If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle crash, you could have a viable personal injury claim. How much your Tampa motorcycle accident case is worth will depend on various factors. The extent of your injuries, the amount of your lost wages, and the length of your recovery will all play a factor in defining the value of your motorcycle accident claim.
A Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer can track your post-accident expenses and losses. They can build a strong evidence collection that will prove the value of your damages and the negligence that allows you to seek financial compensation. A local law firm will offer a free motorcycle accident claim review to discuss the merits of your claim.
Economic Damages You Can Seek In A Tampa Motorcycle Accident Claim
Economic damages have or could come out of your pocket. These types of damages are easily tracked with bills and receipts. If a Tampa personal injury lawyer represents you, they will collect the evidence and documents establishing their individual and collective worth.
You May Recover Your Post-Accident Medical Bills
Because motorcycle riders are largely unprotected from the impact of a collision, they often sustain severe injuries. Common motorcycle accident injuries range from road rash and lacerations to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries (SCIs), multiple broken bones, amputations, and other catastrophic injuries.
The at-fault party’s insurance company may be liable for covering the following costs:
- Emergency room
- Hospital admission
- Assistive devices
- Treatment-related travel
- Surgical procedures
- Required medications
- Rehabilitation and therapy
You can request reimbursement for the costs of your entire range of medical bills until you reach maximum medical improvement.
You May Recover Current And Future Lost Wages
The severity of your injuries can play a significant role in how long you cannot work. The negligent party may be liable for the wages you lose from all income sources, including:
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Freelance
- Consultancy
- Gig economy
- Business loss
- Benefits
Your compensation request will include current and future income loss for your entire recovery period, as well as compensation for your inability to work in the future.
You May Recover Compensation For Property Damage
The person or entity whose negligence caused your accident may be liable for the cost of restoring your bike to its pre-accident condition. You may recover the costs of repairing it, replacing it (if declared a total loss), and its diminished resale value.
Non-Economic Damages You Can Recover For A Tampa Motorcycle Accident
You can generally recover two types of damages in a motorcycle accident claim. In addition to economic damages, you can also seek a range of non-economic damages. These are intangible and can be hard to prove without legal representation.
A Tampa motorcycle accident attorney can compile your medical records, future prognosis, and expert opinions that define the value of these damages.
Temporary Or Permanent Injuries And Impairments
Depending on the severity of your motorcycle accident, you could experience potentially life-long physical disabilities. The impact of the collision could also result in road rash, scarring, soft tissue injuries, and other disabling or disfiguring injuries. The effects of these injuries may be recoverable as part of your injury claim.
Compensation For Pain And Suffering
The compensation you request for pain and suffering includes the physical discomfort of your injuries and the rigors of your recovery period. You can also seek damages for resulting mental anguish, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Surviving Families Can Pursue Wrongful Death Damages After A Tampa Motorcycle Crash
The unexpected loss of a loved one can cause immediate expenses and have long-term financial consequences. Your family may recover the following wrongful death damages:
- Funeral, burial, and cremation expenses
- Loss of financial contributions
- Loss of household services
- Loss of consortium and guidance
- Loss of companionship and care
If a Tampa wrongful death lawyer represents you, they can also clarify who can file a wrongful death action and when you must take legal action.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Interpret Florida’s Statute Of Limitations
Complying with the filing deadline in Florida can be complicated. The personal injury statute of limitations recently changed. You generally have:
- Two years to file your personal injury lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a)
- Two years to file your wrongful death lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(e)
The filing deadline can fluctuate based on various factors. The best way to file your lawsuit on time is to let a Tampa motorcycle accident attorney file it for you.
A Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Accurately Assess Your Damages
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will demand proof of the accident’s cause and costs and its policyholder’s negligence. Your personal injury attorney will aim to prove the elements of negligence that entitle you to fair compensation, including:
- Duty of care
- Breach or duty
- Causation
- Damages
To do so, your lawyer will collect evidence, such as:
- Proof of cause: Medical records, police report, medical first responder report, accident reconstruction, photos and video footage, witness statements, and expert testimonials
- Proof of costs: Medical bills, rehab and therapy bills, employment and salary history records, and motorcycle repair or replacement estimates
Your legal team will compile your evidence into a concise case file and present it to the liable party’s insurance provider with a settlement demand letter.
How Settlement Negotiations Work In A Motorcycle Accident Claim
Your settlement demand letter is likely to undergo careful scrutiny before the insurance company makes a monetary offer. The next steps include rounds of negotiations, including counteroffers where appropriate.
Your lawyer can communicate with the insurance adjuster (verbally and in writing) and negotiate on your behalf. If they cannot reach a fair settlement agreement, your attorney will also represent you in court.
Get Help Assessing Your Motorcycle Accident Damages In Tampa
If you or a loved one was injured in a recent motorcycle accident, we will pursue financial compensation on your behalf. Get the responsive legal care and personalized attention you deserve from the start.
Find out how much your Tampa motorcycle accident case is worth. Contact our case review team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for your free initial consultation.