Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Boca Raton

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Boca Raton, Florida?

  (561) 338-1234 is the non-emergency contact number for the police services within Boca Raton. Citizens can call this number for various purposes, from notifying authorities about non-urgent incidents, such as minor motorcycle or car collisions, to inquiring local authorities about their community engagement programs and available personal safety classes.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Boca Raton, Florida?

  You can request copies of police reports from the Support Services Bureau under the Boca Raton Police Services department. Vehicle crash reports can be requested from the bureau by filing a crash report affidavit within 60 days, or normally and without a waiver past 60 days. Crash reports can also be viewed on the department's website but require the ten-digit case number involving the crash in question and the requester's Florida driver's license number.

• Who can be held liable for motorcycle accidents in Boca Raton?

  Negligent parties directly or indirectly responsible for the accident can be held liable for compensation in Boca Raton. These include other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, mass transit companies, and employers of at-fault companies. Vehicle manufacturers and government agencies can also be held financially liable for compensation, provided the accident occurred due to vehicle defects or hazardous road conditions.

• How common are motorcycle crash-related injuries in the Boca Raton area?

  In 2022, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recorded 347 injured people arising from 402 motorcycle crashes in the Palm Beach county area alone. On a state-wide scale, the government body logged 9,095 motorcycle crashes with 7,824 injuries in the same year, with over 550 fatalities caused directly or indirectly by motorcycle crashes.

• Who handles the investigations surrounding motorcycle crashes in and around Boca Raton?

  According to 2022 statistics provided by Florida Highway Safety And Motor Vehicles, the majority—47% or around 190 cases—of motorcycle crashes are investigated by the local police department. This is followed by the sheriff's department at 42% or roughly 170 cases, and the Florida Highway Patrol with an estimated 10% or 40 cases handled.

• What damages can you recover from motorcycle accident cases in Boca Raton?

  Damages in Boca Raton can include compensation for economic losses like medical expenses, non-economic losses such as emotional trauma, and punitive damages awarded by judges for particularly reckless or heinous behavior. Future loss of income can also be compensated if it can be proven that the injuries sustained affect the victim's ability to work. Financial compensation can reach figures of up to $2 million for motorcycle accident settlements or verdicts.

• Can you still recover damages if you are partially at fault for a Boca Raton motorcycle accident?

  Yes, because Florida operates on a comparative negligence system concerning vehicular accident compensation. Financial compensation in Boca Raton can still be recovered from other involved parties—such as other drivers and insurance companies—but is reduced according to proven negligence on your part. A party's proportionate fault is determined on a percentage basis, with said percentage reducing their possible compensation accordingly.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.