Were you recently injured in a motorcycle accident in Stuart, FL? Our experienced Stuart motorcycle accident lawyers at Shiner Law Group are ready to help fight for your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (561) 368-3363 to speak with an attorney for a 100% free consultation.
You may be entitled to seek compensation for medical bills, loss of income, pain, and suffering, and more. Contact our Stuart, FL law offices to discuss the legal options that might be available to you following your motorcycle accident. The next steps are very important. Let Shiner Law Group help you with your motorcycle accident case today.
Were You Injured In A Motorcycle Accident In Stuart?
Stuart, the county seat of Martin County, is a beautiful coastal city that is super fun and thrilling to explore especially when riding on a motorcycle, scooter or bicycle. Its close proximity to the Indian River Lagoon, the Atlantic Ocean and St. Lucie River make it a top favorite tourist destination.
However, as the city is crowded with residents and tourists it often is very difficult for motorcyclists to explore the city at their own pace and safely as the roads are shared with large-sized trucks and passenger vehicles which often don’t afford motorcyclists the care that they are due. Therefore, as a result, tragic accidents take place which further causes serious injuries to motorcyclists and burden them with mounting financial expenses related to medical treatments, lost wages due to missed workdays and hospitalization. Studies show that motorcyclists are 5 times at a higher risk of getting injured in accidents than passengers in cars, and 25 times more likely than to be killed.
Also, even though you (the motorcyclist) may be riding the bike with reasonable care, you’re still not fully safe on the road. A catastrophic collision with another vehicle or truck can change your life forever. It’s true that you can’t do anything about it; the law nonetheless gives you the right to file for a personal injury claim and get compensated for injuries, damages, losses and suffering incurred. The compensation from the claim can help you overcome financial problems that you’ve incurred due to the accident. Contact our Stuart motorcycle accident lawyers for the assistance you need.
Common Causes of Stuart Motorcycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 60 percent of the motorcycle accidents, other drivers are at fault and the leading causes for accidents include:
- Speeding,
- Driving under influence of alcohol and drugs,
- Defective motorcycle design,
- Bad road conditions,
- Improper lane changing,
- Opening of a car door,
- Left turns,
- Faulty repair work, and
- Distracted driving.
A motorcyclist is more likely to get severely injured in the accident because of minimal protection, and the difference in the weight and size of the vehicle colliding with it. For example, on average a motorcycle weighs about 700 pounds while a car weighs 4000 lbs and an 18 wheeler 70,000 pounds. It’s easy to imagine the level of damage that can occur due to the massive weight difference between these vehicles and motorcycles.
Common Stuart Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries including but not limited to:
- Broken bones and fractures,
- Back injuries,
- Spinal cord damage,
- Head injuries like concussions and traumatic brain injury,
- Whiplash,
- Abrasions,
- Burns,
- Leg injuries,
- Soft tissue damage, and
- Organ damage.
Stuart Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations
The Statute of limitations in Florida motorcycle accidents is 4 years starting from the accident date. So, it is extremely important that you file your claim within the span of 4 years. Delaying and not filing in a timely manner may lead to dismissal on procedural grounds regardless of their merits.
Also, as claims are litigated under the principles of negligence law in Florida, the plaintiff must prove the negligence of the other driver because of which the accident occurred. The victim must show that the defendant owed them a legal duty of care which was breached.
Types of Stuart Motorcycle Accident Claims
Here it is important to understand that unlike car drivers, personal injury protection insurance policy doesn’t cover the injuries in the event of motorcycle accidents.
The car insurance laws and motorcycle insurance laws are the same in many states but not in Florida. As Florida is a no-fault state, in the event of a motorcycle accident the motorcyclist must turn to other options. In Florida, motorcyclists are required to carry $20,000 of total bodily injury/$10,000 per-person bodily injury, and $30,000 single-limit liability.
Besides this, they also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to get compensated for their injuries, medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering if they are able to prove that the accident occurred due to the other driver’s negligence.
For property damage they can file a property damage claim. The insurance company of the defendant may offer to repair the motorcycle or pay the value of the damaged motorcycle.
Importance of Treating within 14 days of a Motorcycle Accident
The importance of seeking medical treatment within 14 days of the accident applies for those injured in a car accident to ensure that they get PIP benefits which covers for 80 percent of the reasonable and customary expenses for medical care up to $10,000. If they fail to do so, then they will lose their benefits. However, this is not applicable for motorcyclists.
Benefits of Hiring a Stuart Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident then hire our experienced and compassionate Stuart motorcycle accident lawyer today. There are many benefits of working with our attorney.
With us, you can spare yourself from the stress involved in evidence collection, proving the defendant’s negligence, and filing paperwork. Our Stuart motorcycle accident lawyer will handle and manage every aspect of the case so that you can focus fully on your recovery. We will investigate the accident scene in-depth and collect all crucial evidence to determine the negligence of the faulty party.
Our Stuart personal injury attorney will file the claim with all the necessary paperwork along with the police and medical report to establish a strong liability against the defendant. We’ll negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to make sure that you get the settlement that you rightfully deserve. Our Stuart motorcycle accident lawyer will not settle for less under any circumstance. If the insurance company fails to agree then we’ll take the case for trial and present a compelling case. We’ll make sure that you get a fair compensation for the injuries and losses incurred.
Stuart Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Review
Stuart Motorcycle Accident Law Office
Shiner Law Group
759 SW Federal Hwy, STE 204C
Stuart, FL 34994
