Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Tallahassee

FAQs

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

  If you need police or medical assistance in Tallahassee, but you are not in a life-threatening emergency, contact 850-606-5800. This is the Consolidated Dispatch Agency, a centralized hub for requesting responses from the Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Leon County EMS, and the Tallahassee Fire Department.

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

  • Requests for public records may be submitted online at talgov.com or by calling 850-891-4221.
  • For accident reports less than 60 days old, you can also make requests in person or through US mail: Tallahassee Police Department Records Unit 234 East 7th Avenue Tallahassee, FL 32303

  If you own a vehicle involved in a traffic accident and your name is not included on the report, you must submit evidence of ownership before you can receive the report. Proof of registration, an insurance card, and one form of identification will be among the documents required of you.

• How common are motorcycle accidents in Tallahassee?

  Leon County, whose county seat is Tallahassee, recorded 9,138 motorcycle crashes in 2022, with 7,857 injuries and 587 fatalities on record. Factors that frequently play a role in motorcycle accidents, property damage, and fatalities in Tallahassee include riders not wearing their helmets; riders of older age (50+); driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; drivers having no valid license; and drivers violating traffic signs, rules, and stops.

• Are there exceptions to wearing a motorcycle helmet in Tallahassee?

  According to Florida's helmet law, a Tallahassee motorcycle rider who is above the age of 21 and is covered by an insurance policy with a minimum of $10,000 in medical benefits is not required to wear a helmet. Cards must show current coverage as proof of required medical insurance. But note that PIP coverage would be insufficient for either the operator or the passenger.

• How do you apply Florida's pure comparative negligence rule in a Tallahassee motorcycle accident?

  The pure comparative negligence rule in Florida is used to assign liability to each participant involved in a motorbike accident in Tallahassee. If a motorcycle rider seeks reimbursement from the other driver's insurance or files a lawsuit, but the rider did something that contributed to the accident, they may be given a share of the blame. For example, if the rider's guilt is determined to be 30% and the compensation is $20,000 (through settlement or jury award), they will receive just $14,000, or $20,000 less 30% share of fault.

• What should a person do if involved in a motorbike accident in Tallahassee?

  Persons involved in a motorcycle accident in Tallahassee must, if physically able, immediately move to the side of the road and check for injuries. They should call emergency services and obtain medical assistance. It is recommended that victims should get the other driver's license and their insurance information, eyewitness statements, and photographs of the damage they incurred. Law enforcement will make an accident report.

• What is the potential motorcycle accident compensation in Tallahassee?

  Every motorcycle accident case in Tallahassee is unique. Compensation may be awarded to cover past and future medical expenses, income loss, pain and suffering, and personal property damage. Families are eligible for a wrongful death claim if a loved one was killed in the accident. This tends to cover medical costs, funeral, and burial fees, lost pay, and future earnings. Surviving family members can also be awarded damages for mental anguish and the loss of their loved one's guidance, support, and services.

• 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.