If you were hit by a reckless motorcyclist or injured as a passenger, a negligent rider motorcycle accident lawyer in Indian River can help. You may be dealing with rising medical bills, missed work, and questions about liability. We are ready to guide you through your legal options.
At Anidjar & Levine, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Indian River help drivers, passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and fellow riders hurt by negligent motorcyclists.
Our team handles insurance claims, liability disputes, uninsured motorist issues, and wrongful death cases in Indian River. Marc Anidjar and his co-founder, Glen Levine, have won thousands of cases and recovered over $450 million for their clients. Call us today for a free consultation.
How Negligent Rider Claims Work in Indian River
A negligent rider claim arises when a motorcyclist’s unsafe behavior causes a crash and injures someone else. This may include speeding, weaving between cars, riding under the influence, or ignoring traffic signals. In Indian River County, these cases often focus on identifying the rider’s careless actions and linking them to your injuries.
Unlike car accidents, motorcycle crashes are not covered by PIP benefits under Florida law. Instead, liability insurance and bodily injury coverage are typically the main sources of compensation after a motorcycle-related collision. If the rider lacks sufficient insurance, your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may be an option.
Our Indian River County personal injury lawyers investigate every liable party and insurance policy to pursue the strongest recovery possible. In some cases, multiple parties may share fault, such as another driver who cut the rider off or a bar that overserved an impaired motorcyclist.
What Damages are Recoverable in Negligent Rider Accident Cases
We represent injured motorists, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorcyclists harmed by careless riders. Additionally, we assist families in pursuing wrongful death lawsuits when a loved one is lost due to a negligent rider. Whether your accident happened on US-1, A1A, or a residential street, we can meet locally to discuss your case.
Recoverable compensation may include both economic and non-economic losses related to the crash. The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, your medical needs, and the impact on your work and daily life.
Common damages we pursue include:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, and surgeries
- Rehabilitation, therapy, and future treatment plans
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage and the reduced value of your vehicle
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for eligible family members
How We Prove Negligence in Motorcycle Accident Cases
To hold a negligent rider accountable, we must show they violated their duty of care and caused your injuries. We gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, crash scene measurements, and witness statements. When necessary, we work with accident reconstruction specialists to demonstrate how the collision occurred.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to other drivers, passengers, or even the injured party. Under Florida’s comparative negligence rules, your compensation may be reduced if you share responsibility for the crash. Our goal is to clearly document the facts and counter any unfair attempts to place blame on you.
Evidence We Use to Build Your Case
To support your claim, our Indian River negligent rider accident lawyers rely on a wide range of evidence, including:
- Police reports, citations, and officer notes
- Photos and videos from the scene, including footage from nearby businesses or dashcams
- Event data from involved vehicles, when available
- Phone records in cases involving distracted riding
- Blood alcohol results or sobriety test findings in impairment cases
- Medical records and expert opinions linking your injuries to the crash
Laws That Shape Motorcycle Accident Cases in Indian River
Florida law sets specific deadlines and rules for personal injury lawsuits involving motorcycle accidents.
- Statute of limitations: Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident for cases occurring after March 24, 2023 (Fla. Stat. § 95.11). Wrongful death lawsuits also have a two-year deadline. Missing these deadlines could prevent you from recovering compensation.
- Comparative negligence: Florida applies a modified comparative negligence standard (Fla. Stat. § 768.81). If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Helmet laws: Under Florida law, riders over 21 may ride without a helmet if they carry qualifying medical insurance (Fla. Stat. § 316.211). While not wearing a helmet does not automatically bar a claim, it may influence how insurers value head injury cases.
Taking prompt legal action and preserving evidence early can help protect your rights under these laws.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Accident
After a collision with a negligent rider, insurers may contact you quickly for statements or medical authorizations. You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer. Allowing an attorney to handle communications can protect your claim value and ensure your rights are preserved.
Insurers often undervalue initial settlement offers, especially if they fail to account for future medical care or long-term impacts. We calculate damages based on medical records, employment documentation, and expert opinions. Our goal is to secure compensation that fully reflects your needs, not just your immediate expenses.
If the motorcyclist lacks adequate insurance coverage, we review your UM/UIM policy for potential recovery. Our team also investigates other possible defendants, such as an employer or a business that contributed to the crash.
Why Choose Our Indian River Motorcycle Accident Attorneys?
At Anidjar & Levine, we focus on building strong, evidence-based cases for clients injured by negligent motorcyclists. Our team works to establish liability, document your damages, and ensure the insurance company treats you fairly.
We have experience handling cases involving reckless riding, speeding, impaired driving, and failure to yield. Our approach includes leveraging crash scene evidence, video footage, and detailed medical documentation to counter common insurance tactics.
We prioritize communication, keeping you informed at every step. You’ll know what documents we need, how your medical treatment impacts the case, and what to expect during each phase of the claims process.
Our Indian River Negligent Rider Attorneys are Ready to Help
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent rider, you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. Our negligent rider attorneys in Indian River can review your case, explain your options, and take immediate steps to protect your rights.
At Anidjar & Levine, we are ready to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the next step toward recovery.
We Can Help.