Florida is one of the states with a large number of motorcyclists. Unfortunately, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it is also one of the states with the highest rate of motorcycle accidents.
This number has only increased over time. In 2016, the NHTSA reported a 5.1 percent increase in motorcycle accidents. Over half of the crashes were a result of a motor vehicle hitting the motorcyclist.
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash through no fault of your own, you are eligible for compensation. Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Ft Lauderdale FL by calling the Law Offices of Brian Pabian at 954-337-2288.
Florida Motorcycle Laws
In Florida, anyone riding a motorcycle has the same legal driving rights as a motorist. While you are riding a motorcycle, motorists cannot share your lane. Additionally, they must maintain a four-second buffer zone from your bike. While you are riding a motorcycle in Broward County, several additional laws you must follow, include:
- Motorcyclists or passengers under the age of 21 must have eye protection approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Motorcyclists over the age of 21 may be exempt from wearing a helmet, but only if they have a specific insurance plan granting this right.
- Motorcyclists cannot operate on bicycle paths.
- Motorcycle riders cannot overtake or pass vehicles in the same lane of the vehicle being passed.
- Motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines of vehicles.
- Motorcycles cannot be operated more than two abreast within a single traffic lane.
It is important you understand and follow all the rules of the road. Insurance companies carefully look at all the details of a case to determine whether the motorist or motorcyclists was at fault. Many companies protect at-fault drivers in car accidents. They do so by insisting the motorcyclist was responsible for breaking a safety rule.
Comparative Fault Laws
In Florida, accidents involving motorcycles are subject to comparative fault laws. Comparative fault laws allow motorcyclists to pursue legal action against the at-fault party, even when the motorcyclists were partially responsible for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced based on how responsible you were for the accident.
A court assigns a percentage to represent your level of responsibility. Your total compensation is reduced by this percentage, up to 50 percent. If you are 50 percent or more responsible, you are unable to receive any compensation.
If you are a motorcycle accident victim, it is important you have a motorcycle accident lawyer in Ft Lauderdale FL representing you in court. The at-fault party will do everything possible to frame you as the responsible party. Without a law firm helping you in court, there is a strong possibility you will receive less, if anything at all. Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys from the Law Offices of Brian Pabian are available to represent your case. They will ensure you receive fair compensation. Arrange a free consultation by calling 954-337-2288
How the Law Offices of Brian Pabian Can Help You
If you were the victim of a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident, you deserve proper representation. The expert attorneys at the Law Offices of Brian Pabian are experienced with accidents involving motorcycles. Some of the major services covered by the law firm are noted below.
Keep You Informed
The Law Offices of Brian Pabian prides itself on keeping their clients informed. If you have any questions or concerns about your case, you can call or email your personal injury attorney and receive a detailed response within a reasonable amount of time.
Attorneys with Brian Pabian understand how difficult motorcycle accidents can be. This is especially true if you are dealing with a head injuries or other anguish from the accident. Your attorney walks you through every detail and helps present all the necessary evidence to guarantee you recover compensation.
Act as a Representative
Accident claims are complicated cases, involving lots of back and forth between you and the at-fault party. This is naturally a stressful process. If you have mental anguish as a result of your accident, it is even harder to deal with.
The at-fault party may also try to intimidate or trick you into accepting a lesser deal. When you work with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Brian Pabian, he or she can speak on your behalf in most instances. This includes speaking with:
- Other attorneys.
- Accident witnesses.
- Medical professionals.
- Insurance company representatives.
Assist with Scheduling Appointments
Pain and suffering is unfortunately common with motorcycle accidents. Most victims of a motorcycle crash require at least some level of medical care. Attorneys with Brian Pabian help clients schedule and meet all the necessary medical appointments.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer in Ft Lauderdale FL also helps you work with your doctor. They do so by gathering forms and getting any necessary testimony from your medical team to prove the extent of your injuries. To make sure all your medical bills are paid by the at-fault party, call the Law Offices of Brian Pabian at 954-337-2288.
Estimating Damages and Receiving Compensation
One of the most important services provided by the Law Offices of Brian Pabian is estimating your damages. Many motorcyclists are unaware how much they are able to list as damages from the accident. For example, you can list any lost wages due to missing work as a result of your accident. You may also be eligible for compensation in any of the following areas:
- Surgery.
- Physical therapy.
- Disability.
- Loss of future income.
- Impaired quality of life, including any adjustments you must make at home to compensate for your injuries.
- Wrongful death.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations refers to how long you have to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party for your motorcycle accident. The statute of limitations changes depending on the type of accident. If you are injured in a motorcycle crash or suing for property damage, you have four years to file a lawsuit. If the accident was a result of a government entity then you have three years from the date of the accident to file a case.
Additionally, if your case involves a wrongful death, you only have two years from the accident to make a claim. Call the Law Offices of Brian Pabian at 954-337-2288 to make sure you are within the statute of limitations for your case.
About Ft. Lauderdale
160,000 residents call Ft. Lauderdale home. However, more than 12 million call it a vacation paradise. Given the sheer number of people coming into the county, the congestion on the roads and the number of accidents is high. The beautiful weather also makes it a fantastic place to ride a motorcycle. Understanding what you need to do in the event an accident occurs is critical. It could be a matter of life and death.
Ft. Lauderdale Information
Tourism is one of Ft. Lauderdale’s largest industries. It accounts for more than 100,000 jobs. Tourists spend in excess of $10 billion dollars each year. Visitors utilize the infrastructure of the area including the cultural venues and seashores. Some of the more critical city departments are listed below.
Ft. Lauderdale Courthouse
201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301
954-831-6565
Ft. Lauderdale Medical Center
1600 S. Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
www.browardhealth.org/services
954-355-4400
Ft. Lauderdale Police Department
1300 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 828-5700
Ft. Lauderdale Fire Department
528 NW 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/fire-rescue
(954) 828-6800
Ft. Lauderdale City Hall
100 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/
(954) 828-5000