Who pays medical bills after a Tampa motorcycle crash depends on the applicable and available insurance policies. Your health insurance, underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, the at-fault party’s auto insurance coverage, or a personal injury lawsuit might cover these expenses, including lost income and pain and suffering. If your loved one passed away from their motorcycle accident injuries, you may recover wrongful death damages.
A Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer with our law firm can identify which party will cover your damages and pursue them for financial compensation, whether that is through an insurance claim or motorcycle accident lawsuit. In the meantime, your priority should be to focus on your recovery.
Options For Covering Medical Bills After A Tampa Motorcycle Accident
You may have several options for obtaining reimbursement for your medical bills after a motorcycle accident. Usually, in motor vehicle accidents, each driver’s personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will cover the damages up to certain limits.
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) notes that motorcyclists are not required to purchase bodily injury or property damage coverage. If you did buy it, then it will pay for your medical bills up to policy limits. Otherwise, your regular health insurance can.
You might also qualify to receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Alternatively, if they lack sufficient coverage, you could use your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if you have it. In addition, if the situation calls for it, you can file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Understanding Florida’s Deadline For Filing Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Florida enforces strict time limits on motorcycle accident lawsuits. Per Florida Statutes § 95.11, claimants generally have two years to take legal action against the at-fault party. If you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit, you will have two years from the day of the crash to do so. It can be different for wrongful death claimants, as they would have two years from the decedent’s date of death to submit their case.
Certain factors may give you more or less time to take action. In any event, it is in your best interest to start working on your case right after the crash, if possible. The court typically does not accept lawsuits after the deadline. As a result, the claimant could run out of avenues for recovering damages.
However, getting one of our Tampa personal injury lawyers on your side soon helps ensure you avoid a negative outcome. They will ensure you meet all applicable deadlines in your case.
Types of Recoverable Damages Injured Motorcycle Accident Victims Can Pursue
Because motorcycle accidents can be so severe, you may incur a plethora of medical bills for:
- Surgeries
- Follow-up appointments
- Emergency medical transportation
- Assistive medical devices
- Pain medication
- Bloodwork
- Imaging tests
- Physical therapy
Medical costs are not the only thing you can request payment for after a Tampa motorcycle crash. The crash may impact multiple areas of your life, which should be considered when filing your claim or lawsuit.
Some examples can include the following:
Loss Of Income And Future Loss Of Earning Capacity
It is possible that you had to take days or perhaps weeks off work after the crash to rest and recover. As a result, you might not have been able to earn your:
- Employee benefits
- Hourly wages
- Salary
- Vacation or sick days
- Tips
- Bonuses
If you are unable to return to work at the same capacity or salary in the foreseeable future, you could qualify for monetary compensation. In that case, you can request compensation for future loss of earning capacity. This will help make up for the pay you will not be able to earn.
Pain And Suffering
Motorcyclists may fall victim to various types of injuries in an accident, such as:
- Biker’s arm
- Abdominal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Chest trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Road rash
Just because your physical injuries do not hold a financial value does not mean you should not be able to seek compensation for them. After all, they have taken a toll on your life and affected your overall well-being. A financial award for pain and suffering can give you the resources to help you cope with the struggles your injuries bring.
Wrongful Death Damages
Sometimes, motorcycle accidents can be fatal. The FLHSMV states that there were 40 deaths resulting from these crashes in Hillsborough County in 2023. If your loved one succumbed to their motorcycle accident injuries, you may be eligible to seek compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of guidance, consortium, or companionship
- Burial and funeral costs
- Final medical bills
- Lost income
One of our Tampa wrongful death lawyers can review your case and identify which forms of losses you qualify to recoup.
What You Should Do After A Motorcycle Accident
What you do in the moments and days after a motorcycle accident can make a difference in your safety and eligibility for compensation for your medical bills and other losses. We encourage you to take these steps:
- Pull over to the side of the road if possible. This way, you will not block the flow of traffic or risk getting hurt again.
- Call 911 and accept medical attention. The paramedics can start treating your injuries right away and stabilize you. Continue medical treatment until the doctor releases you from your care.
- Call law enforcement. They will fill out an accident report, which will serve as crucial evidence in your case against the at-fault party.
- Take pictures or video of the accident scene. Make sure you capture the road and weather conditions, injuries, and the damaged motorcycle.
- Ask the other driver for their name, contact information, and insurance details, and give them yours.
- Get the witnesses’ names and contact information.
After taking these steps, consider contacting our law firm. Our Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys can take your case and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Seek Compensation For Medical Expenses After A Tampa Motorcycle Crash
Our lawyers can pinpoint who will pay for your medical bills and other losses following a Tamp motorcycle crash. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today. We will provide you with responsive legal help that serves you.
