Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

People throughout Palm Harbor enjoy riding motorcycles. It is an appealing and convenient mode of transportation for many who travel throughout the area. However, a fun ride can quickly turn into a disaster when you encounter a negligent driver on the road.

A motorcycle accident in Palm Harbor can leave you with serious injuries and exorbitant medical bills. You may also have to take time off work to recover, resulting in lost wages. Additionally, you likely have significant property damage, and the trauma of the motorcycle accident could leave you with emotional distress and other psychological injuries.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle collision with another vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages and losses. A Palm Harbor motorcycle accident lawyer from the Dolman Law Group can guide you through the process of filing a claim against the parties responsible and work diligently to help you recover compensation. 

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Partner With Dolman Law Group Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Palm Harbor

Our team of Palm Harbor personal injury lawyers understands the challenges a motorcyclist must deal with in the fight for compensation after a traffic accident. We have handled hundreds of motorcycle accident cases, securing fair compensation for individuals and families suffering needlessly due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing.

Insurers may be too quick to assign blame to a motorcycle rider or may not take your injuries and losses seriously. At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests throughout your case. We will develop legal strategies tailored to your specific needs and goals, and you can rely on us to help you get the highest financial recovery possible.

We know the devastation a motorcycle accident can cause to your health and your life. We want to help you move forward from this traumatic accident and set a path forward for yourself and your loved ones.

Compensation We Have Recovered for Clients in Motorcycle Collisions

We have substantial experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents throughout Palm Harbor and statewide. We are proud to help injured riders fight for the compensation they deserve after an accident.

While these past results cannot guarantee the outcome of future claims, our previous successes include:

• A $1.4 million settlement for a client in a serious motorcycle accident
• A $1 million recovery for the victim of traumatic brain injuries in a motorcycle collision
• A $750,000 insurance settlement for a motorcycle accident victim after sustaining multiple injuries including a TBI and severe shoulder injury

Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur In and Around Palm Harbor?

There is no shortage of motorcyclists in Palm Harbor. With year-round warm weather and beautiful scenery, resident motorcycle riders and visitors flock to the roadways on any given day for their commute and travels. In fact, Florida comes second behind California for the highest number of registered motorcycles in the country. Reportedly, well over half a million motorcycles are registered in Florida

The popularity of motorcycles in Palm Harbor is widespread, and motorcyclists each day are cruising around many highways, interstates, and neighborhood roads within the state. Unfortunately, with more motorcycle riders and passengers comes a higher incidence of motorcycle-related accidents.

Some of the most dangerous roads and areas for motorcycle accidents in Palm Harbor include:

• US-19/Belcher Road
• Palm Harbor Boulevard
• Alderman Road
• Tampa Road
• Omaha Street
• Nebraska Avenue

Each year over 500 motorcyclists lose their lives in a traffic crash on Florida's roadways and nearly 2,000 motorcyclists will suffer incapacitating injuries according to reports by The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions?

The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is not the motorcyclists themselves. In many cases, the negligence of another party usually risks the safety of motorcycle riders and their passengers.

Unfortunately, there is a general lack of awareness of motorcycles on the road, and many drivers do not account for their presence or know what to do when they approach or travel alongside a motorcyclist. The limited awareness in combination with inexperience and other potentially negligent driver actions can spell disaster for a motorcyclist on the roads in and around Palm Harbor.

Negligent driver actions that can cause a motorcycle accident include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Failure to yield when necessary
• Reckless and aggressive driving
• Speeding
• Violation of traffic signals

Other potential causes of motorcycle accidents due to negligence can include:

• Road hazards
• Poor road conditions
• Defective parts, equipment, or motorcycle

How Does a Palm Harbor Motorcycle Crash Lawyer Establish Negligence in a Motorcycle Collision Claim?

Asking who is at fault in a motorcycle accident is an immediate question that will come up after an accident. Determining the responsible party plays an important role in the liability of the accident and who is responsible for the injuries and losses you sustain.

In many circumstances, it is another driver involved in the motorcycle accident, but there are cases where multiple vehicles or parties play a role in the events leading up to a collision. To determine who is at fault for an accident, insurers and courts will look at the laws of negligence and whether the elements apply to the circumstances of at least one of the parties in a case. When a party is negligent in their actions or they fail to act when required, they can be liable to you for your damages.

The four elements of negligence that must be proved in a motorcycle accident include:

• Duty: Another driver or party owes you a duty of reasonable care
• Breach: Some action or failure to act on their part breached that duty of care to you
• Injury: You then sustain an injury or loss in an accident
• Causation: The cause of the accident and/or your injuries is the breach of the duty of care by the other driver or party

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries Our Palm Harbor Motorcycle Collision Attorneys Handle

There is a high likelihood of severe or fatal injuries after a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle riders and passengers are in a very vulnerable position while traveling by motorcycle. Any sudden bump in the road or contact with another vehicle can have catastrophic consequences and lead to the loss of life or painful and serious injuries.

The victims who survive a motorcycle accident will likely face a long road to recovery and rehabilitation. For many of these motorcycle riders and passengers, their lives will never be the same.

Some cannot enjoy their lives as they once did, cannot ride again, and can't provide for themselves or their families. The reality is that a catastrophic injury after a motorcycle accident can cause a host of complications for the victim and may result in permanent and irreversible conditions or disability.

Even a seemingly minor motorcycle accident can have serious injuries due to the exposure of a rider to additional risks of harm while on a bike. Beyond the safety equipment on their heads and bodies, a rider and their passenger have no other barrier or protection to keep them safe from impact.

Motorcycles contain no airbags, seatbelts, or roll cages, and any strike from another vehicle, no matter how small, can launch a motorcyclist into the pavement or traffic with great force. A victim of a motorcycle accident commonly suffers myriad injuries that can pose risks to their physical health and well-being long after the accident.

The most common motorcycle accident injuries are:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Multiple broken bones
• Internal bleeding and injuries
• Road Rash
• Burns
• Injuries to joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles

What's the Motorcycle Accident Claims Process in Palm Harbor?

The motorcycle accident claims process in Palm Harbor, Florida, typically involves the following steps:

• Seek medical attention: If the accident injures you or a loved one, seek immediate medical attention. Not only is this crucial for your health and well-being, but it also creates a record of your injuries, which will be important for your claim.
• Report the accident: Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the Palm Harbor Police Department or the Florida Highway Patrol, depending on where the accident occurred. Obtain a copy of the accident report, as it will document important details about the incident.
• Gather evidence: If possible, gather evidence at the scene, such as taking photographs of the accident site, the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and any other relevant details. Also, collect the contact information of any witnesses present.
• Notify your insurance company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, as most policies require prompt notification. Florida requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This covers injuries you and your passengers receive regardless of who was at fault for the crash. In some cases, you may also have a claim against the other party's insurance company. Always be cautious about providing recorded statements or admitting fault to any insurer you deal with, as this could potentially jeopardize your claim.
• Seek legal representation: Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in motorcycle accident cases. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.
• Submit a claim: Your attorney will help you submit a claim to the at-fault party's insurance company, outlining the details of the accident, your injuries, and the damages you have incurred. This claim typically includes medical records, bills, lost wage information, and other supporting documentation.
• Negotiate a settlement: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to reach a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages you have suffered as a result of the accident.
• File a lawsuit (if necessary): If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, your attorney may advise you to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. This will involve a legal process, including discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial.

Having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney by your side can help you navigate the claims process more effectively and increase your chances of receiving fair and just compensation for your injuries and losses.

What Compensation Can Our Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Recover for Your Damages After an Accident?

The compensation you may be eligible to receive after a motorcycle accident due to another's negligence will depend on the severity of your injuries and how the injuries will affect your life in the future. Insurance companies in their attempts to offer low settlements will often focus on your actual expenses related to your injuries, such as medical bills and lost work hours, but will often overlook or ignore other losses that you will experience after a motorcycle accident.

The law allows you, as a victim of an accident someone else caused, to seek compensation for not only your economic damages but also your non-economic losses. Economic damages relate to the losses you experience financially after an accident and can be easily measured in terms of dollars and cents.

However, non-economic damages refer to damages that are a more subjective loss to you. Often, these losses relate to the effects an accident and your injuries will have on your daily life. These losses are much more complex to calculate as they are not tangible, but the law allows for monetary compensation for the loss nonetheless.

Damages after a motorcycle accident due to negligence can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income and wages
• Future medical expenses and loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Impacts on your quality of life
• Your loss of enjoyment in your life
• Loss of contribution and companionship
• The wrongful death of a loved one

What Statute of Limitations Applies to Motorcycle Accidents in Palm Harbor?

Florida's statute of limitations applies to all personal injury lawsuits based on negligence in Palm Harbor, including motorcycle accident claims. The state allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit against the at-fault party or their insurance company.

If you fail to have a lawyer file a case within that deadline, you cannot collect damages in court or pursue compensation for your losses. The statute of limitations applies to a wrongful death lawsuit as well. There are exceptions to this rule. These include cases involving minors and instances where the victim didn't discover their injuries until some time later. Be sure to consult an experienced motorcycle crash attorney immediately to understand your window of opportunity.

When You Need a Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Attorney After a Crash, Call Dolman Law Group

If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident that is the fault of another driver, it's wise to work with a Palm Harbor motorcycle accident attorney to represent you.

Insurance companies and at-fault parties will not act with your best interest in mind. They do not want you to recover the maximum compensation you deserve. They want to ensure their liability remains as low as possible and that they keep as much money as possible.

In many instances, insurers may even outright deny a legitimate claim for damages due to a discrepancy, error, or technicality. If they find an opportunity to deny your claim they will, and if they can reduce the damages they pay you, they will.

When Should You Seek Legal Representation?

You should seek legal representation after a motorcycle accident as soon as possible, especially if you sustained injuries or significant property damage. Here are some situations where it's particularly important to consult with a personal injury attorney:

• Severe injuries or fatalities: If you or a loved one has suffered severe or life-threatening injuries, or if the accident resulted in a fatality, it's crucial to have an experienced attorney to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Disputed liability: If there is a dispute over who was at fault for the accident, an attorney can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and build a strong case to establish liability and pursue compensation from the responsible party.
• Insurance disputes: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and advocate for a fair settlement that covers all your losses and damages.
• Complex cases: If the accident involved multiple vehicles, commercial vehicles, or complicated circumstances, such as road defects or product liability issues, legal representation can help navigate the complexities and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
• Permanent disabilities or long-term care: If the injuries sustained in the motorcycle accident result in permanent disabilities or require long-term medical care, an attorney can help evaluate the full extent of future expenses and ensure you receive adequate compensation to cover ongoing and future costs.
• Hit-and-run accidents: In cases where the other driver fled the scene, an attorney can investigate and identify the responsible party, and pursue legal action to recover damages.
• Manufacturer defects: If a defective motorcycle or component contributed to the accident, an attorney can explore potential product liability claims against the manufacturer or distributor.

Even in less severe cases, you still need to consult a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and your ability to recover compensation. A lawyer can evaluate your case during a free initial consultation and guide through the legal process of how to seek compensation from those responsible.

It's important to act promptly after a motorcycle accident, as there are statutes of limitations for filing claims, and evidence can become more difficult to obtain over time. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

The Palm Harbor motorcycle accident lawyers at Dolman Law Group will not only serve to protect your legal rights and interests throughout your case but we will take action to help you prepare and support your insurance claim and damages. Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we secure a settlement or award on your behalf.

When You Partner With Dolman Law Group We Can:

• Manage Your Case
• Collect Evidence and Documentation
• Calculate Your Damages
• Negotiate a Settlement
• Represent You in a Lawsuit

If you suffer a motorcycle accident injury in Palm Harbor, contact our motorcycle accident lawyers at (727) 677-5558 for your free case evaluation. Our legal team at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, stands ready to discuss the facts of your case and how we can help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses after a motorcycle accident.

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Palm Harbor Office Location
2385 Tampa Road Suite 4
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 677-5558

Client Testimonial

“AMAZING and understanding attorneys! Did great on my case and I highly recommend Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA for anyone that has been injured in an accident!"
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Koralis R.
Jan 2020
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