With Florida’s nice weather, it’s no surprise that many people enjoy riding their motorcycle whenever they have the chance. Whether they’re taking in the natural scenery or cruising through the city, motorcyclists enjoy a degree of freedom that cars simply don’t provide.
However, motorcycles don’t provide as much protection as other vehicles. This means that motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury or death if they get into an accident.
If you sustained injuries in a crash due to a negligent driver, you need an attorney with proven results and an aggressive approach. At Nonni Homola, our Tallahassee motorcycle accident lawyers know what’s at stake and always advocate for your full recovery.
Contact us online or call (850) 601-1111 today for a free consultation.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, Florida is one of the most dangerous states for riders. During 2020, the Florida Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) found that out of 8,045 motorcycle crashes, more than 85% involved a motorcyclist injury or death.
Motorcycle passenger fatalities also increased by more than 20% between 2019 and 2020, exceeding the three-year average in the state.
Although the number of motorcycle crashes in Tallahassee and throughout Leon County decreased dramatically in 2020, fatalities also increased. In total, Leon County had 82 motorcycle accidents, 61 injuries, and five fatalities. This means that the injury and fatality rate in Tallahassee is around the same as the statewide average.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
All it takes is a moderate bump or sudden movement to cause a motorcyclist to lose control. This may happen in a variety of ways, whether it’s because of road conditions or an aggressive driver.
However, some of the most common causes of Florida motorcycle crashes include:
- Poorly timed left hand turns,
- Following closely or tailgating,
- Distracted driving,
- Vehicle defects,
- Road hazards,
- Speeding, and
- DUI/DWI.
In all these scenarios, the risk is much greater for motorcyclists than other motorists. Sometimes, you may not even know what the cause of your accident is, especially if it stems from a defective part on the bike. This is when contacting one of our Tallahassee motorcycle accident lawyers may come in handy.
They can consult accident reconstruction experts on your behalf if there isn’t much photographic or video evidence available to show the events leading up to the crash.
How a Motorcycle Accident in Tallahassee, FL Differs from Crashes in Other States
While motorcycle accident claims may seem similar throughout different jurisdictions, there is one factor that makes Florida unique: insurance laws. Every state has its own rules, which determines how a victim brings a claim for an accident as well as what type of coverage they need.
So what are the specific insurance requirements for Florida motorcyclists?
In short, motorcyclists must adhere to the financial responsibility law for motorists. This means that they must show that they have enough money to cover accident damages.
For motorcyclists, there are three ways to satisfy this requirement:
- Purchase liability insurance;
- Obtain a self-insurance certificate by posting a bond; or
- Obtain a self-insurance certificate by proving you have enough money to cover the costs of an accident.
While Florida is a no-fault state, motorcyclists are exempt from carrying personal injury protection or PIP coverage.
Also, even though the state doesn’t require motorcyclists to carry insurance when registering their vehicle, they may be liable for penalties if they get into an accident and haven’t demonstrated financial responsibility.
This is why it’s important to fulfill this requirement, even if you don’t ride your motorcycle often.
Potential Damages in a Tallahassee Motorcycle Accident
In motorcycle accident lawsuits, there are two types of damages that play a significant role: economic and non-economic.
Rarely, juries might also award punitive damages, but this comes down to the specific circumstances of the case. For this reason, it’s best to focus on the other two types of damages, which make up the bulk of most accident claims.
Our experienced Tallahassee motorcycle accident lawyers provide an overview of each and what they usually help cover.
Economic Damages
Special or economic damages serve as the foundation for most Florida motorcycle accident lawsuits.
This is because they refer to any financial losses associated with the crash and your injuries, such as:
- Poorly timed left hand turns,
- Following closely or tailgating,
- Distracted driving,
- Vehicle defects,
- Road hazards,
- Speeding, and
- DUI/DWI.
Each of these losses have one thing in common, which is that they are tangible. This means that they have a measurable economic value. For example, if the hospital gives you a bill for your treatment, you have an official record of the cost.
Another thing to keep in mind is that economic damages also includes future losses. So if your injury causes a disability that prevents you from working the same job, you may claim the difference in earnings you experience as a result.
Non-Economic Damages
General or non-economic damages are the opposite of economic damages.
Instead of tangible, financial losses, this category includes the physical and emotional costs of an injury.
Due to the intangible nature of these losses, Tallahassee motorcycle accident lawyers have different ways of calculating them. Some simply multiply the total economic damages, while others may come up with an additional figure based on the per day cost. Realistically, these losses aren’t the same for anybody, so it’s best to measure them on a case-by-case basis with the help of an experienced Tallahassee motorcycle accident attorney.
How We Help Motorcycle Accident Victims
Our Tallahassee, Florida motorcycle injury lawyers have handled countless motorcycle injury cases and have the experience necessary to provide the best representation to motorcycle accident victims.
Not only do our attorneys understand the law of these cases, but they also understand the challenges faced by bikers while riding because a number of our attorneys own and ride motorcycles.
Having that type of experience is crucial in understanding both the legal and practical issues presented in a motorcycle accident case. For instance, our attorneys understand that bikers are an afterthought to most motorists on the road and can empathize with those injured because of the inattentiveness of another.
Motorcycle Accident Legal Process
Here’s how to get started:
- Call us, email us or message us via our website
- Describe your case and the circumstances surrounding your injuries
- Schedule a visit to our office for a free consultation
- Give us time to build the case: collect evidence, interview witnesses, review police accident reports
- Partner with us to bring justice to your situation
Discuss Your Claim with Our Tallahassee Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, there are few personal injury cases that compare. The injuries are often devastating, taking away the victim’s sense of personal freedom and causing lifelong complications.
If you sustained a motorcycle accident injury due to a negligent driver, you need an attorney with a strong reputation. With an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and recognition from The National Trial Lawyers, the attorneys of Nonni Homola understand what it takes to advocate for justice.
To schedule a free, confidential consultation, please call us at (850) 601-1111 or send us a message.