You are not required to hire a lawyer for a motorcycle accident claim. However, you could greatly benefit from hiring a lawyer for your Tampa motorcycle accident case, especially if you suffered severe injuries, a loved one suffered fatal injuries, the at-fault driver denies liability, or your case is otherwise complex.
Most Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers will accept your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront or out of your pocket. This fee structure lets you secure legal representation immediately, regardless of your financial situation. Many personal injury law firms also offer free initial consultations so you can learn more about the law firm and the merits of your case.
A Tampa Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Deal With The Insurance Company
You need and deserve time to recover from the physical and psychological impact of a motorcycle crash. One of the benefits of hiring a Tampa personal injury lawyer is their ability to focus on your claim so you can focus on taking back control of your life.
Your Lawyer Will Handle All Communication With The Insurance Adjuster
The liable party’s insurance company is focused on its bottom line. Your lawyer’s focus is your best interests and best outcome. On your behalf, your motorcycle accident attorney will handle all communication, including:
- Phone calls and emails from the insurance adjuster
- Letters and other written correspondence
- Information and evidence requests
By letting a personal injury attorney communicate on your behalf, you avoid saying or signing anything that could harm your claim. You also avoid lowball settlement offers and any attempts at bad-faith tactics by the insurer.
Your Lawyer Can Manage Each Phase Of The Settlement Negotiation Process
Resolving your motorcycle accident claim with a fair settlement is an involved process. To achieve the best possible outcome for you, your motorcycle accident lawyer will:
- Assess and document your damages
- Gather evidence of the at-fault party’s negligence
- Create a settlement demand letter
- Field and assess each settlement offer
- Make counteroffers where appropriate
- Negotiate for an acceptable settlement
In the rare circumstance they cannot reach a settlement agreement, your lawyer will take your case to trial for final resolution.
A Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Conduct An Independent Investigation
The investigation your lawyer conducts will aim to establish the responsible party’s financial liability by proving the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party’s legal obligation
- Breach of duty: The action that violated their legal duty of care
- Causation: The link between the negligent action and the accident
- Damages: The accident’s expenses and losses
Your Tampa motorcycle accident injury attorney will aim to prove these elements and the accident’s financial consequences with a robust collection of evidence.
Your Lawyer Can Collect Official Records And Reports
Insurance companies prefer objective information when investigating accidents. Your lawyer can help you compile police, medical, and other first responder reports. They can also consult accident reconstruction experts who can document the sequence of events that led to the collision.
Your Lawyer Can Obtain Photos And Video Footage
If a camera captured the accident or its aftermath, your lawyer can help you obtain copies of the footage. This may include bystanders’ smartphones, nearby security and surveillance cameras, and traffic or dashcam footage.
Your Lawyer Can Document Your Injuries And Their Severity
Motorcycle accident injuries range from broken bones and road rash to traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and soft tissue injuries. Your lawyer will obtain your medical records from every healthcare professional and facility where you received care. These may include diagnostic test results, treatment protocols, medical bills, and prescription records.
Social Media Posts Can Provide Valuable Information
You should avoid posting information about the accident or your injuries on social media. If the negligent party does so, your lawyer may leverage their posts as evidence in your injury claim.
A Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Assess Your Recoverable Damages
Hiring a lawyer can help you avoid overlooking or omitting valid forms of financial compensation. The types of damages you can receive in a Tampa personal injury case include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are direct financial losses such as:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Past, current, and future lost income
- Loss of the ability to earn in the future
- Property damage, including repairing or replacing your motorcycle
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are non-financial losses, such as:
- Lasting impairment
- Disfiguring injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Mental and emotional distress
- Lost enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Damages
Compensation for the surviving families of fatal motorcycle accident victims may include:
- The decedent’s final arrangements
- Loss of financial and domestic support
- Loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance
Your lawyer will document the monetary value of your personal injury or wrongful death claim with bills, estimates, and other supporting documentation.
Your Attorney Can Help You Meet Florida’s Motorcycle Accident Filing Deadline
Like all U.S. states, Florida has a statute of limitations for civil lawsuits. If it expires before you file your lawsuit, you could have no legal recourse that compels the at-fault party to compensate you. You generally have:
- Two years to meet the personal injury statute of limitations, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a)
- Two years to meet the wrongful death statute of limitations, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(e)
Filing on time can be challenging since the statute of limitations can fluctuate. The best way to ensure timely filing is to let a motorcycle accident attorney file on your behalf.
Learn More About Working With A Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to a financial recovery. Our Tampa motorcycle accident injury lawyers can accurately assess your potential compensation and negotiate for the best possible settlement on your behalf.
Learn more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer for your Tampa motorcycle accident case with a free consultation. Contact one of our team members at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for yours today.