Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Gainesville

FAQs

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

  The Gainesville Police Department's non-emergency number is (352) 955-1818.

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

  Copies of the police report can be obtained from the Gainesville Police Department Records Section. The address is 545 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville FL 32601. You may contact the office at (352) 393-7565.

• Should you hire a lawyer after getting into a motorcycle accident in Gainesville?

  It is recommended that you work with a personal injury lawyer in Gainesville who is experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases to protect your best interests and get the compensation you deserve. The lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, investigate the accident scene to prove the party at fault, accurately calculate the amount you are entitled to, and negotiate with insurers to get the maximum compensation possible. Accident lawyers also manage the paperwork and filing deadlines associated with your case.

• How common are motorcycle accidents in Gainesville?

  According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department, Gainesville’s seat, Alachua County, had 115 motorcycle crashes in 2022. This is a hike from the 94 counts of motorcycle accidents in 2020. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted alcohol impairment as a common factor in fatal motorcycle accidents. 25% of crashes that resulted in deaths involved drunk drivers, while 37% involved drunk motorcycle riders.

• Who can you sue for a motorcycle accident in Gainesville?

  There may be more than one party that is fully or partially liable for a motorcycle accident. Some parties potentially at fault are:

  1. The driver of the vehicle that struck you.
  2. The party that built, owns, or maintains the roadway (for cases caused by unsafe road conditions).
  3. The manufacturer or dealership (for cases caused by motorcycle malfunction or defective car parts).
  4. The employer of the driver at fault if the driver was on the clock during the accident.

  Motorcycle accident lawyers in Gainesville can help investigate and identify the parties at fault and liable to pay for your damages.

• Can you file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Gainesville if you are a non-U.S. citizen?

  Yes, you can file a personal injury claim if you were injured by someone’s negligence in Gainesville, even if you are a foreign national. Based on the U.S. Code Section 2502, Alien’s Privilege to Sue, citizens of a country that accords U.S. citizens the right to seek claims against their government are given the same right within the USA. If you are from a country that does not have this reciprocity with the USA, there may be difficulties faced when you seek compensation for your injuries. A Florida motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate these legal complexities.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you file a claim in Gainesville?

  The Florida law gives motorcycle accident victims, including motorcycle riders, passengers, and pedestrians, up to four years from the date the accident occurred to file a personal injury claim. It is beneficial to facilitate the claim filing as soon as possible to trigger the collection of accident evidence and documentation of the victim’s medical condition right away. Most people forget details and the level of pain they suffered as time passes. The same statute of limitations applies to filing property damage claims related to a motorcycle accident in Gainesville.

• 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.