Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At Meldon Law, we have seen how a motorcycle accident can change someone’s life instantly and the physical, mental, and financial stress a crash can cause. A Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer from our team would be honored to serve you.
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers proudly represent injured motorcyclists in and around the Fort Lauderdale area and help protect their rights as accident victims. We are a force to be reckoned with, inside and outside the courtroom, and we aren’t afraid to fight for the rights of injured motorcycle riders in Florida.
If you were in a motorcycle accident and would like to discuss your right to a compensation settlement or judgment, please do not hesitate to contact Meldon Law at (352) 373-8000 for a free case evaluation.
How Much Money Can You Get in a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Claim
The financial strain an accident causes makes this question of primary concern. However, every motorcycle accident is different, and every motorcyclist suffers different injuries.
Some factors that can affect your award or settlement value may include:
- The cause of the accident
- The severity of your injuries and damages
- Long-term complications or disabilities
- The impact your injuries have on your career and future
- Any lost wages you incurred
- The medical expenses you incurred
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale must closely evaluate your case and work with medical experts to determine how your injuries will impact your life and future. Any settlement or award should account for all your current and future damages.
Why Work With the Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Meldon Law?
We’ve been fighting for the rights of injured people in Florida for more than 50 years. At Meldon Law, we pride ourselves on:
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Reliability
- Excellence
- Our drive for success
We are completely dedicated to our clients and helping them understand the legal process. Knowing your legal rights and how the law works is important for everyone. At our law firm, we devote a significant amount of time to sharing our knowledge through multiple outlets, including:
- Consumer guides
- Books
- Podcasts
- Blogs
- Our weekly legal talk show
- Our Meldon Law newsletter
The physical and mental stress experienced after an accident will likely make it hard for you to focus on the challenge of pursuing a legal case and protecting your rights. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle wreck attorneys are a force to be reckoned with, both inside and outside the courtroom. We will take on your fight like it was our own.
Determining Negligence and Liability in a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Claim
One of the first concerns we will address is liability. Florida law allows motorcyclists to hold negligent parties responsible for the harm they cause in accidents. Your attorney will work to identify and calculate your damages and determine whom you can hold liable for those losses.
Some examples of negligence that may lead to a motorcycle crash include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Aggressive driving
- Violation of traffic laws
- Turning left without checking the intersection first
- Failing to look for a motorcycle in a blind spot
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Failing to share the road
- Dangerous roads
- Defective motorcycle or parts
Negligent parties may include other negligent drivers, motorcycle manufacturers, or even local government entities that neglected to maintain proper care of roads.
What You Can Expect When You Choose Our Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
You deserve to have an experienced law firm on your side that is ready to treat you like family and fight for the compensation you deserve from all possible parties. At Meldon Law, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale believe you should focus on healing and recovery. We strive to serve our clients with compassion and integrity as we:
- Investigate the accident to determine the cause and liable party or parties
- Assist in compiling a strong and detailed insurance claim
- Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company or companies for the compensation settlement you deserve
- Prepare for trial and represent you in court if negotiations don’t produce an appropriate settlement amount
Our team understands the unique challenges that motorcycle accident victims face, both physically and financially. We know that the road to recovery can be long and difficult, which is why we are dedicated to providing personalized attention and support throughout the legal process. From the moment you contact our firm, you can expect to be treated with respect, compassion, and understanding.
We will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide you with honest advice about your legal options. Our goal is to help you secure the resources you need to move forward with your life while holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Claim
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Florida is second only to California in the number of registered motorcycles on the road in the U.S. Unfortunately, Florida also consistently ranks in the top three states for the number of fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents, per the Florida Department of Transportation.
If you suffered injuries or a loved one lost their life in a motorcycle crash, the at-fault party may owe you compensation for your losses. You may be able to recover compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills– Motorcycle injuries can require emergency transport and treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitative therapy, medical equipment, medications, and more. In addition, many injuries will continue to require treatment long after a legal case settles, so you should always include estimated future expenses as part of your accident-related losses.
- Lost wages– Severe injuries can require a period of rest for recovery, especially if surgery is necessary. During this time, you will likely have to take time off work. Some injuries may prevent you from working due to the nature of your job. For example, if you lift heavy objects or engage in physical activity for work, a back injury can keep you off the job until you have recovered. In either case, most people do not have enough paid time off to cover the time they need and, therefore, lose a substantial amount of income.
- Loss of future earnings– Your injuries may make it impossible for you to return to your job, potentially requiring you to accept a lower-paying position or not work at all. Your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer can include your reduced earning capacity in your claim.
- Property loss– Motorcycle crashes usually damage the bike, sometimes beyond repair. You can include the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged during the crash in your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Many losses you experience in a motorcycle accident are subjective in their value and can include:
- Physical pain and suffering from injuries
- Mental trauma from the accident and injuries
- Permanent impairments or disabilities
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Lost enjoyment of life
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys will help you calculate the costs associated with these losses and include them in your motorcycle accident claim. See what we can recover for you today.
Punitive Damages
The court may award punitive damages under rare circumstances. Under Florida Statutes § 768.72, your motorcycle accident attorney must prove that the at-fault party’s “gross negligence” or “intentional misconduct” caused the accident and your subsequent injury.
These damages are meant to punish the negligent party and cause others to think twice before acting similarly. They do not directly compensate you for your losses.
Damages Survivors Can Claim After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale
If your loved one died in a motorcycle crash, please accept our sympathies. We know money cannot replace the person you lost, but your loved one would want you to be financially secure, if possible.
If someone’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, certain family members and the decedent’s estate may pursue damages, such as:
- Loss of support and services
- Loss of companionship and protection
- Loss of parental companionship and guidance
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical costs
- Loss of future earnings
Florida Statutes § 768.21 specifies who may seek damages and what damages they may recover in a wrongful death case. Our Fort Lauderdale, wrongful death attorneys, will review the law with you and your family to help determine if pursuing wrongful death damages is appropriate for your case.
Changes Affecting Personal Injury Lawsuits in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Two recent changes in Florida’s laws may impact your case, and you should know about them.
Statute of Limitations
In 2023, HB 837 / SB236 reduced the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida from four years to two years. This means you only have two years from the accident date to file an injury lawsuit should negotiations with the insurance company fail to produce an appropriate settlement.
Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys will explain how this rule may apply to your case during your evaluation.
Negligence
A new section was recently added to Florida Statutes § 768.81, changing Florida from a pure comparative negligence state to a modified comparative negligence state. This means if an injured party is more than 50% at fault for an accident, they cannot recover compensation for their losses.
These changes are just a few good reasons to hire Meldon Law to serve you. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers can help you gather evidence to avoid unfair blame for an accident you did not cause and ensure you meet the new, shorter statute of limitations deadline. We recommend calling us as soon as possible so we have ample time to build a solid case for you.
How Driver Negligence Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale, FL, are often caused by the negligence of other drivers on the road. Some common examples of driver negligence that lead to motorcycle accidents include:
- Failure to yield the right of way: Drivers who fail to yield to motorcyclists when turning, changing lanes, or entering a roadway can cause serious collisions.
- Distracted driving: When drivers engage in distracting activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio, they may fail to notice motorcyclists, leading to accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to changing traffic conditions and increases the likelihood of losing control of their vehicle, putting motorcyclists at risk.
- Following too closely: Drivers who tailgate or follow motorcyclists too closely may not have sufficient time to brake or avoid a collision if the motorcyclist needs to slow down or stop suddenly.
- Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications that cause drowsiness or impairment pose a significant threat to motorcyclists, as their judgment and reaction times are compromised.
- Unsafe lane changes: When drivers change lanes without properly checking their blind spots or signaling, they may collide with motorcyclists who are less visible than larger vehicles.
- Disregarding traffic signals or signs: Drivers who run red lights, stop signs, or fail to obey other traffic control devices put motorcyclists at risk of serious accidents.
- Failing to account for weather or road conditions: Drivers who do not adjust their driving behavior to accommodate adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, or poor road conditions, like potholes or uneven surfaces, can cause accidents involving motorcyclists.
When driver negligence causes a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL, injured motorcyclists may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence of negligence.
A Motorcycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale Can Happen to You
Florida’s beach roads and gorgeous weather make for perfect motorcycle riding. But accidents happen, and in Fort Lauderdale, our stretch of I-95 is known as the “deadliest mile in America.”
According to recent crash statistics published by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the following occurred in 2022 in the Sunshine State:
- 9,153 crashes involving a motorcycle
- 7,862 injuries to motorcyclists
- 590 motorcyclist fatalities
In Broward County, the numbers are:
- 642 motorcycle crashes
- 515 motorcyclist injuries
- 33 motorcyclist fatalities
If you ride a motorcycle in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, be aware that the possibility of an accident is very real. Because of the risks of serious injury, it is important to know what to do after a motorcycle accident to protect your rights.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Fort Lauderdale?
In 2023, HB 837 reduced the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Florida from four years to two years. This means you only have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, the court will dismiss your case. While you can still negotiate for a fair settlement, you’ve lost your leverage, so you’ll need to take whatever the insurance adjuster offers.
Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys will explain how this rule may apply to your case during your evaluation.
Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer FAQs
After a motorcycle accident, you likely have many questions. Here are just a few of the questions we often hear from motorcycle accident victims in Fort Lauderdale:
Can I Afford Legal Representation in a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Yes. Our team handles cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay us upfront. You only pay our attorney’s fees if we win your case.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Fort Lauderdale?
First, you should always seek medical attention. Many motorcyclists may be in shock and may not immediately feel the effects of injuries. The symptoms of other injuries—such as concussions—can develop several days after a crash. If you undergo a prompt medical evaluation, you can treat your injuries as soon as possible to minimize complications.
Once a doctor has diagnosed your injuries and made a treatment plan, you may begin to feel the financial stress of your accident, including medical bills, lost income if you had to miss work, and more. At this point, you should not delay contacting a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
How Can I Help My Legal Case After a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Once you have attended to your injuries, you can take several steps to protect your rights, such as:
- Contacting a personal injury law firm for a consultation
- Avoiding speaking to insurance adjusters
- Not signing any settlement offers
- Keeping all medical receipts and expenses
- Documenting your recovery and setbacks
- Attending all doctor’s appointments, follow-ups, and therapy sessions
- Following your treatment plan closely
- Avoiding posting about the accident on social media
Who Is to Blame for My Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident?
In many cases, the other involved driver is responsible for a motorcycle accident.
To determine who is to blame, your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney will investigate the accident to establish how the other party’s negligence caused your accident.
In some cases, multiple parties may share blame for the accident. We will hold them all liable.
What Can I Do If the Other Party Claims I Caused the Accident?
Motorcycle riders often face unfair bias after accidents. Insurance adjusters, other road users, and juries may think that motorcyclists are inherently reckless and must have caused the accident. This can be a big problem for your motorcycle injury claim.
A 2023 law changed Florida from a pure comparative negligence state to a modified comparative negligence state. This means if an injured party is more than 50% at fault for an accident, they cannot recover compensation for their losses.
This change is just one good reason to hire Meldon Law to serve you. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers can help you gather evidence to avoid unfair blame for an accident you did not cause. We recommend calling us as soon as possible so we have ample time to build a solid case for you.
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What If I Am Uninsured?
Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, Florida is a no-fault state for vehicle accidents, which means most victims turn to their own insurance policies for coverage after an accident. However, this law only applies to vehicles with four wheels—not motorcycles.
If you do not have insurance to cover your medical expenses and other losses, you may face significant challenges. However, you may still have options for seeking compensation, especially if you suffered serious injuries. One option may include suing the at-fault driver.
If you are uninsured, it does not mean all hope is lost. Your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle wreck attorney can help you understand your options for financial recovery.
Who You Can Hold Liable in a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Claim
When it comes to motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale, there are several parties who may be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some of the potentially liable parties in a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident claim include:
- Other drivers: If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, such as by failing to yield the right of way, speeding, or driving under the influence, they can be held liable for the motorcyclist’s injuries and damages.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers: If a defective motorcycle or vehicle part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held responsible under product liability laws.
- Government entities: If poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or inadequate signage, played a role in the accident, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be liable.
- Motorcycle owners or rental companies: If the motorcycle itself was not properly maintained or had known safety issues, the owner or rental company may be held accountable.
- Bars or restaurants: In cases where a drunk driver who isn’t of lawful drinking age causes an accident, the establishment that overserved the driver may be held liable under dram shop laws.
- Employers: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, their employer may be vicariously liable for the driver’s actions.
To determine who can be held liable in your specific Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident claim, talk to an experienced attorney. We can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify all potentially liable parties to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Learn More About How Our Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You Today
After a motorcycle accident, you may not know where to turn. Please understand that the legal team at Meldon Law is here to help. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers regularly meet with motorcycle accident victims to evaluate their rights, and we have helped many clients recover compensation for their losses.
We provide representation you can trust and will keep you updated on all developments in your case. Consultations are always free with no obligation, so please call (352) 373–8000 or contact us online today to schedule your first visit.
