Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Hialeah

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns, you may call 305-687-2525 to get in touch with the Hialeah police department.

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

  The records division of the Hialeah police station usually makes copies of reports available to the public within five days. Crash reports, however, are only available upon request from the individuals involved in the incident and are not made public for the first 60 days following the crash. You can get it through Floridacrashportal.gov. If you want to know whether the report is available for request, you may also call (305) 687-2500.

• If you are not wearing a helmet, will it affect your motorcycle accident case in Hialeah?

  A partial helmet-use law exists in Florida. Because of this regulation, most adults decide not to wear a helmet when riding motorcycles. However, this is only legal when the rider is older than 21 and has at least $10,000 in medical insurance benefits for injuries caused by a motorcycle accident. Although not wearing a helmet is usually permissible, it could still have an effect on your motorcycle accident case. You might still get compensated, although for less than your expectation.

• Is Hialeah, Florida prone to motorcycle accidents?

  Hialeah, which has a population of over 230,000, is surrounded by eight different communities and has access to most of South Florida's major highways, including I-75, the Palmetto Expressway, the Florida Turnpike, Okeechobee Road, and Gratigny Parkway. In 2013, it was ranked as one of the top five cities with the worst drivers by Allstate. This shows that Hialeah, Florida has heavy traffic and less cautious drivers, which can most likely result in accidents.

• Why you should get an uninsured motorist insurance in Hialeah?

  Hialeah is part of Florida, and according to Insurance Institute Information, the state has the sixth-highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the US. The estimated percentage of uninsured drivers there in 2019 was higher than 20%. Motorcycle owners are advised to acquire uninsured motorist insurance to provide themselves and their families with additional security.

• What is an uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance coverage in Hialeah?

  Uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance is a policy you buy to guard against drivers who are technically "uninsured," such as those who have no insurance at all, are only covered to the legal minimum but do not offer any additional types of coverage, and hit-and-run drivers. When you acquire auto insurance in Hialeah, your insurance providers offer these. Florida law mandates that any rejection of uninsured motorist coverage be made in writing.

• What are the most common types of motorcycle accidents in Hialeah?

  In 2020, there were about 620,000 motorcycles registered in the state of Florida, where Hialeah is located. In the same year, more than 8,000 motorcycle accidents were reported, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The most frequent accident categories include head-on and rear-end collisions, left-hand turn and single-vehicle accidents, and sideswipe incidents.

• 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.