If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a Zephyrhills motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Motorcycle accident cases are complex and can be very serious, and you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
The Fran Haasch Law Group has supported the biker community in Tampa Bay and its surrounding areas for over 21 years. Our personal injury lawyers have helped several motorcycle accident victims get the money they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Contact one of our motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free case evaluation.
Dangerous Roads for Motorcycle Riders in Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills is a small city in Pasco County. With just over 17,000 residents, many motorcyclists that live in the city commute to and from work in the Tampa Bay metro area. Then, when the weekend hits, motorcycle enthusiasts look for a place to let loose and have fun. Whether you choose to ride through the Green Swamp or along the scenic beach routes, you’re bound to have a great time. But, there are also some dangerous roads in Zephyrhills that you should be aware of.
With over 600,000 motorcycle registrations, it’s no surprise that Florida is one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists. 552 motorcyclists lost their lives in 2020, nearly 600 in 2021, and in the first six months of 2022, 300 have already died. And Pasco County accounted for 6 of those motorcycle fatalities.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident on any of these roads, or any other road in Zephyrhills, it is important to contact a Zephyrhills Motorcycle Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and a good lawyer can help you get the money you deserve.
Common Causes of Zephyrhills Motorcycle Accidents
Many different factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding – is one of the most common factors in motorcycle accidents. Many riders choose to go fast because it is exhilarating. But, this can also be very dangerous.
- Distracted driving – many drivers are distracted by their cell phones, GPS devices, or other passengers in the car. This can lead to them not paying attention to the road and not seeing a motorcycle.
- Driving under the influence – is always dangerous, no matter what you are driving. But, it is especially dangerous on a motorcycle because of how vulnerable riders are.
- Failure to yield the right of way – is a common cause of accidents at intersections. Many drivers do not see motorcycles or think they have the right of way when they don’t.
- Making an improper turn – is another common cause of accidents at intersections. Drivers may misjudge a turn or not see a motorcycle coming.
- Poor weather – can be a factor in motorcycle accidents, especially if the road is wet or icy.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
Motorcycle accidents can be very dangerous because motorcycle riders are so vulnerable. They do not have the same protection that a car or truck driver has. This means they are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in an accident.
What You Need to Ride a Motorcycle in Zephyrhills
To ride a motorcycle in Zephyrhills, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your license. If you are under 21 or don’t have insurance, you also need to wear a helmet that meets the standards set by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In addition, you should wear other protective gear, such as gloves, boots, and a jacket.
Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in Zephyrhills?
No-fault insurance does not apply to motorcyclists; riders must comply with Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law. Under this law, the minimum requirements include:
– $10,000 for one person bodily injury
– $20,000 for two or more people bodily injury liability
– $10,000 for property damage liability
However, assuming there is helmet usage, motorcycle riders do not need any insurance on their bikes in order to register the bike and operate it on public roads. The financial responsibility law does not come into play until a motorcyclist is at-fault or partially at fault for an accident and doesn’t have the coverage to fix the opposing driver’s car or injuries.
In addition to these minimums, motorcyclists should also purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. This will help cover you if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are some important steps you should take to protect your rights:
- Move to the side of the road and out of harm’s way. If you can turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Call 911 and report the accident. Tell them if anyone is injured and needs medical attention.
- Get the contact information from the other driver, including their name, insurance company, and policy number.
- Take pictures of the accident scene if you can. This will be important evidence later on.
- Do not apologize to the other driver or admit fault for the accident.
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Damages You Can Recover Under Florida Law
You may be entitled to recover damages if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident. These can include:
- Medical expenses – both past and future
- Lost wages – if you are unable to work because of your injuries
- Pain and suffering – for the physical and emotional pain that you have suffered
- Loss of enjoyment of life – if your injuries have prevented you from doing the things that you love
- Property damage – to repair or replace your motorcycle
- Punitive damages – in rare cases, if the other driver was guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence
Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one has been killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover wrongful death damages. These can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of support and companionship
- Loss of earnings – if the deceased was the main breadwinner in the family
- Pain and suffering of the deceased – from the time of the accident until their death
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at The Fran Haasch Law Group today. They will review your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Can I Recover Compensation if The Insurance Company Blames Me for The Accident?
Yes. If the insurance company blames you for the motorcycle accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. Unfortunately, the insurance company will likely try to deny your claim or offer a low settlement amount. However, with the help of an attorney, you can fight back and get the damages you deserve.
What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
If the other driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy. You will need to have uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance to do this. If you don’t have this type of coverage, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.
What if I Was Partially at Fault for The Accident?
Starting from March 2023, Florida has adopted a “greater percentage of fault” system from the previous pure comparative fault system, as stated under HB 837. This means that if a party is held to be more than 50% responsible for their own injuries, they cannot recover any damages.
How Soon Should I Contact a Zephyrhills Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You should contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. It is important to get started on your case right away so that evidence can be preserved and witnesses can be located. Your attorney will also need time to investigate the accident and build a strong case for you.
Zephyrhills Motorcycle Accident Attorneys You Can Trust
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.
Over 21 Years of Experience Helping Motorcycle Accident Victims
With over 21 years of experience, we draw on constant medical research to help clients recover after being injured in accidents in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Founding personal injury attorney, Fran Haasch, is a lifetime member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association, and the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.
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.
Zephyrhills Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Who Fight to Get You The Compensation You Deserve
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 multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements in cases involving motorcycle accidents as well as claims concerning wrongful death and catastrophic injuries. Here are a few of our motorcycle injury case results:
$5.01 million for a 33-year-old male killed in Pasco County. The defendant’s driver turned left in front of him. Our client was driving his motorcycle and died shortly after being transported to the hospital. This case involved heavily contested liability. The amount reflects the total available insurance.
$4 million for a 44-year-old male in Pinellas County who was riding his motorcycle when the defendant initiated a left turn across the client’s pathway, causing a collision, ejecting him off of the motorcycle, and resulting in a leg amputation.
$3.01 million for a male motorcycle driver in Pinellas County who was severely injured when the defendant made an illegal u-turn in front of him. The amount reflects the total available insurance.
$2.4 million for a client injured in a motorcycle accident in Citrus County.
$2.33 million for our client injured in a motorcycle accident in Pasco County.
$1.5 million for a wrongful death motorcycle accident case in Pasco County.
$1.494 million for a 33-year-old female in Pinellas County whose right of way was violated by the defendant.
$1.2 million for a 30-year-old male client in Hillsborough County who was riding his motorcycle when the defendant ran a stop sign causing the client to strike her vehicle, resulting in multiple fractures and leaving the client in a wheelchair for three months following the accident.
Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, our law firm also handles a wide range of other personal injury cases, including:
If you have been injured in any type of auto accident, contact us today to see how we can help you.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Zephyrhills, Florida Today
Zephyrhills is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Zephyrhills is also home to a large number of motorcycle riders. Unfortunately, this also means that the city sees its share of motorcycle accidents.
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we support the Tampa Bay biker community personally and professionally. We understand personal injury law for motorcyclists and have committed to protecting motorcycle rider rights.
We have handled numerous motorcycle accident claims in Zephyrhills, Palm Harbor, and Tampa and know insurance companies’ strategies to avoid rewarding full compensation.
If you feel you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.