Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Sunrise, FL

FAQs

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

  The City of Sunrise Police Department can be reached at 954-764-4357.

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

  You may personally request a copy of the police report at the Records unit of the City of Sunrise Police Department located at 10440 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Sunrise, FL 33351, or you may directly call 954-746-3500.

• What are the common injuries sustained by motorcycle riders in Sunrise?

  Motorcycle riders in Sunrise often experience road rash from skin-to-road friction and joint dislocation. Broken bones are a frequent result of mishaps, as are head and neck trauma. Severe crashes lead to organ damage, internal bleeding, and brain damage. The worst instances result in death, as the open nature of a bike gives victims little protection from collision forces.

• What should a motorcycle accident victim in Sunrise look for in a lawyer?

  A motorcycle accident victim in Sunrise should look for a lawyer with an extensive personal injury record across various classes of torts, from motorcycle and car crashes to product liability, since cases may involve multiple branches of law. Board certification in civil trial practice is ideal, as is a favorable win-loss record. The financially strapped should also look for attorneys who work on a contingency basis.

• Why is it risky for motorcycle accident victims in Sunrise to represent themselves in court?

  It is risky for motorcycle accident victims in Sunrise to represent themselves because there is a bias against bike riders who get into crashes, and there is also a preconceived notion that the biker was reckless even if the other driver was in the wrong. The presence of an attorney at the negotiating table and the courtroom is ideal for collating the evidence and presenting it in a convincing manner that establishes the client's innocence.

• Is the failure to wear a helmet detrimental to the personal injury cases of motorbike riders in Sunrise?

  No, failure to wear helmets should not be detrimental to the personal injury cases of bike riders in Sunrise. Individuals in the state are not required to wear helmets by law while riding a bike, granted that they are over 21 years old and carry medical insurance in the legally prescribed amounts. Florida is also a pure comparative fault jurisdiction, so plaintiffs can recover reduced money regardless of how big their share in the blame is.

• How soon does a motorcycle injury claimant in Sunrise have to sue after a crash?

  Motorcycle riders in Sunrise must follow the state's time limit for accident suits, which gives plaintiffs four years from the date of the crash to go to court. If the incident results in a wrongful death, the case must be filed within two years of the date of death. The period is extendible if the defendant flees Florida and thus could not be served with a summons.

• 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.