Were you injured in a motorcycle accident in Crestview, FL? A motorcycle accident in Crestview can cause catastrophic injuries for the rider and passenger. Motorcycle crashes often result in life-altering impairments and disabilities. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you deserve to be compensated fully for all your expenses and losses.
At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, our accident attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases. Since our founding, our law firm has recovered hundreds of millions in judgments and settlements for our clients. We are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Contact our law office online or call us at (850) 407-7726 to schedule a free consultation with our Crestview motorcycle accident lawyers. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case with you.
How Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Crestview, Florida
You have the right to seek compensation for the injuries and damages caused by a negligent party. Unfortunately, bias toward motorcyclists often results in their being blamed for causing crashes even though they are not responsible. At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, we understand the tactics used by insurance companies and defense lawyers to undermine a rider’s ability to receive a fair settlement for their claim.
When you hire our top-rated Crestview personal injury lawyers, you can trust we will stand up for your rights and aggressively pursue your claim. You can expect us to:
- Thoroughly investigate your motorcycle accident to determine how the crash occurred
- Identify all parties who contributed to the cause of the collision and pursue claims against each one
- Gather evidence proving your claim, including working with leading expert witnesses as necessary
- Determine the maximum value of your damages to assess how much your motorcycle accident case is worth
- Argue against allegations of comparative fault that could lower the value of your claim
- Negotiate fair settlement agreements based on the value of your damages
- Take your case to trial and fiercely argue your right to compensation from the party who caused the motorcycle accident
Our attorneys have top ratings and recognition from numerous national organizations. We have received awards and high rankings from Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We are recognized leaders in Florida personal injury law. Our team includes an attorney who is Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law, a certification held by less than 2% of the lawyers in Florida.
If you have been injured in Crestview, Florida, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Crestview Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycles are popular in Florida, but crashes are common. In 2023, there were 9,548 motorcycle accidents in Florida, including 123 in Okaloosa County.
Sadly, most motorcycle accidents are preventable. They occur because of driver negligence. Even though Florida has traffic laws designed to reduce the risk of crashes, drivers often ignore them. The result is catastrophic crashes that injure innocent victims.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Crestview Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, our attorneys accept cases for a contingency fee. With a contingency fee, we do not ask you for a retainer fee when you hire our law firm.
Instead, our attorneys receive a percentage of the recovery amount as our fee. Therefore, you do not pay anything if we do not win your case and recover money for your claim. Learn more about contingency fees during your free consultation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Crestview, FL
Negligent driving behavior is among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Examples of driving behavior that can lead to a motorcycle crash include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Distracted driving
- Alcohol and drug use
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Drowsy and fatigued driving
- Improper U-turns
- Following too closely and tailgating
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Failing to obey Florida traffic laws
Other factors could cause or contribute to a motorcycle crash. Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, poorly designed intersections, and uneven pavement, can cause a motorcycle crash, and malfunctioning and defective motorcycle parts could be to blame.
Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents
Even when a motorcyclist wears a motorcycle helmet and other protective gear, a crash can cause life-threatening injuries. A motorcycle does not protect a rider in a collision like a car’s frame, and safety features protect occupants. Consequently, the rider’s body may receive the full force of the collision. They may also be thrown from the motorcycle during the crash.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Lacerations and road rash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ damage
- Severe scarring and disfigurement
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
Call 911 to report the crash to the police and request emergency medical services. Prompt medical treatment is essential after a motorcycle accident. Documenting your injuries is a key step in proving your claim for damages.
Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Crestview, FL?
Generally, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws require accident victims to file claims with their PIP insurance provider, regardless of who caused the accident. The victim can only use an at-fault party if their injuries exceed the serious injury threshold. However, the rules for motorcyclists are different.
Florida law requires motorcyclists under 21 to wear a helmet while riding. However, riders over 21 can choose not to wear a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. In either case, motorcyclists are encouraged to carry adequate insurance to protect themselves in the event of an accident.
A motorcyclist must also have minimum liability insurance coverage in the amount of $10,000 for bodily injury ($20,000 per accident) and $10,000 in property damage coverage.
Because PIP insurance is not applicable in motorcycle accidents, a motorcycle can sue an at-fault party without meeting the serious injury threshold. Potentially liable parties in a motorcycle accident case include but are not limited to:
- Another motorist
- Motorcycle passengers (i.e., passenger negligence)
- A government entity
- Bicyclists
- A trucking company and truck driver
- Pedestrians
- A negligent party’s employer (i.e., vicarious liability)
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers
- Repair shops and mechanics
Our motorcycle accident attorneys can identify the liable parties. We handle all insurance claims and file lawsuits if necessary.
What Damages Can a Motorcyclist Receive for an Accident Claim in Crestview?
Motorcyclists can receive economic and non-economic damages for an accident claim. Examples of damages in a motorcycle accident case include:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Medical bills and expense
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitative care and therapy
- Impairments and disabilities
- Lost wages and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Reduction in future earning capacity
The value of your damages depends on the circumstances of your case. Generally, impairments and catastrophic injuries increase how much a case is worth because it increases financial losses, pain, and suffering. The availability of insurance coverage or the at-fault party’s ability to pay the claim is a significant factor. The strength of the evidence proving fault is also a primary factor in determining the value of an injury claim.
Can a Motorcyclist Receive Damages if They Are Partially Blamed for Causing Their Crestview Motorcycle Accident?
Florida recently changed its contributory fault law to adopt a modified comparative negligence standard. As of March 24, 2023, accident victims who are 51% or more at fault for causing their accident are barred from receiving damages. Therefore, if a jury determines you are 55% to blame for causing the motorcycle crash, you will receive no money for your claim.
If your fault is below 51%, you can recover damages. The court will reduce your damages by your percentage of fault. This bar only applies to accidents after March 24, 2023.
Suppose a jury awards $1 million for your motorcycle accident, but the jurors determine you are 10% to blame for the cause of the crash. In that case, the judge will reduce your damages by 10% or $100,000.
Insurance companies and at-fault parties use comparative negligence to avoid paying a motorcyclist the full value of the claim. Be cautious when speaking with an insurance adjuster or other party about the crash. When you tell the police officer what happened, stick to the facts and avoid discussing fault.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Crestview, FL?
Florida also recently changed its statute of limitations for most negligence-based claims. The deadline for filing lawsuits in many accident cases was four years. As of March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations of most accident lawsuits is two years. However, there are exceptions.
If you miss the deadline to file a lawsuit, you may lose your right to pursue a lawsuit. Seeking prompt legal advice after a motorcycle crash is the best way to protect your rights and avoid missing deadlines.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Crestview Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When you hire a respected law firm with an exceptional track record, you level the playing field with the insurance company. Our law firm has extensive resources to pursue motorcycle accident claims. We handle the most complex cases.
Call Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Crestview motorcycle accident lawyers. Let us help you hold the party responsible for your motorcycle crash liable for your damages.
