strengthen your case.
- Calculating the value of your claim: We can calculate your damages and help make sure your claim accounts for both current and future losses, not just immediate medical expenses.
- Handling insurance companies: We can communicate with insurers on your behalf and push for a settlement that reflects the true impact of your losses.
- Taking your case to court: If a settlement isn’t possible, we can file a lawsuit and advocate for you at trial.
For a free legal consultation with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer serving Tampa, call (813) 259 0022
Why Hire Distasio Law Firm as Your Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle crash, you need a legal team that will actually fight for you when it matters. Here’s why clients choose Distasio Law Firm:
- Direct handling of your case: We handle your claim in-house from start to finish rather than referring it out to another firm.
- Responsive communication: You will have direct access to your attorney, who will answer your questions and keep you informed throughout your case.
- Proven experience: Our lead attorney, Scott Distasio, has over 35 years of personal injury law experience and has secured millions in settlements for injured clients.
- Not a settlement mill: We focus on maximizing our clients’ settlements, not obtaining the fastest possible payout. We have the resources to stand up to large insurance companies and fight for fair compensation.
- Trial-ready team: As a board-certified civil trial lawyer, Scott Distasio has the expertise to take your case to court and fight for you before a judge and jury.
Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (813) 259 0022
What to Do After a Tampa Motorcycle Accident
What you do immediately after a motorcycle accident can impact both your health and your injury claim. You should:
- Call law enforcement: Call 911 and, if necessary, request emergency medical assistance.
- Trade information: Get contact and insurance information from all of the other drivers involved in the crash. If any witnesses are available, ask for their contact info as well.
- Document the scene: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to both vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information: You can gather names and details from drivers, witnesses, and anyone else involved.
- Seek medical attention: It’s crucial to see a doctor after a crash. Your visit will create a record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Avoid discussing fault: Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened when speaking with police, insurance adjusters, or anyone at the accident scene.
- Contact a lawyer: Our lawyers can assist with your claim and help you avoid mistakes that could weaken your case.
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Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident can lead to all kinds of unexpected expenses, including medical bills, motorcycle repairs, and time off work. A successful claim can help you recover compensation for both economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
In auto accident cases, economic damages typically include the following:
- Past, current, and future medical bills: You can recover the cost of hospitalization, imaging tests, surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive medical devices, prescription medications, and extended medical care.
- Loss of income: You can be compensated for the days you had to take off work due to accident-related injuries.
- Loss of earning capacity: You can receive additional compensation if the accident and your resulting injuries left you with permanent disabilities that forced you to leave your job and take one that pays less.
- Property damage: You can recover the costs associated with repairing or replacing your motorcycle and other property damaged or destroyed in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the physical and emotional trauma you have suffered because of the accident. They include the following:
- Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress: You can recover damages for anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma stemming from the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can be compensated if your injuries prevent you from taking part in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed, such as jogging or gardening.
- Loss of consortium: You can receive additional compensation for the loss of companionship or relations suffered by your family member or spouse.
- Disfigurement or disability: You can seek damages for permanent physical changes or limitations.
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Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Tampa
Many motorcycle accidents happen because other drivers fail to notice or respect motorcyclists on the road. Common reasons for these crashes include:
- Left-turn collisions: Drivers may turn left in front of an oncoming motorcycle after misjudging their speed or failing to yield.
- Distracted driving: Texting, phone use, and other distractions can distract drivers from the road at critical moments.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of any crashes that occur.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers may merge or change lanes without checking their blind spots for nearby motorcycles.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
- Road hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, debris, and poorly maintained roads can cause a rider to lose control.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle riders lack the protection that occupants of passenger vehicles have, which makes them vulnerable when crashes occur. Riders often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Even with a helmet, riders can sustain head injuries that lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones: High-impact collisions often cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
- Road rash: Sliding across pavement can strip away layers of skin and result in severe abrasions.
- Internal injuries: Blunt-force trauma may cause damage to vital organs and internal bleeding.
- Amputations: Severe crashes can result in the loss of a limb, either at the scene or through surgical intervention.
How to Prove Fault in a Tampa Motorcycle Collision
Establishing fault is one of the most important aspects of a motorcycle accident claim. Without clear evidence, it becomes much harder to recover compensation.
To prove fault, you must show that another party acted negligently and caused the accident, which typically requires demonstrating that the other driver failed to follow traffic laws or acted carelessly.
Evidence that can help you prove liability may include police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, accident reconstruction analysis, and medical records. In some cases, expert testimony may also be used to illustrate how the crash occurred.
What to Do If the Motorcycle Accident Was Fatal
If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may have a wrongful death case. This type of claim allows certain family members to seek compensation for losses related to the death of a loved one, such as:
- Funeral and burial costs: You can recover expenses associated with laying your loved one to rest.
- Loss of income: You can seek compensation for the financial support the deceased would have provided.
- Loss of companionship: You can pursue damages for the emotional loss experienced by you and your family.
- Medical expenses prior to death: You can recover the cost of the treatment your loved one received before they passed away.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Meeting with our team for a free consultation is the only way to get more solid answers on how to move forward in your specific situation. However, to help you learn more about the claims process, here are answers to questions we frequently get about motorcycle crash cases.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Florida law limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit in civil court after a motorcycle accident. Per Florida Statute § 95.11, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you fail to file before the statute of limitations expires, you will lose the right to recover damages for the accident.
The more time that goes by, the greater the odds that evidence will disappear or eyewitnesses’ memories start to fade. A motorcycle accident attorney in Tampa from our team can help you file your claim as soon as possible.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?
Being partially at fault for a motorcycle crash does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. Florida’s modified comparative negligence system allows injured parties to recover damages as long as they are no more than 50% responsible for the accident.
In addition, if you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility. Insurance companies exaggerate riders’ role in accidents, which is why it’s important to work with a lawyer who can challenge baseless claims and help minimize your share of fault.
How Much Can a Motorcycle Accident Claim Be Worth?
Every motorcycle accident case is different. Some victims recover tens of thousands of dollars, while others recover millions. The value of your case will depend on a variety of factors, including injury severity, lost wages, and how the crash has affected your day-to-day life.
Liability is another major factor. If the other party is clearly at fault, it will strengthen your position during negotiations. On the other hand, if fault is disputed or shared, your total recovery may be reduced. Insurance policy limits can also affect how much is ultimately available, especially if the at-fault driver has minimal coverage.
Tips for Dealing With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are not on your side, even if they seem helpful. Their goal is to minimize payouts to accident victims, which means they will look for ways to deny your claim. When dealing with adjusters, it’s important to:
- Avoid giving recorded statements: Adjusters may ask questions designed to elicit responses that can be used against you later. Don’t give a statement until you speak to a lawyer.
- Avoid admitting fault: Even casual comments can be taken out of context and used to shift blame.
- Don’t accept the first offer: Initial settlement offers are typically worth much less than you deserve.
- Stick to the facts: Provide basic information about the crash, but avoid speculating about what happened or discussing fault.
- Keep records of all communication: Emails, letters, and notes from phone calls with adjusters can become important later.
- Consult a lawyer before negotiating: Our personal injury attorneys can negotiate with the insurance company and help ensure that you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Get Help From a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Will Fight for You
At Distasio Law Firm, we have represented countless people who have been injured in motorcycle accidents, and we are committed to helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve.
A Tampa motorcycle accident attorney from our team can take on your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and work tirelessly to obtain a fair settlement. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form