Practice Areas Boca Raton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Boca Raton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions caused a motorcycle accident in Boca Raton that hurt you or a loved one, you need a compassionate Boca Raton motorcycle accident lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve.

As experienced Boca Raton motorcycle accident attorneys, the legal team at Grife Law Firm has seen firsthand the devastation these accidents cause. We know you may be struggling with severe injuries and unable to work, and you can’t enjoy life the way you used to. If you lost a family member in the crash, your grief may feel overwhelming.

Please know that you do not have to face these challenges alone. We will guide you through the process of pursuing the financial recovery you need to heal and move forward with your life. You can hold the at-fault parties accountable and demand justice for your losses. Let us help you do that.

Contact us today to request a free consultation.

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What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Boca Raton?

Many motorcycle accidents happen because other motorists are not watching out for motorcycles as carefully as they should. Common examples of driver negligence that leads to crashes include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Changing lanes without checking blind spots
• Turning left in front of an oncoming motorcyclist
• Following a motorcycle too closely
• Opening a car door into a motorcycle’s path
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

In some cases, factors besides driver error may contribute to or cause a wreck, such as:

• Defective motorcycle parts like brakes or tires
• Hazardous road conditions like potholes or uneven pavement
• Inclement weather like heavy rain

However, even if elements beyond another driver’s control played a role, you may still have a case if their negligence was a significant factor. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can investigate to determine all potential sources of liability.

What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Without the protections a car provides, motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries in crashes, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Back and neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Crush injuries
• Internal injuries
• Road rash
• Disfigurement and scars
• Amputation/loss of limbs

These catastrophic injuries require extensive medical treatment and may cause permanent disabilities that drastically diminish quality of life. Victims deserve to be compensated for all the ways their injuries impact them.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics for Boca Raton and Florida

Florida has an especially high rate of motorcycle accidents and fatalities:

• Florida regularly ranks among the top states in the country for most motorcycle fatalities. In a recent year, more than 600 motorcyclists died on Florida roads.
• Motorcyclists account for about 17% of all traffic fatalities in Florida, despite motorcycles being only 3% of registered vehicles.
• In Palm Beach County and the Boca Raton area, there were 27 motorcycle fatalities and 397 motorcycle injuries.
• Motorcyclists are about 25 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle miles traveled.

What You Should Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Boca Raton

The aftermath of a motorcycle crash is chaotic, but the steps you take can significantly impact your legal case. Here are some important do’s and don’ts:

Do

• Call 911 to report the accident to police and request any needed ambulances.
• Take photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and your injuries if you are able to do so safely.
• Get contact and insurance info from the other driver(s) involved.
• Talk to potential witnesses and get their contact info.
• See a doctor as soon as possible to have your injuries diagnosed and documented. Follow all treatment recommendations.
• Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to learn your rights before talking to any insurance companies.

Don’t

• Admit fault or apologize for the accident, as this may be used against you later.
• Give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting your own attorney first.
• Post any details about your accident or injuries on social media, as insurance adjusters may try to use your posts to minimize your claim.
• Accept an early settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries and losses, as it may not be enough to cover your damages long-term.

Remember, insurance companies are not on your side, even your own. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible. Let your motorcycle crash attorney deal with the insurers and advocate for the maximum compensation you need.

How a Boca Raton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Prove Your Case

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after most auto accidents, you turn to your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage first to pay medical bills and certain other losses, regardless of who was at fault. However, PIP doesn’t apply to motorcyclists. To recover damages, you will need to prove the other party was negligent. You need an attorney who can show:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care to avoid causing harm.
• The defendant breached this duty by acting negligently.
• This breach of duty caused your accident and injuries.
• You suffered actual damages as a result.

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will know how to gather and present compelling evidence of negligence, causation, and damages to support your claim and establish liability. This may involve steps like:

• Conducting an independent investigation into the crash
• Reviewing police accident reports and medical records
• Interviewing eyewitnesses
• Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
• Obtaining traffic camera footage if available
• Calculating the full extent of your past, current, and future damages
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Taking your case to court if necessary

With a skilled legal advocate in your corner, you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery while your attorney handles the complex legal process. This gives you the best chance of securing the full and fair compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Evidence Do You Need in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

Two main categories of evidence are crucial for proving your motorcycle accident claim:

Evidence Concerning the Motorcycle Accident Itself

• Police accident reports
• Photos and videos from the accident scene
• Eyewitness statements
• Vehicle damage reports
• Expert analysis and accident reconstruction
• Traffic camera footage
• Cell phone records (if distracted driving is suspected)
• Blood alcohol test results (if drunk driving is suspected)

Evidence Supporting Your Damages

• Medical bills and records
• Proof of missed work and lost wages
• Expert testimony about your prognosis and future medical needs
• Journal documenting your injuries, pain levels, and emotional state
• Testimony from friends and family about your changed quality of life

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will help you compile the right evidence to demonstrate the other party’s fault and the extent of damages you suffered.

Who May Be Liable for Your Damages

In addition to the driver who directly hit you, other parties may share liability for your motorcycle accident injuries, such as:

• The employer of a driver who was on the clock at the time of the crash
• The manufacturer or distributor of defective motorcycle or auto parts that contributed to the accident
• Government entities responsible for dangerous road conditions
• Third-party vendors who provided alcohol to a visibly intoxicated driver

In cases involving defective product liability or road hazards, you need an attorney to help you bring a claim against a company or government body with a team of powerful lawyers on retainer. Going up against well-funded defendants requires significant legal knowledge and resources. Retaining an experienced Boca Raton motorcycle accident attorney from Grife Law Firm gives you the best chance at securing compensation from all responsible parties.

Florida’s Motorcycle Laws

Florida has several unique laws governing motorcyclists that may impact your case:

• Motorcyclists over age 21 with at least $10,000 in medical coverage are not required to wear a helmet.
• Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. Motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes of traffic or pass vehicles in the same lane.
• Eye protection is mandatory for all motorcyclists, regardless of helmet use.
• Motorcycle handlebars must not be higher than the rider’s shoulders.
• Motorcyclists must use headlights at all times, even in daylight.

Whether or not you were following these regulations at the time of your accident could affect liability for the crash. An attorney can advise you on how Florida’s motorcycle laws apply to your particular case.

Florida’s Motorcycle and Auto Insurance Laws

As mentioned above, Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system requiring drivers to carry PIP coverage doesn’t apply to motorcycles. Motorcyclists are not required to carry PIP. Instead, you may pursue compensation for your injuries directly from the at-fault party’s insurance company. This is done through a third-party liability claim.

Florida law requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage in case they damage someone else’s vehicle. While not mandatory, many drivers also have bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage, which pays for injuries to others when the policyholder causes an accident. A motorcyclist injured by a negligent driver would file a claim against their BIL coverage first.

Unfortunately, this minimum required coverage is often not enough to fully compensate motorcyclists left with disabling injuries. If a driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages, your attorney may need to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the defendant. In some cases, your own insurance policy may include underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage you can use as well. A motorcycle accident lawyer can identify all potential avenues for maximizing your compensation.

We Can Help You Get Fair Compensation

A successful motorcycle accident claim may provide financial recovery for both economic and non-economic losses related to the crash, such as:

Economic Damages

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced future earning capacity
• Property damage to your motorcycle
• Rehabilitation and long-term care costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Disability
• Reduced enjoyment and quality of life
• Loss of consortium

While economic damages are objectively verifiable monetary losses, non-economic damages compensate for the subjective ways the accident negatively impacted your life. These intangible damages can be more difficult to quantify, but they are just as real.

How to Prove Your Non-Economic Damages

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you demonstrate non-economic losses in several ways:

• Keeping a daily journal detailing your pain levels, struggles with daily activities, and emotional state since the accident
• Statements from your doctor about your physical pain, limitations, and mental health
• Photos of your injuries and scarring as they heal
• Testimony from therapists treating your accident-related trauma
• Testimony from family and friends about your changed mood and activity levels

Factors That Will Impact Your Claim for Non-Economic Damages

When evaluating your non-economic damages claim, insurance companies and juries may consider factors like:

• The severity and visibility of your injuries
• Whether you suffered permanent scarring or disabilities
• The invasiveness and duration of your medical treatment
• Your age and overall health before the accident
• How much your daily activities and relationships have been impacted
• Any history of pre-existing injuries
• Your credibility as a plaintiff

Although there is no simple formula for non-economic damages, a skilled attorney can analyze the facts of your case to determine an appropriate figure to demand from the at-fault party.

Did a Boca Raton Accident Kill Someone You Love?

If you lost a close relative in a fatal motorcycle crash caused by another’s negligence, Florida law allows you to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of money can ease the pain of an unexpected loss, a wrongful death settlement can provide crucial financial support and a sense of closure during a terrible time. Potential damages include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits
• Loss of services and support the deceased provided
• Loss of the deceased’s companionship and protection
• Mental and emotional pain and suffering
• Medical bills for care the deceased received between the crash and their death

A compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer can advise whether you qualify to file a wrongful death claim and guide you through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boca Raton Motorcycle Accidents

Q: What’s Florida’s statute of limitations for motorcycle accident lawsuits?

A: In most cases, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit for motorcycle accident injuries. The two-year statute of limitations is the same for wrongful death lawsuits and begins at the time of the individual’s death. However, talk to an attorney as soon as possible while the evidence is fresh.

Q: The driver says they aren’t at fault because they didn’t see me. Do I have a claim?

A: Yes. Failure to watch for motorcycles and yield to them appropriately is a form of driver negligence. All motorists have a duty to share the road safely with motorcyclists.

Q: Can a Boca Raton motorcycle lawyer help me get compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

A: Yes. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you are not more than 50% at fault for causing the accident. The court will reduce your award by your percentage of fault, however. An attorney can help minimize your liability and fight for the full compensation you need.

Q: Is there a bias against motorcycle riders?

A: Unfortunately, some people assume motorcyclists are reckless thrill-seekers. Insurance companies may try to play into this false stereotype to reduce your claim. Having an attorney advocate for you can help combat this bias.

Q: I have insurance, will I still need to pursue a claim?

A: Yes. Your own motorcycle insurance likely won’t be enough to fully cover your damages. You will probably need to file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver to secure fair compensation.

Contact an Experienced Boca Raton Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Boca Raton Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Michael K. Grife

If you suffered injuries or lost a close family member in a motorcycle crash in Boca Raton, FL, the dedicated team of Boca Raton personal injury lawyers at Grife Law Firm is here to fight for you. With our extensive experience and resources, we can thoroughly investigate your case, gather vital evidence, and aggressively advocate for your best interests with insurance companies and in court.

Contact us today at (561) 998-0770 for your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront costs and only owe attorney fees if we successfully resolve your claim. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out.

The Grife Law Firm – Boca Raton Office

6111 Broken Sound Pkwy NW, Suite #300
Boca Raton, FL 33487

Phone: (561) 998-0770