Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Lakeland
There is no denying that a motorcycle is a very enjoyable method of transportation, but there is equally no denying that the risks inherent with driving or riding one are much greater than if you are traveling in a car or truck. Since a motorcycle driver is so much more exposed during an accident, even a collision that would be considered very minor between two cars can be catastrophic, and even life-threatening, for a motorcycle rider.
The risks to a driver or motorcycle passenger are increased because of the lack of physical protection of a car frame, but they are also at an increased risk because they are harder to see on the road, and have a higher chance of being lost in a blind spot. In a motorcycle accident case, one of the main things that we will be seeking to establish is the comparative fault of each driver, which will be discussed in greater detail below and greatly impacts the amount you will ultimately be awarded.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced legal professional about your motorcycle accident in Lakeland, how we can help, and the options that you may have for seeking compensation from the other driver. Schedule your initial consultation now, and read more about motorcycle accidents below.
Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents
The injuries that someone can sustain from a motorcycle accident vary greatly depending on the speed of the accident, angle of the impact, and so much more. Some common injuries that motorcycle riders sustain in accidents are as follows:
- Road rash
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spine and neck injuries
- Severe bruising or hematomas
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Sprains
- Ligament, tendon, and muscle tears
Of course, this is only a small list of the injuries that a rider can sustain in an accident. If you have suffered from any of the injuries listed above, or any other injuries, contact us today to start talking with an attorney about the appropriate steps to take for the compensation you deserve.
What Is Comparative Fault?
Comparative fault is a term used to describe how final awards are given in personal injury cases. The comparative fault is the percent that each driver was responsible for the accident, and then that amount is applied towards the award that a victim receives. For example, if a motorcycle driver is injured in a collision but is found to have been 20% at fault, then they would receive 80% of the total award that they win.
It is absolutely essential that we establish early in your case that you are a victim of the accident, and know what, if any, amount of comparative fault will be applied to you. This way, we can calculate the final amount that we are fighting for.
How Much Can I Get After a Motorcycle Accident?
There is no set amount of money that is awarded to a victim in a motorcycle accident, because of the variety of factors that are considered when compiling the final amount that we will seek. Below are a few examples of things we will seek compensation for, as well as how they are divided in a personal injury lawsuit.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to repay a victim for financial losses due to things with measurable associated costs. This includes things like medical costs, hospital bills, recovery expenses, assistive devices or services to help after the injuries, and more. They also include lost wages, short- and long-term disability, and a diminished earning capacity as a result of the injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages seek to compensate the victim for issues that do not have set, measurable monetary values associated with them but are very important parts of an accident and injury. This includes things like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and depression that are associated with serious injuries. Instead of determining a dollar amount for each of these issues, an attorney may instead choose to compile all of these damages and apply a “multiplier” to them as a way to clearly indicate their severity to a judge and jury.
The multiplier is then applied to the economic damages, and this amount is added to the total damages being sought. For example, $100,000 of economic damages and a 5x multiplier equates to $500,000 of non-economic damages. There are many different considerations that go into determining a fair multiplier, and it is important that the multiplier we present to the courts is both fair and reasonable.
Contact Us Today
Before you go any further while dealing with the other driver or their insurance company, make sure that you are partnered with a competent and aggressive attorney who will fight for the money that you truly deserve. During your initial consultation, you will be able to understand how we can help you, how we have helped our clients in the past and the options that you have available to get the money you deserve for your injuries. We look forward to working with you and helping you through this difficult time in your life.
Other Practice Areas
- CAR ACCIDENT
- FAQ PERSONAL INJURY
- PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
- SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENT
- TRUCK ACCIDENT
- WRONGFUL DEATH