Due to the relative lack of protection for riders, motorcycles are rightly considered to be somewhat dangerous vehicles. Victims of motorcycle accidents can sustain serious, sometimes life-altering injuries, including spine and brain damage, broken bones, road rash, and more.
Fortunately, there are compassionate personal attorneys looking to seek justice on behalf of victims who suffer harm due to the negligence of another person. Get in touch with a St. Johns County motorcycle accident lawyer to learn about your legal options.
Filing a Claim on Time
When a person is injured in a motor vehicle accident, they may want to file a compensation claim against the other driver. The right to file such a claim is granted by law, but that right does not last forever.
The statute of limitations in Florida for motor vehicle accidents is four years, as per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)a. Failing to meet this deadline can significantly impact a victim’s ability to successfully recover compensation through a civil claim.Victims of a motorbike crash often have to juggle hospital bills and stays, rehabilitative care, coordination with a job for extended time away from work, and a host of other problems. A compassionate St. Johns County motorcycle accident attorney may be able to step in and shoulder the legal burdens and responsibilities associated with filing a claim on an injured party’s behalf.
The Importance of Reducing an Injured Person’s Fault
Negligence, or fault, is usually the chief determining factor in the outcome of personal injury cases. Though some states bar a motorcycle operator from recovering compensation after an accident for which they were partially responsible, Florida does not.
In other words, a victim could still sue another liable driver even if they personally bear some responsibility for the wreck. However, it is still vital for an injured person to provide evidence of the other driver’s fault. Victims should also work to diminish their own fault in the case, since the percentage of fault attributed to an injured person would be subtracted from their total recoverable compensation.
For example, if an injured motorcyclist found to be 25 percent responsible for their crash, their total possible compensation would be reduced by 25 percent as well. A motorcycle wreck lawyer in St. Johns County may be able to help collect and present evidence that proves someone else responsible for a crash and maximizes the compensation a plaintiff can seek to recover.
Consult with a St. Johns County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
A St. Johns County motorcycle wreck lawyer could prove to be a vital asset to your injury claim. Once retained, your attorney could help to coordinate medical care, submit forms for depositions to the opposing counsel, negotiate for an out-of-court settlement, and more.
Regardless of the specific details of your case, it is advisable to have experienced legal counsel on your side rather than trying to file an injury claim on your own. If you were injured in a motorbike wreck, call today to start getting your life back to a manageable state and work toward recovering compensation.