Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The worst thing has happened. You’ve been seriously injured in a Palm Harbor motorcycle accident. You may be wondering, “How can I recover from this devastating crash?”
For many, the answer is pursuing a legal claim. Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, is a local Palm Harbor motorcycle accident law firm with particular experience in these types of claims.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys have helped countless clients in Palm Harbor, and the surrounding areas, recover fair compensation. When you choose us, you can count on a free consultation, no upfront fees, and aggressive representation.
Were you injured in a motorcycle accident? Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now.
Why Motorcycle Accidents in Palm Harbor Demand Immediate Legal Action
When you’ve been seriously injured in a Florida motorcycle accident, it can be understandably tempting to take a few weeks or months to focus on nothing but recovering from your injuries. Unfortunately, any delay can limit your ability to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident.
You face rigid time limits that start from the moment you are hurt. The state-mandated statute of limitations only gives you two years, in most instances, to file a lawsuit. Furthermore, if evidence isn’t preserved promptly, it is likely to disappear. Your financial situation also represents a time limit, as bills pile up.
At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we know that time is your enemy. Our Palm Harbor motorcycle accident attorneys start advocating for you from day one. We can preserve evidence, communicate with the insurance company, help you manage finances, and monitor all time limits.
You should not navigate a motorcycle accident claim without experienced legal representation.
Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Florida motorcycle accident statistics published by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV), there were 14,818 crashes in Pinellas County in 2023, resulting in 9,186 injuries and 112 fatalities. This was a decrease of roughly 5% and 10% from the previous two years.
Statewide, there were 9,548 motorcycle accidents, resulting in 587 fatalities. Those numbers lead the nation.
Perhaps it isn’t surprising that Florida has so many motorcycle accident victims. Beautiful weather makes it a popular state for motorcyclists, and more vehicles on the road inevitably lead to more crashes.
In Palm Harbor, motorcycle accidents are common due to risk factors, like high tourism, narrow streets, and heavy traffic.
Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Palm Harbor, Florida
Every motorcycle accident lawyer in Palm Harbor, FL, at our law firm is familiar with which roads present the biggest danger to motorcyclists. For instance, U.S. Highway 19 has a significant accident history because of constant high-speed traffic. Palm Harbor Boulevard also sees many accidents because the narrow lanes make the scenic road difficult to navigate.
This local knowledge helps us support your case. Our familiarity with local hazards speeds up investigations and helps us collect key evidence.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Palm Harbor
Often, driver errors, not motorcyclist errors, are responsible for motorcycle accidents. That’s why our motorcycle accident lawyers in Palm Harbor might begin by looking for evidence of these common causes:
- Distracted driving: Responsible for 295 fatalities, according to the FLHSMV.
- Speeding: Reduces the time drivers have to react to road dangers.
- Intoxicated driving: Is particularly common in areas popular with tourists.
- Tourism: Leads to people unfamiliar with the roads making driving errors.
- Road conditions: Involvesnarrow lanes or bad pavement.
Motorcycles are less visible and less stable than other vehicles. When a driver is negligent near a bike, they are more likely to cause a serious accident.
Types of Devastating Motorcycle Injuries Our Clients Suffer
A motorcycle accident attorney in Palm Harbor, FL, needs to be familiar with the far-reaching effects of motorcycle injuries to best calculate the value of your claim.
Motorcycle accident victims are much more vulnerable to life-changing injuries than car occupants. Getting proper compensation is vital to your recovery.
Some of the most catastrophic motorcycle accident injuries we see include:
- Spinal cord injuries, including complete paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries that may permanently affect cognitive functions.
- Road rash, resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement.
- Fractures that may require years of rehabilitation.
- PTSD, emotional distress, and anxiety.
- Permanent disability or incapacitation.
These injuries could require a lifetime of medical treatment, costing millions.
What You Must Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Palm Harbor
To protect your ability to collect compensation after a serious motorcycle accident in Palm Harbor, make sure to take these steps promptly:
- Get to a safe nearby location and turn on hazard lights, if possible.
- Call 911.
- Seek immediate medical attention, regardless of how serious you think your injuries are.
- Photograph or take a video of the accident scene and your injuries, if able.
- Obtain witness contact information.
- Exchange information with other parties, but do not discuss fault.
- Contact a Palm Harbor motorcycle injury lawyer immediately.
- Report the accident to your insurance company, but don’t speak to an insurance adjuster or record a statement without your lawyer.
Performing these actions can go a long way toward protecting your legal rights.
What Is the Modified Comparative Negligence Law in Florida?
What happens if you are partially at fault for the accident? According to Florida’s comparative negligence statute, you can receive partial compensation from a motorcycle accident lawsuit if you are 50% or less at fault. Any compensation you receive will be prorated based on the percentage that the defendant is at fault.
Your motorcycle injury attorney in Palm Harbor must still establish negligence based on duty of care, breach, causation, and damages. This makes evidence like eyewitness statements and accident reports critical.
The Statute of Limitations for Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Florida’s statute of limitations places a hard limit on how long you can wait before filing a personal injury lawsuit after an accident. Typically, that time limit is two years from the date of your injury. However, that clock may pause if the responsible party leaves the state or may be greatly reduced if a government employee was at fault.
You can’t afford to wait after a serious injury. Contact a Palm Harbor motorcycle crash lawyer from our team today.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Accident
There are two types of compensation you can recover after a motorcycle crash.
Economic Damages — Actual Financial Losses
Economic damages cover measurable and documentable financial losses. These include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of long-term earning capacity
- Property damage
- Other expenses related to your injuries
The compensation a motorcycle accident victim can recover typically depends on the severity of injuries and how they impact their future. A Palm Harbor personal injury lawyer for motorcycle accidents can add up all documented losses and estimate future losses, based on available evidence.
Non-Economic Damages — Pain, Suffering, and Life Impact
Compensation for non-economic damages is subjective. These damages cover losses like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Non-economic damages are typically calculated as a multiple of economic damages and can exceed measurable losses. This makes document preservation and experienced motorcycle accident legal help critical.
Helmet Laws, Insurance Requirements, and Your Rights in Florida
Florida motorcycle helmet laws are simple. If you are under 21, you must wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Otherwise, you may choose not to wear a helmet as long as you have at least $10,000 in medical coverage insurance.
This means motorcycle owners are required to purchase at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage and are encouraged to buy a higher limit. So, you can choose whether to wear a helmet if you are over 21.
However, you should also consider insurance claims. While you have a right to compensation regardless of whether you wear a helmet, an insurance company could reduce your compensation if you don’t wear one. Contact a lawyer immediately if this is an issue.
Multiple Parties Liable in FL Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often involve multiple at-fault parties. Potential liable parties include:
- Other drivers
- The entity responsible for maintaining the road
- Vehicle part manufacturers
- Third parties, like pedestrians
Your motorcycle accident compensation lawyer in Palm Harbor will complete a thorough investigation to establish liability for all parties by collecting as much evidence as possible.
Why Choose Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, for Your Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Case?
If you aren’t sure how to file a personal injury claim, turn to the skilled team at Jack Berstein, Injury Attorneys.
Decades of Experience in Florida Motorcycle Accident Law
The best motorcycle accident lawyer for your case will have local experience. Our law firm has handled these cases for over 40 years. We possess extensive knowledge of the accident dynamics, common injuries, unique challenges, and road hazards related to motorcycle crashes in Palm Harbor.
Every attorney in our law firm is a certified member of the state and county bar associations. They collaborate freely, which means you are effectively benefiting from hundreds of years of experience. This approach has yielded numerous successful settlements and verdicts.
Proven Results and Maximum Compensation for Clients
We have a proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts. For example, our law firm has obtained:
- $3 million for a motor vehicle accident.
- $780,000 for a motorcycle accident.
- Over $1 million in over a dozen cases.
These results don’t come by chance. They stem from aggressive representation by highly skilled negotiators. We know insurance company tactics and forcefully challenge them to get you fair compensation.
Aggressive Legal Representation and Negotiation Skills
What is the average payout for a motorcycle accident? The answer to that question often depends on the quality of your legal representation and their negotiating skills. Our motorcycle accident attorneys don’t accept low-ball settlement offers. We aggressively negotiate, making it clear that we are willing to go to trial if necessary.
At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we take a client-centered approach to interactions with the insurance company. We regularly communicate with you about progress and give you honest advice about expectations.
Free Consultations and No Upfront Fees
At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we believe that legal representation should be accessible. We remove financial obligations by offering a free consultation, charging no upfront fees, and taking all cases on contingency.
This means we charge you nothing unless we win you money. We also fully explain our fee structure before taking you as a client.
Were you injured in a motorcycle accident? Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now.
The Motorcycle Accident Claims Process in Palm Harbor
What is the process for motorcycle accident injury claims? Typically, your claim will include the following stages:
- We start with a free initial consultation, where we discuss your options.
- Our investigation team gathers crucial evidence to prove liability for motorcycle accidents in Florida.
- We send a detailed demand letter to the insurance company for fair compensation.
- An experienced negotiator discusses offers and counteroffers with the insurance adjuster.
- A settlement is reached, or we file a lawsuit.
- Our attorneys share evidence with the insurance company during the discovery.
- In some cases, mediation may be used to settle before a trial.
- At trial, our attorneys present evidence to the jury to obtain a favorable verdict.
We handle the entire process while you focus on recovery.
FAQ
What Not To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Knowing what not to do after a motorcycle crash is as important as knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident.
You should avoid these mistakes:
- Delaying medical treatment.
- Leaving the scene without collecting evidence.
- Speaking to an insurance adjuster without an attorney present.
- Accepting the initial settlement offer.
- Discussing your accident on social media.
- Admitting fault.
- Signing documents your attorney hasn’t read.
- Delaying legal consultation.
Consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately to avoid costly mistakes.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
You don’t need to search for a “motorcycle accident lawyer near me in Palm Harbor.” Our law firm has everything you need.
We offer free consultations, in-person or remote, with no obligation to hire. We charge no upfront fees and are available 24 hours a day. Exploring your options is easy.
Were you injured in a motorcycle accident? Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now.
Additional Resources for Motorcycle Accident Victims
These resources can help guide you after a motorcycle accident in Palm Harbor:
- Common Types of Florida Motorcycle Accidents
- How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?
- Florida Traffic Crash Reports Portal
About Jack G. Bernstein Esq.
Personal Injury Lawyer
For more than 40 years, personal injury lawyer Jack G. Bernstein has protected the rights of individuals who have been injured in a variety of circumstances. Throughout his career, Bernstein has been a strategist thoroughly dedicated to the idea of protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Bernstein is a member of the Florida State Bar Association, the Hillsborough Bar Association and the Clearwater Bar Association.
Mr. Bernstein has the experience and expertise to handle a wide range of injury cases. Among the types of plaintiffs Mr. Bernstein represents are individuals involved in car accidents caused by drunk drivers or other exhibiting negligence, medical complications resulting from carelessness caused by a physician or a medical facility, including brain injury, bicycle, motorcycle, moped and truck accidents, admiralty law and cruise ship accidents, accidental drownings, all types of wrongful death lawsuits, along with most injury, catastrophic occurrences and legal malpractice issues.
Our firm handles every type of personal injury and accident case, using negotiation and litigation tactics effectively. We handle cases throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL. With a staff of approximately 40 people, including six lawyers and 34 support personnel, we have the legal resources to get the justice you deserve and the maximum recovery for your losses. Schedule your free consultation today; we are always here to help.
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