Pensacola Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

What Is the Difference Between a Motorcycle Accident and a Car Accident?

Pursuing compensation after a motorcycle accident in Pensacola is often more complicated than making a car accident claim. Differences between a motorcycle accident and a car accident include the following:

• Motorcycle Riders Suffer More Serious Injuries – Because riders lack protection from crashes, motorcycle accidents tend to cause serious injuries. These serious injuries lead to significant financial losses for riders, complicating the settlement process. If riders still treat their injuries when negotiating a settlement or going to trial in a motorcycle accident lawsuit, their compensation must include estimated future expenses and losses.
• At-Fault Drivers May Not Have Sufficient Insurance Coverage to Fully Compensate Injured Motorcycle Riders – Florida does not require drivers to have bodily injury liability insurance coverage, so not all drivers carry the insurance coverage necessary to compensate an injured rider fully. Under those circumstances, the rider must pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver or find another option for payment, such as filing PIP claims.
• At-Fault Drivers and Insurance Companies Rely on Stereotypes to Shift Blame for Accidents onto Motorcycle Operators. At–fault drivers and insurers sometimes try to avoid liability by claiming that a motorcycle operator was speeding or riding recklessly, bearing some or all the fault for the crash. When this occurs, a motorcycle rider must secure additional evidence to show they do not assume responsibility for the accident.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Pensacola, Florida

Actions you should take after being involved in a wreck on your motorcycle in Pensacola include:

• Taking photos of the accident scene if you can.
• Seeking prompt medical attention to document your injuries and begin treatment.
• Keeping copies of bills, invoices, receipts of expenses, and pay stubs or income statements if you take time off work while recovering from injuries.
• Requesting copies of your medical records and the police accident report.
• Contact a Florida motorcycle accident attorney from Cardoso Law, PLLC, so we may start investigating the accident and preparing your compensation claim.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles fail to share the road with motorcycle riders properly.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations on personal injury cases provides a specific period to file a lawsuit. You have only two years from the date of the wreck to file suit against the driver or other parties at fault for the accident or liable for your losses.

If you file a lawsuit after the limitations period runs out and the court dismisses your case, you can lose the right to pursue financial recovery. For this reason, do not wait to talk to a Pensacola motorcycle accident lawyer from Cardoso Law, PLLC. Let us help you ensure that you file your lawsuit on time.

What Compensation Is Available After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?

A lawsuit can provide motorcycle accident victims with money for losses and expenses they incur. The compensation you may receive from your claim includes the following:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses to treat your injuries
• Costs of future long-term care if you suffer permanent disabilities from the accident
• Lost wages/income if you miss time from work after the accident or loss of future earnings and employment benefits if you cannot return to work
• Pain and suffering
• Lost quality of life from disabilities/impairment or visible, permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Repair costs to fix your motorcycle or reimbursement of your motorcycle’s value if it was totaled

Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Pensacola to Handle Your Case

Insurance companies often make it difficult to recover full compensation for the motorcycle accident injuries and loss you sustained. You need the motorcycle accident attorneys from Cardoso Law, PLLC, who will diligently pursue the financial recovery you need by:

• Investigating the crash and recovering evidence needed to prove the other party’s fault for the accident.
• Calculating your expenses and losses, including estimating future medical care and needs, to determine how much compensation you may be owed.
• Identifying liable parties and applicable the coverage of your insurance company
• Filing claims on your behalf to begin pursuing financial recovery for you.
• Relentlessly negotiating for a full and fair settlement of your claims, or taking your case to trial if litigation becomes necessary to obtain maximum compensation and justice.

Pensacola Motorcycle Accident Lawyer FAQ

Motorcycle accidents often leave victims with many unanswered questions. This motorcycle accident FAQ should provide some clarity after a crash.

Should I call the police if I’m involved in a motorcycle accident?

Yes. You should always call the police after any motorcycle accident that involves injury, vehicle damage, or unsafe conditions. The responding officer will create an official accident report containing the following information:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Names and contact information of all involved parties
• Statements from witnesses and involved parties
• Road and weather conditions 
• Vehicle damage
• An accident diagram
• Information about visible injuries
• Initial fault assessment

Our attorneys can use this vital document to begin building a compelling motorcycle injury claim. Without it, proving fault and holding the at-fault party accountable can become far more challenging. 

How do I get a copy of my motorcycle accident report?

You can request a copy of the accident report from the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash. You can also obtain crash reports through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. You must pay $10 per report, plus a $2 convenience fee per transaction. 

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident? Will it affect my claim?

You can still pursue a motorbike compensation claim even if you did not wear a helmet. However, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were worsened due to the lack of head protection. These arguments often affect head or brain injury claims. A skilled Pensacola motorcycle accident lawyer can push back by showing how the at-fault party caused your injuries, regardless of helmet use.

How long will my case last?

Every motorcycle accident case follows its own timeline. Simpler cases with minor injuries might resolve in a few months, while more complicated ones involving disputed fault and significant damages can last a year or longer. 

Factors that impact case timelines include:

• Injury severity
• Length of recovery
• Insurance company cooperation
• Strength of evidence
• Whether the case goes to court

What do I do if the insurance company thinks I’m at fault?

Never argue directly with the insurance company. Their goal is to shift blame and reduce your payout by any means necessary. Allow your Pensacola motorcycle accident lawyer to handle communications with insurers while they build a case to contest unfair fault claims. 

Will my recovery award be limited due to health insurance coverage or paid sick leave from work?

No. Health insurance and paid sick leave do not erase your right to compensation. You can still seek damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future care. 

Can I still sue the driver who hit me if I do not have motorcycle insurance?

Yes. Lack of motorcycle insurance does not block your right to pursue compensation from an at-fault driver. Florida does not require motorcyclists to carry insurance to ride legally, and the lack of insurance doesn’t affect an at-fault driver’s liability. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Florida can assess your case and determine all potential avenues for recovery.