Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

With warm weather nearly year-round and the nickname the Sunshine State, Florida, unfortunately, has more than its fair share of motorcycle accidents. Each year, around 9,000 people are involved (and more than 500 motorcyclists are killed) in an accident, often due to another driver’s negligence.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to consult an attorney quickly. Too often, victims are persuaded to accept an insurance settlement that may not come close to compensating them for the injuries they’ve suffered. Learn more about how you can protect your legal rights after a Florida motorcycle accident.

What Are Your Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Accident?

Because motorcycles are much smaller and lighter than passenger cars, leaving motorcyclists unprotected by anything but a helmet, motorcyclists (and bicyclists) are generally afforded even greater legal rights than automobile drivers after being involved in an accident. These greater rights aren’t enough to overcome liability—in other words, if you’re deemed at fault for the accident, the fact that you were on a motorcycle doesn’t make much difference. However, a motorcyclist who is injured and is not at fault may be entitled to more financial compensation than an auto accident victim.

For example, when a driver is injured in an auto accident, they’ll need to prove that they suffered a permanent injury in order to fully recover specific types of compensation like “pain and suffering” damages. Meanwhile, a motorcyclist who is injured may be able to recover these funds even without proving a permanent injury. And because pain and suffering damages don’t necessarily need to be tied to out-of-pocket costs, these funds can do far more than simply cover an injured motorcyclist’s medical expenses.

Gallagher and Hagopian is the Motorcycle Personal Injury Lawyer Bradenton

Determining liability and damages in a motorcycle accident case can be a complicated process, and no two cases are exactly the same. Because the issues involved in a motorcycle personal injury lawsuit can be so complex, it’s important to seek out legal advice as soon as you can.

The at-fault driver’s insurance company may urge you to settle your claims for a lump sum, and when you’re dealing with reduced paychecks and medical bills, this type of offer can be tempting. But an insurance company doesn’t have your best interests in mind—its primary motivation is to settle a claim for as little as possible.

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Gallagher and Hagopian can protect your rights. Because we specialize in auto accidents and motorcycle accidents, we’re well-versed in the issues that can present themselves; and as a representative who is obligated to act in your best interest, we can help you fight for all the compensation to which you’re entitled.