Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Jacksonville

FAQs

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

  Call 904-630-0500 for non-emergency matters in Jacksonville.

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

  You can request accident reports online on the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office website. Additionally, you can do the following:

  1. Contact the Public Records Unit at 904-630-2209.
  2. Write to Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Attn: Public Records Unit, 501 E. Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202.
  3. Visit in person the Police Memorial Building at 501 E. Bay St. or any six JSO substation.

• What are high-risk roads for bikers in Jacksonville?

  According to an online article from CBS 47/FOX30 Action News Jax, the company Lytx conducted a study of high-risk roads in the state and includes three intersections from Jacksonville:

  • I-95 and Myrtle Avenue North
  • I-295 and Commonwealth
  • I-10 and Roosevelt Boulevard The most frequent reason for the risk on these roads to bikers is attributed to texting while driving. The study also indicated that speeding makes I-10 and Roosevelt riskier.

• What are the basic requirements for filing a personal injury claim for a Jacksonville motorcycle accident?

  To file a personal injury claim for a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville, the following conditions had to be met:

  1. The responsible driver was negligent or careless.
  2. Negligent or careless actions led to the accident and subsequent injury.
  3. The said accident resulted in claimants' losses, such as medical bills, lost income from inability to work, and pain and suffering.

• Are motorcyclists required to wear helmets in Jacksonville?

  Yes and no. State laws in Jacksonville require motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear helmets while riding. If a rider is over 21 and carries an insurance policy with a minimum $10,000 coverage of medical expenses for injuries, he or she is not required. Additionally, a rider of any age is required to have proper eye protection when riding on public roads.

• How can a lawyer help a person involved in a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville?

  When lawyers handle motorcycle accident cases in Jacksonville, they protect clients' legal rights by dealing with all communication efforts. These lawyers deploy strategies to counter contributory negligence allegations and work with experts to build and strengthen cases. Together with their legal team, they file claims, handle paperwork, gather evidence, and document losses.

• What kind of negligence law do motorcycle accident cases in Jacksonville adopt?

  Jacksonville operates under a pure comparative negligence law, which states that multiple parties can be at fault in a motorcycle accident. Even if a claimant has some degree of negligence, they will not be prohibited from seeking compensation, although the damage amount will be reduced according to their percentage of fault.

• 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.