Spring Hill Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

October 20, 2023 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman

Hernando County, including the Spring Hill area, sees many motorcycle accidents. These crashes often result in severe injuries and fatalities, with the limited protection afforded motorcyclists making riders significantly more vulnerable to harm than other motorists. If you or a loved one were in a Spring Hill motorcycle collision and believe another party was responsible, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.

The experienced lawyers at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, have handled many motorcycle accidents over the years. As some of the most trusted Spring Hill motorcycle accident lawyers, we have helped clients recover millions in compensation after accidents resulting from someone else's negligence.

A Spring Hill motorcycle accident lawyer helps after a crash

Why Choose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA?

After a motorcycle accident in Spring Hill, you or a loved one may suffer injuries, property damage, and other losses. Rather than face aggressive insurance adjusters on your own or try to tough it out alone, it's best to work with skilled Spring Hill personal injury attorneys who will help protect your legal rights and seek compensation on your behalf. A dependable law firm like Dolman Law Group can provide tenacious representation to help you successfully resolve your injury case.

When you connect with our attorneys to discuss a motorcycle accident case in Spring Hill, you'll meet with lawyers who understand the serious nature of these accidents. We also understand that insurance companies have certain biases against motorcyclists, which could lead insurers to work harder to reduce or deny your claim and lawsuit.

In addition to assisting with the claims process, we offer litigation services for clients whose cases go to trial. Our lawyers are experienced litigators who have extensive knowledge of local courtroom proceedings and can build a strong case to help you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Our clients in Spring Hill can stop by our local offices but you also have easy access to our office in Tampa. You'll find our Tampa office north of Upper Tampa Bay Park and south of the Tampa Bay Downs horse racing track, right off 580. For added convenience, we can also come to you or meet virtually if you cannot visit our offices or meet in person. Regardless of the motorcycle accident location in Spring Hill, we're here for you.

We have helped many victims of motorcycle accidents receive the compensation they deserved.

While past results are no guarantee of future success, here are some recent cases we have successfully resolved:

  • $1.4 million for a motorcycle accident victim who sustained multiple serious injuries
  • $1 million for a victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • $415,000 for a victim who required cervical fusion surgery
  • $320,000 for a victim requiring a cervical spine fusion surgery

Reach out for a free consultation with our attorneys to find out whether you have a case we can handle. We'll review the details of your case and help you discover the options available. Call our office today or contact us online for your free consultation.

What Compensation Can a Spring Hill Motorcycle Accident Attorney Recover for You?

Accident victims may be able to recover various damages in Spring Hill motorcycle collision cases. These accidents often result in serious or even fatal injuries to motorcyclists and others, along with costly property damage. Victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages in these cases.

Economic damages are typically easy to calculate and account for various expenses, including medical treatment, property damage, and rehabilitation. These cases usually also involve non-economic damages that aren't as easy to calculate and are more subjective.

The economic damages a Spring Hill motorcycle crash attorney could recover include:

  • Medical bills, including the cost of ambulances and hospitalization
  • Future medical expenses related to the injuries sustained in the crash
  • Lost income resulting from recovery periods or disability that render an employee unable to work
  • Lost earning capacity that results from a disability
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation, including vocational rehabilitation
  • Vehicle damage and other types of property damage

Victims may also seek compensation for non-economic damages such as:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium (relationship)
  • Mental anguish, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In addition to these damages that compensate victims for their losses and suffering, cases may involve punitive damages. The court may award these to punish defendants who were grossly negligent in causing an accident. These damages aim to prevent the defendant and others from engaging in similar levels of negligence or malicious behavior. Punitive damages are not common in Florida courts.

If you're unsure how much your case is worth and the damages involved, the Spring Hill motorcycle accident attorneys at Dolman Law Group can help. We'll look at all of the details of your case to determine how much it's worth, including accounting for all potential economic and non-economic damages. We may also determine whether punitive damages might come into play.

Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Take Place Around Spring Hill, Florida?

Unfortunately, many accidents occur in and around Spring Hill, Florida. Often, these situations involve motorcyclists. Recent crash data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) counted 8,639 motorcycle accidents in Florida in a single year, with 624 motorcycle accidents resulting in fatalities. Even if accidents aren't fatal, the exposure of motorcyclists without the protection of a vehicle often leads to serious injuries that result in permanent damage and disability.

Certain streets are more dangerous than others in Hernando County in and around Spring Hills. U.S. 19 is among the most dangerous roads in this area, with many accidents occurring on this stretch. People may get involved in accidents at all times, whether passing through the area to or from Tampa or on their commute to or from work. Drivers and motorcyclists unfamiliar with the area may not be familiar with the roadways or where they lead, which could further increase the risk of making the wrong maneuvers.

How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

Florida has a statute of limitations in place for motorcycle and other vehicle accidents. This statute gives accident victims a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit with the courts. In Florida, the statute of limitations for accidents resulting from negligence is only two years. After this time passes, victims will either struggle or find it impossible to recover compensation from the responsible party, even when they have an otherwise successful case.

The experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at Dolman Law Group can help victims of motorcycle accidents recover the compensation they deserve within the deadlines required by state law. We may be able to provide representation for you if you believe that another party's negligence contributed to an accident and subsequent injuries and other damages.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Spring Hill, FL

Some types of motorcycle accidents in Spring Hill and across the country are more common than others. A few of the most common types of accidents involving motorcycles include:

  • Head-On Collisions. These accidents occur when a motorcyclist collides head-on with another vehicle. The high speeds of both vehicles traveling in opposite directions often lead to some of the most serious injuries upon impact. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), these accidents account for 58 percent of motorcycle accident fatalities.
  • Left-Turn Accidents. Motorcycle accidents often occur when motorists either fail to notice a motorcyclist or adjust their speed improperly and make an unexpected left turn. The vehicle then hits the motorcycle when either overtaking the motorcycle or crossing an intersection.
  • Impaired Driving Accidents. Other motorists may operate vehicles when impaired, whether under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Driving while intoxicated greatly reduces awareness, reaction time, and judgment, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
  • Lane-Switching Accidents. Motorcyclists can be hard to see on congested highways because they are smaller and may slip into a driver's blind spot more often than a full-size car or truck. Auto drivers may suddenly change lanes without seeing a motorcyclist, causing the rider to either take evasive actions or run into the car which leads to a crash.

Typical Injuries Our Spring Hill Motorcycle Crash Attorneys Handle

Because of the physical exposure involved in riding a motorcycle, when a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, they will likely sustain severe injuries that may include:

Let Us Do the Negotiating With Insurance Companies

You may consider filing a claim with the responsible insurers on your own following a Spring Hill motorcycle accident, but this process will likely result in an unfair settlement. Insurance adjusters may appear helpful and eager to give you a fair settlement based on the nature of your accident, but adjusters are not looking out for your bests interests.

Instead, adjusters work for insurance companies that want to avoid large payouts when possible. As they look for ways to minimize settlements, they'll find many reasons to reduce your settlement or deny your claim entirely.

When negotiating with insurance companies, you may make some mistakes if you're unfamiliar with the claims process. You may inadvertently make a compromising statement or give insurance adjusters damaging information, leading to a reduced offer or claim denial.

If you want to avoid potential issues with insurance negotiations after an accident, you should consult a Spring Hill motorcycle accident lawyer first. Our attorneys at Dolman Law Group have the experience to handle negotiations so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery. We can connect with insurers, prepare statements, and properly organize and present evidence to help maximize your settlement.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Spring Hill

Spring Hill motorcycle accident lawyer

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Spring Hill, there are some steps you should take to increase your chances of filing a successful claim and making a full recovery. The following are some specific courses of action:

Seek Treatment

The most important step to take is to ensure you and other victims receive the treatment you need. If you require immediate treatment after an accident, wait for an ambulance to arrive. If you haven't sustained immediately visible injuries, you should still see a doctor at your earliest convenience to get a proper medical examination.

A medical professional can assess your health, prescribe treatment for any injuries before they become more severe, and generate medical records that can help support a claim. It's also important to adhere to your doctor's treatment plans throughout your recovery.

Contact the Authorities

If anyone sustains injuries or significant property damage develops, contact the authorities. The police will be able to create an official police report, and you can provide any pertinent details about the case to the police while your memory is still fresh.

Collect Information From the Parties Involved

You should also exchange all relevant information with other motorists and witnesses involved. You should get information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details.

Gather and Maintain Evidence

Another critical step is collecting as much information as possible about the accident. This could include photos or video footage of any property damage and injuries and witness statements.

Speak With an Attorney

Before reaching out to insurers or responding to initial settlement offers, you may want to consult an experienced Spring Hill motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can review your case and determine which steps to take based on the details involved.

What Are the Common Causes of Spring Hill Motorcycle Accidents?

There are many potential causes of motorcycle accidents in Spring Hill. Some of the most common causes include:

Speeding

Accidents may result from speeding, often when motorists travel along Florida's straight highways. However, speed-related accidents may also result from inadvertently riding at unsafe speeds. For example, adverse weather conditions or features along the road could require drivers to slow down to avoid losing control.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Other drivers on the road may operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which would severely impair judgment and riding ability. Even one drink has the ability to impair driving ability. Certain controlled substances and medications can also negatively affect motorists' ability to operate any vehicle, substantially increasing the risk of an accident.

Motorcycle Visibility

Since motorcycles are smaller vehicles with fewer headlamps and overall lighting, other motorists have a hard time seeing them on the road. Often, even in broad daylight, a motorist may not look long enough or closely enough to see a motorcycle before making a dangerous maneuver such as changing lanes or turning left. After many car motorcycle crashes, the car driver often comments that they just didn't see the motorcycle in time.

Distracted Driving

Motorists often face certain distractions on the road. For instance, a driver may look at their phone to read a text or they might look elsewhere off the road, including their dashboard or backseat while driving Sometimes a passenger or child may draw them from their driving duties This momentary distraction could easily cause an accident in a split second of inattention.

Motorcycle Defects

Like other vehicles, motorcycles could have been poorly manufactured or may have defective parts. If a defective tire blows out or a part malfunctions, it could lead to a crash. The maker or distributor could be held responsible for the injuries that result from a motorcycle's defective design or manufacture.

Poor Weather Conditions

Inclement weather may also increase the risk of drivers losing control. In a city like Spring Hill, heavy rain and high winds could lead to emergency actions while driving and motorcyclists are more at risk of losing traction on the road when they have to brake or swerve suddenly. Also, high temperatures could increase the time it takes for fresh tar and road paint to dry, potentially causing motorcycles to slip.

Bad Road Conditions

Damaged roadways and other conditions may increase accident risk in a number of ways. Some bad road conditions that may contribute to an accident could include potholes and other pavement defects, poorly lit or marked roadways and potential hazards, gravel or other debris, and unmarked lane changes, among others. In these cases, the governmental entity that is responsible for maintaining good roads could be liable for related accidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Motorcycle Accidents in Spring Hill?

In the event of a motorcycle accident in Spring Hill, one or more parties might be liable. Your unique circumstances will determine who was at fault for your accident. Depending on the nature of the collision and the negligence involved, here are some of the parties who might be liable in motorcycle collisions:

Other Motorists

If you're a motorcyclist and another motorist causes an accident, the motorist may have exhibited a level of negligence that caused the accident. Drivers might be reckless, aggressive, or intoxicated and cause a serious accident. Depending on the degree of negligence and how the other motorist or insurer handles the accident, you might be able to file a claim or lawsuit.

Trucking Companies

Some accidents may involve a commercial tractor-trailer that collides with a motorcyclist, in which case the driver and/or trucking company might be liable. If a commercial truck driver causes a motorcycle accident, the trucking company also may be liable if:

  • The employee was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the crash,
  • The company failed to safely hire or train the driver, or
  • The company contributed to the accident in another way, for example pushing the driver to exceed the legal driving time limit laws.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers

Motorcycle accidents may involve defective parts or vehicles that lead to accidents. These may include components in motorcycles or other vehicles. In these instances, manufacturers may be responsible for accidents and need to pay compensation for the damages caused by their defective products.

Governments

Municipalities and other government agencies may be liable for motorcycle accidents if they fail to properly maintain roadways or warn of poor conditions. They may also fail to design roadways to accommodate all types of vehicles. If roadways cause motorcyclists or other motorists to lose control and cause an accident, governments may need to cover the losses.

Depending on the circumstances, these and other parties may be liable for motorcycle accidents of all types. Our experienced Spring Hill motorcycle accident lawyers can help you identify the liable parties and begin the claims or litigation process.

How Much is My Spring Hill Motorcycle Injury Case Worth?

Spring Hill motorcycle accident lawsuit

The amount of compensation that motorcycle accident victims can recover depends on many factors. Because of this, there's no average or universal amount of compensation that victims can expect to recover. The amount your case is worth will depend on your injuries and other damages involved, the parties responsible, and the circumstances leading up to the accident.

Certain elements of the case that develop after the accident may further influence the settlement amount, such as the steps you took to seek treatment. In general, if a victim seeks medical attention too long after an accident, insurers or defendants may argue that the victim's injury wasn't related to the crash or it was not as severe as they are claiming.

An experienced Spring Hill motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to work with you to calculate all of your damages and determine the actual value of your case. This can help fight insurance companies' arguments, as insurers often have a bias against motorcyclists.

In a free consultation, you can learn about what options are available to you regarding compensation.

Can You Recover Compensation For a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident?

Some motorcycle accidents may be no-contact accidents in which the motorcycle does not physically strike the vehicle that caused the crash. In these instances, the other parties may still be responsible for the accident if a motorcyclist sustains damages.

One example of a no-contact motorcycle accident in Spring Hill could involve a driver who runs a red light and causes a motorcyclist with the right of way to swerve in an attempt to avoid a collision. The motorcyclist may veer off the road and hit another object, potentially leading to serious injuries and other damages. Drivers who are responsible for these accidents may not even notice that they've caused an accident due to the lack of impact. Instead, they may drive away from the scene of the accident.

In a no-contact accident case, victims need to be able to prove that another liable party was responsible for the accident and that other conditions didn't contribute to it. Even if a defect in the road contributes to a no-contact accident, governments may be liable if they fail to maintain the road properly or warn motorists of hazards.

Can Motorcycle Passengers File a Claim or Lawsuit Against Motorcyclists?

Some motorcycle accident cases may involve passengers who rode with a negligent motorcyclist. Motorcyclists could risk themselves and their passengers if they practice negligent driving behaviors such as speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, impaired driving, or lane splitting.

If a motorcyclist's negligence causes an accident and passengers sustain injuries and compensable damages, they may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the motorcyclist.

How Much Does a Spring Hill Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Cost?

Accident lawyers, including motorcycle accident attorneys, typically charge a contingency fee to represent clients. This means that lawyers charge a set percentage of the total settlement amount that they recover for their clients. This payment model helps ensure that attorneys work with the client's best interests in mind, as they don't receive a payment if they don't succeed with the case.

Another benefit of contingency-based payment is the ability of accident victims to focus on recovering. They don't need to worry about paying attorney fees on top of medical expenses as they receive treatment and make steps toward maximum medical improvement (MMI).

The team of motorcycle accident lawyers at Dolman Law Group is proud to offer our personal injury clients a No Win - No Fee promise. This means you pay us nothing upfront and during your case until we successfully resolve your claim or lawsuit and recover compensation for you. We can explain more during a free consultation when we'll answer all of your questions with no charge and no obligation.

What Happens If I'm in a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident?

Drivers involved in hit-and-run situations and fail to stay at the scene of the accident face serious legal repercussions in Florida. If you are in a hit-and-run accident as a motorcyclist, a dedicated accident lawyer at Dolman Law Group may be able to help track down the liable party and hold them accountable for the damages they caused.

Contact an Experienced Spring Hill Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Dolman Law Group Today

Personal Injury Lawyer
Matt Dolman, Spring Hill Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A dependable Spring Hill motorcycle accident lawyer at Dolman Law Group can determine which options are available to you following an accident. We can discuss the potential compensation you may expect and explain your legal rights. We can provide representation during the claims process and in court if we must file a lawsuit to recover the compensation you deserve.

With offices across both Florida coasts, including Spring Hill, you can easily reach Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, at (352) 612-3437, or you can write to us using our online contact page. Don't wait to protect your rights, reach out today!

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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