Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in St. Petersburg

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns, call +1 727-893-7780 to reach the St. Petersburg Police Department.

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

  The St. Petersburg Police Department offers online accident report retrieval. You may request a copy of the record of your accident at https://crash.stpete.org/.

• How much time do I have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in St. Petersburg, FL?

  Motorcycle accident victims in St. Petersburg have up to for years from the date of their accident to build a case and file a personal injury lawsuit against the erring party. This is based on Florida’s statute of limitations. As recovering damages in a motorcycle injury case is time-sensitive, taking action past the statute of limitations means a settlement or award could no longer be sought by the victim.

• Does Florida’s no-fault rule apply to motorcycle accidents in St. Petersburg?

  No, the state of Florida’s no-fault system does not apply to motorcycle accidents in St. Petersburg, so victims cannot rely on their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to take care of their medical expenses. This means, if you are injured in a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident, you have the right to recover compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.

• What are the kinds of damages you can recover from a motorcycle accident in St. Petersburg?

  After your motorcycle crash in St. Petersburg, it is possible to pursue two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Past and future medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages fall under economic damages, which refer to tangible financial losses. On the other hand, physical and emotional pain and suffering are considered non-economic damages.

• Can you sue the government for poorly-maintained roads that caused a motorcycle accident in St. Petersburg, FL?

  Yes, Florida law entitles victims of motorcycle accidents to sue the appropriate government entity for damages if they sustain injuries following a crash on a poorly maintained road in St. Petersburg. Victims of motorcycle accidents in the city may also pursue compensation from the government if their injuries are due to faulty traffic lighting or overgrown foliage that obscures the view of intersections.

• Are motorcycle riders in St. Petersburg, FL, required to wear a helmet?

  Motorcycle riders in St. Petersburg are required to wear helmets. Florida’s current motorcycle helmet laws state that helmets are required to be worn by riders unless the operator is over the age of 21 and carries an insurance policy that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits. If the motorcycle rider chooses to wear a helmet, it must be compliant with the standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

• 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.