Being a motorcyclist gives you a sense of freedom that’s hard to beat. However, these roadway users are more vulnerable than other drivers, and a collision could lead to a number of serious injuries.
At GOLDLAW, our Port St. Lucie motorcycle accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you need to cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and other financial damages. We’ve spent 25 years supporting the local community and have no problem taking your case to trial if needed.
If you need a Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyer, we can explain your options and answer any questions you may have. Contact our team to get the legal guidance you need.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Port St. Lucie
Many people enjoy the independence that comes with being a motorcycle rider, especially across Florida’s open roads. Unfortunately, this mode of transportation also comes with a higher risk of serious auto accidents, resulting in personal injuries such as concussion, road rash, broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injuries.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida include the following:
- Head–on collisions: Head-on collisions are one of the deadliest types of motorcycle accidents you could experience. These crashes often occur when another driver fails to see an oncoming motorcycle and turns into its path or when the motorcycle rider drifts into the lane of oncoming traffic.
- Right–of–way violations: Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. However, many drivers fail to yield to motorcycle riders when they should, resulting in serious accidents.
- Road hazards: Poorly maintained roads are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. To avoid being injured in a road hazard accident, be sure to pay close attention to your surroundings and avoid riding in areas where the roads are in poor condition.
- Speeding: When another driver is going too fast, it becomes harder to avoid hazards. They can quickly lose control and collide with another motorist.
- Lane splitting: Under Florida Statutes § 316.209, it is illegal to ride between two lanes. Lane splitting is dangerous because it increases the risk of being struck by another vehicle.
- General driver negligence: Drowsiness, device distraction, running a stop sign, and alcohol misuse can all lead to a serious motorcycle crash and significant injuries.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Port St. Lucie, speak to our law firm. Our attorneys can help with various personal injury cases and get you the compensation you’re owed.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Port St. Lucie, call 561-222-2222
Compensation Available for a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle accident victims in Florida may be able to recover various types of compensation for their losses, and an experienced attorney can help you figure out what you’re owed.
Unlike other types of lawsuits, motorcyclists are not covered by the state’s personal injury protection (PIP) requirements. Instead, you will need to file a motorcycle accident claim against the at-fault party in order to recover compensation for your losses. This may include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Using receipts, bills, invoices, and other verifiable evidence, economic damages can be calculated and negotiated with the insurance company.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident economic damages include:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Ongoing therapy or rehabilitation costs
- The cost of medications and medical devices
- Lost income and loss of future earnings
- Out-of-pocket household expenses
- Property damage expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages associated with motorcycle accidents revolve around less measurable losses victims are likely to sustain. These types of damages may not be “visible” or calculable, but they are equally as important.
Some of the most common types of non-economic damages associated with motorcycle accidents include a victim’s:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
How Florida’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule Affects Motorcycle Accidents
Florida used to operate under pure comparative negligence. This meant individuals could recover compensation regardless of how much their negligence contributed to causing their injuries, even if they were found to be up to 99% at fault.
However, a new tort reform law passed by the state legislature and signed by the governor in 2023 changed comparative fault rules. Now, anyone who is 51% or more responsible for causing an incident is unable to recover compensation for their losses. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault, your settlement may be reduced based on your level of responsibility.
For example, if you get into a motorcycle crash and are found to be 20% responsible for your injury, you will likely receive 80% of the compensation owed. This is why an insurance company may try to challenge negligence claims. But a personal injury lawyer can push back against any shared fault allegations and work to recover more compensation on your behalf.
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How Liability is Determined
Liability for a motorcycle accident in Port St. Lucie is determined by conducting a thorough investigation and examining all of the evidence available. Collecting photographs of the damage caused, vehicle electronic data, dash cam footage, surveillance footage from nearby cameras, and more can help with figuring out what happened and who is to blame.
Witness statements from those present at the scene, police reports, medical records, and other forms of evidence can also support your personal injury claim, especially if it goes to trial. And it may be necessary to work with accident reconstruction experts who can use the evidence obtained to help determine how the incident occurred.
Motorcycle accident victims should not be expected to investigate and determine fault all on their own. A skilled attorney with experience handling complex injury claims can help this process and provide the resources needed to handle every aspect of the legal process.
Call or text 561-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Speak to a Port St. Lucie Motorcycle Accident Attorney at GOLDLAW
At GOLDLAW, we understand that dealing with this type of auto accident can be overwhelming and stressful. That is why we take care of everything for our clients so they can focus on their recovery.
Our team of attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome. We handle all of the paperwork, communicate with the insurance companies, and keep you updated on the status of your case every step of the way.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a Florida motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation. Get GOLDLAW and get the help you need and the compensation you deserve.
