Motorcycle crashes can be deadly to motorcyclists and passengers due to the lack of protection that motorcycles give riders. With no vehicle frame, seat belts, or airbags to absorb the immense force during a collision, there is nothing to protect the rider or stop them from being thrown off their motorcycle.
If you or someone you love was hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident in Pasco County, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault or liable party to pursue compensation. At Distasio Law Firm, we can have a Wesley Chapel motorcycle accident lawyer pursue compensation for your hardships. Reach out to one of our dedicated Wesley Chapel personal injury attorneys today to get started.
Damages You May Recover After a Motorcycle Collision
There are various damages you may be entitled to recover compensation for after a motorcycle collision. Still, we cannot estimate the types of recoverable damages in your case without first evaluating the details of your accident.
Once you agree to work with a Wesley Chapel motorcycle accident attorney from our team, we can begin calculating the value of your damages based on the losses you have experienced both during and after the accident. For example, you may be able to recover compensation for the following types of damages:
- Current and future medical expenses, which include costs for surgeries, emergency care treatment, doctorโs appointments, prescription medications, and other forms of medical care
- Current and future loss of income if your injuries forced you to miss work or required you to get treatment during work hours
- Reduced earning potential if your injuries forced you to take a position that pays less than what you formerly made due to physical or mental limitations
- Physical disfigurement or dismemberment, such as amputation or scarring
- Pain and suffering, which includes forms of physical and emotional pain
This is not a complete list of damages that you may be able to pursue. Our team can explain other damages you may be able to claim after we review your case and understand the larger scope of your situation.
Wrongful Death Damages May Be Claimed By Surviving Family Members
If your family member did not survive their motorcycle accident, you or another family member may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit on their behalf to recover damages. Certain damages are unique to wrongful death cases, such as:
- Loss of consortium, which can refer to significant changes between two married people
- Loss of financial support if the decedent (your loved one) brought income to support the family
- Loss of emotional support and protection
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial costs
These are just a few of the possible types of damages that victims and their families may be able to recover after a motorcycle collision. We understand how difficult it can be to discuss the loss of your loved one and related damages, so we will take time with you to ensure your case is heard.
How a Motorcycle Wreck Lawyer From Our Team Serving Wesley Chapel Can Help
The team of committed nearby Wesley Chapel lawyers at Distasio Law Firm is here to help you hold the party that caused or contributed to the cause of your motorcycle accident accountable. We can help guide you through the complex legal process from start to finish and even manage your case for you while you continue recovering from your injuries. Our legal team will be available to counsel and advise you when necessary.
The following are some of the specific ways we can help you with your case:
- Our team can investigate your case to identify the cause of the accident and who might be held liable.
- We can gather evidence related to the accident, including eyewitness statements, police reports, and surveillance video.
- We can also gather related bills, receipts, and other financial documents to prove the extent of your economic damages related to the accident.
- As mentioned, we can help calculate the value of your case so that we can better understand how much compensation you should pursue based on your damages.
- A nearby personal injury lawyer from our team can help you negotiate a potential settlement deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
- If necessary, our personal injury lawyer will present your case at trial to pursue compensation. We will fight for your financial recovery in the courtroom if it is necessary.
We Will File Your Case By the Stateโs Deadline
Included with our legal duties are also basic administrative tasks, such as filling out paperwork and making sure your case is filed by its statutory deadline. Depending on whether you decide to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you will need to abide by Florida Statutes ยง 95.11(3)(a) or Florida Statutes ยง 95.11(4)(d). You have two years to file your personal injury lawsuit and two years to file your wrongful death action.
Throughout your case, our knowledgeable motorcyclist injury attorneys in Wesley Chapel will explain the requirements you must fulfill to move your case forward. We will also update you as new case developments occur.
Hear from Our Clients About the Legal Services We Provide
We put our clients first and commit to providing them with responsive legal care that helps them pursue their case with confidence. The Distasio Difference ensures that clients are seen and heard as they pursue justice and financial recovery. Hereโs what some of our clients say about working with us:
โI am beyond pleased with hard work and dedication given to me. My case was upsetting for me but the staff was understanding and patient. I am so grateful for the support I received and the outcome of the case.โ โ Maria Fischer, Wesley Chapel
โI was hit by another driver on January 15th, 2020. i immediately reached out to Distasio personal injury lawyers who provided outstanding help during my difficult time.โ – Ashley Jones
โVery attentive, assertive and fast working our case. Highly recommend.โ – Deborah Kaeberlein, Wesley Chapel
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The following are common causes of motorcycle collisions:
Not Looking in Oneโs Blind Spots Before Turning or Merging
Many motorcycle accidents in Wesley Chapel occur because a driver turned into the path of a motorcycle. Drivers who share the road with motorcyclists often do not see the motorcycle driver, whether because of a blind spot or because they simply did not see the driver.
Motorcyclists must always be on the defensive when riding and be prepared for the possibility that a driver will not see them.
Driving While Intoxicated by Alcohol or Drugs
Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, whether it is the driver or the motorcyclist committing the offense, can endanger all people on the road. Intoxication can lower a personโs inhibitions, motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Drivers and motorcyclists may also experience blurred vision, sudden blackouts, and impaired judgment.
Driving While Distracted
As in most states, distracted driving is a major cause of all accidents. Cellphone use is a common culprit in these accidents, although other common causes are talking to passengers, changing the radio station, or simply looking at the surrounding scenery rather than the road.
Following Too Closely Behind a Motorcycle
Following a driver too closely or tailgating gives the driver little time to react if traffic suddenly slows down or stops.
Driving on Poor Road Conditions
Bad weather and poor road conditions cause accidents. While the weather cannot be controlled, other drivers also need to make necessary adjustments to their driving, such as slowing down, to avoid getting into a collision with a motorcyclist or another driver.
Most Common Injuries from Motorcycle Crashes
A wide variety of injuries can occur as a result of motorcycle wrecks. They include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuriesย (TBIs) and other head injuries are common and potentially catastrophic injuries associated with motorcycle crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets saved the lives of 1,859 motorists in 2016. However, in Florida, drivers over age 21 are not required to wear helmets if they carry insurance with a minimum of $10,000 in medical benefits coverage.
Thoracic Trauma
Thoracic injuries refer to blunt chest trauma. These injuries can be fatal and involve interruption of the flow of air, blood, or both.
Fractures
Because there is no car frame, airbag, or seat belt to protect the motorcyclist in the event of a collision, fractures of the collarbones, arms, ribs, and legs are common in accidents.
Internal Damage
Internal damage can commonly occur because of the force involved in an accident, as well as the likelihood of being thrown. These types of injuries are not readily apparent but can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.
Call a Wesley Chapel Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Aย motorcycle crashย can be devastating for everyone involved. If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident in Wesley Chapel because of another driverโs negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact Distasio Law Firm for a free consultation with a member of our legal team. We can assign a skilled Wesley Chapel motorcycle accident lawyer to work on your case.