St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Common Motorcycle Injuries

A motorcycle accident can result in severe injuries that could be different from auto accidents. The rider’s exposure on a motorcycle can make them susceptible to unique injuries, and an experienced attorney in motorcycle cases will understand the differences.

In a regular car accident, the frame of the vehicle and the airbags provide some level of protection to the driver and could alter the severity of the injuries. Even proper protection with a helmet and padded clothes cannot stop all injuries a rider could endure.

Some common motorcycle injuries include:

• Disfigurement
• Bone Fractures
• Neck and Back Injuries
• Head Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Loss of Body Parts

Remembering that health and safety are the most important things after an accident is essential. Be sure to seek proper medical attention for your injuries, even if you might feel fine immediately after the crash. Delaying proper medical care could lead to the injuries getting worse over time and causing more harm. Plus, the insurance company must have documented evidence of the injuries to understand that the accident was severe enough to seek damages and compensation.

Potential Damages Available To St. Pete Motorcyclists

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in St. Petersburg, FL, you may have the right to seek and recover compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. You should check with a quality attorney like The Ruth Law Team to see how Florida’s no-fault insurance laws impact motorcycle victims.

Generally speaking, there are several types of compensation available to be recovered, and the common ones include:

• Current, past, or future medical bills
• Rehab or physical therapy expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Chronic pain
• Disability
• Emotional trauma or distress
• PTSD
• Reduced quality of life

If you have questions on what types of compensation could be recovered from your accident, contact The Ruth Law Team today, and let’s discuss your situation. Remember that the specific damages available in your case will depend on the unique circumstances of your situation and the extent of your injuries. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you develop a comprehensive understanding of your potential damages and devise a strategy to try to maximize your recovery.

Next Steps After An Accident

The first step is always to seek appropriate medical attention for the situation. If you need emergency services, seek that out and attend to any wounds first. If you can stay on the scene, the next most important step is evidence gathering. If you cannot remain at the scene, you should have a trusted friend or injury attorney get on the scene to handle this. Gathering appropriate evidence often includes pictures and videos of all vehicles involved in the crash, contact information of any witnesses, and insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident. Your lawyer will need quality evidence to build and present a strong case on your behalf.

The Florida Statute of Limitations

Florida law regarding the statute of limitations for injury claims changed in 2023. Florida law requires that personal injury negligence claims be filed within two years of the accident date. However, prior to the change in legislation, plaintiffs had four years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Depending on the date of your injury, a four-year statute of limitations could still apply. The statute of limitations is strict, and failure to file within the prescribed time may result in your case being dismissed. This is why you should consult with an attorney immediately following your injury. They can advise what the statute of limitation(s) is or are in your case. Some rare exceptions may apply in certain situations, such as:

• Delayed Discovery of Injury: If you did not discover your injury immediately, the statute of limitations may be extended from the date you reasonably should have discovered the injury. This exception typically applies to cases involving medical malpractice or exposure to toxic substances.
• Fraud or Concealment: If the responsible party intentionally concealed their wrongdoing or misled you about the cause of your injuries, the statute of limitations may be extended to allow you additional time to file your claim.
• Minors and Incapacitated Persons: If the injury victim is a minor or was legally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended until they turn 18 or regain capacity, respectively.

Statutes of limitations are very strict deadlines, and exceptions are rare. Be sure to consult with a personal injury attorney who is familiar with the newer changes in Florida Law to ensure your rights are protected moving forward.

Should You Talk to the Insurance Company?

In our experience, speaking with any insurance company before talking with your attorney is not recommended. Providing a recorded statement to insurance companies could damage your case to seek damages and compensation because insurance representatives are trained to ask specific questions that can put you in a compromised position. Any answers could (and likely will) be used against you in a potential claim or lawsuit.

The insurance representatives likely will contact you within a few days of the accident and request a conversation. If you feel you deserve compensation for the accident, we recommend you tell the insurance company that your attorney will take over all communication moving forward.