Operating a motor vehicle is never a risk-free prospect, especially when you factor in the presence of unexpected hazards on public roadways and other drivers in close proximity reacting to those hazards with you. However, riding out in the open on two wheels can be substantially more dangerous than driving or riding in an enclosed four-wheeled commuter car.
If you were recently hurt in a motorcycle wreck caused by someone else’s negligence, you know all too well how impactful a moment of carelessness on the road is, and you may have lots of questions about your options for civil recovery. From start to finish of your lawsuit or settlement negotiations, your Lake County motorcycle accident lawyer could work tirelessly and directly with you to protect your best interests and get you the compensation you deserve. Reach out to Largey Law Firm today to begin working with a trusted personal injury attorney.
Proving Someone Else at Fault for a Motorcycle Crash
Fortunately, the “no-fault” restrictions that Florida state law places on most forms of auto accident litigation do not apply to motorcycle riders who get hurt in traffic collisions, so there is nothing stopping an injured motorcyclist from taking legal action against the person responsible for harming them through a wreck. With that said, the process of proving that someone else directly caused a motorcycle accident by committing a traffic violation, not paying attention while driving, or otherwise “breaching” their duty to act lawfully and responsibly behind the wheel can be much more complex and evidence-intensive in practice than most people initially expect.
A big reason for that is, unfortunately, the stereotypes many people believe about bikers being reckless thrill-seekers who are likely to put themselves in dangerous situations through their own negligent conduct. Among other things, support from a skilled Lake County motorcycle accident attorney can be key to fighting allegations of shared fault along these lines, which could otherwise result in an injured motorcyclist’s final damage award being reduced in accordance with Florida Statutes § 768.81.
What Damages Could Be Recoverable for a Motorcycle Wreck?
The amount of available compensation will depend on multiple factors, including the details of the wreck and the severity of injuries. Due to their vulnerability from being in the open, bikers are at risk of sustaining catastrophic harm, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, amputations, severe burns, and death.
Assuming no issues with comparative negligence as discussed above, a biker who is injured in an accident caused by another negligent driver can demand restitution from that driver for the full value of all economic and non-economic losses they experience as a direct result of the wreck. This can include but is not strictly limited to things like:
- Short-term and long-term medical expenses
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Motorcycle repair/replacement costs and other forms of personal property damage
- Emotional trauma and suffering
- Lost work wages or earning ability
- Lost enjoyment of life
It should be emphasized that it is possible to seek compensation for crash-related losses that will not fully manifest for years or even decades after an actual motorcycle accident. Our Lake County attorneys could help an injured person maximize their potential compensation after a motorcycle accident.
Work With a Lake County Motorcycle Accident Attorney on a Possible Claim
Bikers have all the same responsibilities and rights on the road as anyone driving any other type of vehicle, including the right to take legal action against anyone who negligently injures them by causing a traffic collision. However, knowing someone else is at fault for your injuries and proving this fact in court are two very different things.
Guidance from a dependable Lake County motorcycle accident lawyer could make a world of difference in how efficiently you can build your claim and what chances you have of securing a favorable result from it. Learn more by calling Largey Law Firm today.
