Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Boynton Beach, FL

FAQs

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

  Call 561-732-8116 to reach the Boynton Beach Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

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

  Collision reports in Boynton Beach can be obtained in the following ways:

  In-person: Visit the Boynton Beach Police Department 2100 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33426. By phone: Call 561-742-6100 to request a copy of your report. Online: Visit https://bbpd.org/public-records/ to file your request.

• Are teenagers allowed to operate motorcycles in Boynton Beach?

  Older teenagers are allowed to operate motorcycles in Boynton Beach, but no one under 16 years of age may legally operate or be licensed to operate motorcycles, mopeds, motor-driven cycles, motorized scooters, or electric helper-motor bicycles on Florida roads, streets, or highways. Additionally, new motorcyclists must first take and pass the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or Basic RiderCourse updated (BRCu) through an FRTP-authorized sponsor before they can have the motorcycle endorsement added to their license.

• Are motorcycle riders in Boynton Beach required to wear helmets?

  According to the 2022 Florida Statutes, a person may not operate or ride a motorcycle unless they are properly wearing protective headgear that is securely fastened upon their head. The helmet must comply with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218 promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation. Moreover, under the same statutes, a person may not operate a motorcycle unless they are wearing a department-approved eye-protective device over their eyes.

• Are there exceptions to the helmet requirements implemented in Boynton Beach?

  Under Florida law, a person in Boynton Beach over the age of 21 may legally operate or ride a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear only under certain conditions. Headgear may not be worn if they are covered by an insurance policy that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries sustained from a crash while operating or riding a motorcycle.

• How much time do you have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Boynton Beach?

  Boynton Beach follows Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which is four years from the date of the accident. If you are pursuing a wrongful death suit on behalf of a loved one who passed away in a motorcycle accident, you have two years to bring your case. Missing these deadlines means you risk forfeiting your rights to recover damages.

• What are the common injuries that victims of motorcycle accidents in Boynton Beach sustain?

  As motorcycles provide less protection to operators and passengers than other vehicle types, motorcycle accidents usually result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries, such as: -spinal cord damage; -traumatic brain injuries; -multiple broken bones; -amputation; and -internal organ damage.

  It is also not uncommon for motorcycle riders to die as a result of a crash.

• 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.