Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
At the Fran Haasch Law Group in Tampa Bay, our motorcycle accident lawyers work with clients across the greater gulf region, as well as those throughout the state of Florida. Victims of motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences resulting in life-altering injuries due to the negligence of others. We offer anyone injured in a motorcycle accident a free consultation. There is no cost to you unless we win; if not, you don’t owe us anything.
We have supported the biker community in Tampa Bay and its surrounding areas for over 20 years. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have helped many motorcycle accident victims get the money they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. With several offices throughout the Tampa Bay area, our motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Reach out to our team at The Fran Haasch Law Group at 727-784-8191 or contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with your potential case.
Why Do I Need
Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. These accidents can be very serious, and it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side who understands the law and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle accidents are stressful enough, and the last thing you want to deal with is fighting for the compensation you deserve. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can handle all the details of your case so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses and will often try to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out. An experienced lawyer will know how to deal with insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Because motorcycle riders are not protected by a metal frame, seatbelts, or airbags, they are more likely to suffer serious injuries in an accident. Many motorcyclists leave an accident with broken bones, road rash, and other serious injuries.
These injuries can be very costly in terms of medical bills and lost wages. A good lawyer will fight to get you the compensation you need to cover these costs.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you may be hesitant to file a claim or lawsuit, but it’s important to know that filing a lawsuit is not as scary or complicated as it may seem.
With decades of experience, our team of knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorneys will handle all the details of your case, including filing the paperwork, communicating with the insurance companies, and going to court if necessary. You shouldn’t have to worry about any legal details – that’s what we’re here for.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Florida is two years. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file or settle a claim. If you wait too long, you could miss your chance to get the money you deserve.
This is especially important in motorcycle accident cases, as it can often take months or even years to fully recover from injuries. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin working on your case.
In Florida, a no-fault insurance law requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This insurance is supposed to cover your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
However, this law does not apply to motorcycle riders. This means that if you are in a motorcycle accident, you will not be able to file a claim with your own insurance company unless you have MedPay or UM/UIM coverage on your policy.
Florida also doesn’t require drivers to carry bodily injury insurance (BIL), so the chances of being involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver are likely.
Because motorcyclists aren’t required to carry traditional forms of insurance, it’s unlikely they have an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy to help them cover expenses.
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, our team of motorcycle accident lawyers will help you navigate the often complex world of insurance claims and get the money you need to cover your damages.
Why You Should Choose
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers to Represent You
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we focus on helping you and your family recover. We pursue personal injury lawsuits, and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and more.
With over 20 years of experience, we draw on constant legal and medical research to help motorcycle accident victims in the Tampa Bay region recover the compensation they deserve. Our attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
Over 21 Years of Successful Verdicts and Settlements
Settlements We’ve Obtained For Our Clients
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand that no amount of financial recovery can undo what you have been through. However, a fair settlement or jury verdict can ease the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other economic and non-economic damages associated with your accident.
We have obtained multimillion-dollar jury verdicts and settlements in cases involving motorcycle accidents. Read through our successful case results to learn how we’ve helped countless people recover damages.
What to do
After a Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are some important steps you should take:
1
Get medical attention
Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
2
Gather evidence
If you can, take pictures of the accident scene and get the contact information of any witnesses. This evidence can be beneficial in building your case.
3
Do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company
Insurance companies are not on your side and will often use anything you say against you. Wait to give a statement until you have spoken with an attorney.
4
Keep track of your expenses
Be sure to keep track of any medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. This will be important when it comes time to file a claim.
5
Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer
As we mentioned above, motorcycle accidents can be severe, often resulting in serious injuries. An experienced lawyer will understand the law and know how to get you the compensation you deserve.
How to
Filing Motorcycle Accident Claims in Florida
Evidence You Can Use to
Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Claim:
Police Reports
You might need to request an accident report. You can visit your local police department to obtain a copy or request one online from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles official crash portal. Police reports can help with a claim prior to litigation but are not admissible once litigation has begun.
Witness statements
If there were any witnesses to the accident, you should get their contact information to have them testify on your behalf.
Pictures of the accident scene
Taking pictures of the accident scene can help prove how the accident happened.
Medical records
Documentation of your motorcycle accident injuries and treatment will be necessary for proving the extent of your damages.
Bills and receipts for medical treatment
You will need to keep track of all of your medical expenses to recover compensation for them.
Compensation Available in a
Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you are successful in your motorcycle accident claim, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages are available in rare cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious.
Additionally, if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This claim can help surviving family members recover damages such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and more.
Common Causes of
Motorcycle Accidents
If you’re an avid biker in Florida, chances are you know someone who has been involved in a motorcycle accident. In fact, Florida is one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists. In 2021, there were 8,648 motorcycle crashes in Florida, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), with 620 fatalities as a result.
Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida include:
Driver negligence is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents. Motorists often fail to see motorcyclists, or they may be distracted and not pay attention to the road. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting while driving
- Failing to yield the right of way (i.e. cars making left turns in front of a motorcycle)
- Making an improper lane change
- Following too closely behind a motorcycle
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to use turn signals
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Unsafe lane changes
In some cases, a motorcycle accident may be caused by a defect in the bike itself. This could be due to a manufacturing error or poor design. Examples of defects that could cause an accident include:
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Faulty steering
- Structural problems with the frame or body of the motorcycle
If a motorcycle is not properly maintained, it could cause an accident. For example, if the bike’s brakes are not working properly, it could lead to a crash. Other examples of maintenance defects include:
- Worn tires
- Faulty lights or signals
- Leaks or fluid spills
- Improperly inflated tires
The Dangers of Road Debris for
Motorcycle Riders
Accidents caused by road debris are less common than other types of motorcycle accidents, but they can be just as dangerous. Road debris may include:
- Potholes
- Tire Pieces
- Construction debris
- Tarps
- Grass clippings
- Falling dirt and rock from dump trucks
Accidents caused by road debris are extremely complex. Drivers and vehicle owners that cause hazardous debris conditions on state roads are responsible for damages resulting from their negligence. However, certain debris such as tire treads or a mattress may obstruct traffic for a while before the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) receives notice and can remove it. Unfortunately, this means motorcyclists who crash into these objects may never find the responsible party.
Other Dangerous Road Conditions
Occasionally, an accident may be caused by other dangerous road conditions. This could include faulty traffic signals, improperly marked construction, inadequate lane markings, or poor drainage.
If you were injured in an accident due to dangerous road conditions, you might be able to file a claim against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road.
Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Fight For You
At the Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand how devastating a motorcycle accident can be. We know what it’s like to share the road with negligent drivers because we’re avid bikers ourselves. As proud sponsors of local clubs, active participants in local biking events, and partners with several motorcycle-based magazines, our attorneys are committed to helping fellow motorcyclists.
We understand personal injury law for motorcyclists and are dedicated to protecting motorcycle rider rights. We take getting justice for our clients seriously, and we back down from no insurance company.
If you feel you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum payment you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or contact our motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free case evaluation to get started on receiving the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle injury case.