Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At Meldon Law, we have seen how a motorcycle accident can change someone’s life instantly and the physical, mental, and financial stress a crash can cause. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers proudly represent injured motorcyclists in and around the Fort Lauderdale area and help protect their rights as accident victims.
If you were in a motorcycle accident and would like to discuss your right to a compensation settlement or judgment, please do not hesitate to contact Meldon Law at (352) 373-8000 for a free case evaluation. A Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer from our team would be honored to serve you.
Why Work With the Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Meldon Law?
We’ve been fighting for the rights of injured people in Florida for more than 50 years. At Meldon Law, we pride ourselves on:
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Reliability
- Excellence
- Our drive for success
We are completely dedicated to our clients and helping them understand the legal process. Knowing your legal rights and how the law works is important for everyone. At our law firm, we devote a significant amount of time to sharing our knowledge through multiple outlets, including:
- Consumer guides
- Books
- Podcasts
- Blogs
- Weekly legal talk shows
The physical and mental stress experienced after an accident will likely make it hard for you to focus on the challenge of pursuing a legal case and protecting your rights. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle wreck attorneys are a force to be reckoned with, both inside and outside the courtroom. We will take on your fight like it was our own.
Determining Negligence and Liability
One of the first concerns we will address is liability. Your attorney will work to identify and calculate your damages and determine whom you can hold liable for those losses. Florida law allows motorcyclists to hold negligent parties responsible for the harm they cause in accidents.
Some examples of negligence that may lead to a motorcycle crash include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Aggressive driving
- Violation of traffic laws
- Dangerous roads
- Defective motorcycle or parts
Negligent parties may include other drivers, motorcycle manufacturers, or even local government entities that neglect to maintain proper care of roads.
You deserve to have an experienced law firm on your side that is ready to treat you like family and fight for the compensation you deserve from all possible parties. At Meldon Law, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale believe you should focus on healing and recovery. We strive to serve our clients with compassion and integrity as we:
- Investigate the accident to determine the cause and liable party or parties
- Assist in compiling a strong and detailed insurance claim
- Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company or companies for the compensation settlement you deserve
- Prepare for trial and represent you in court if negotiations don’t produce an appropriate settlement amount
Compensation You May Receive After a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Florida is second only to California in the number of registered motorcycles on the road in the U.S. Unfortunately, Florida also consistently ranks in the top three states for the number of fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents, per the Florida Department of Transportation.
If you suffered injuries or a loved one lost their life in a motorcycle crash, the at-fault party may owe you compensation for your losses. You may be able to recover compensation, including but not limited to:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills – Motorcycle injuries can require emergency transport and treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitative therapy, medical equipment, medications, and more. In addition, many injuries will continue to require treatment long after a legal case settles, so you should always include estimated future expenses as part of your accident-related losses.
- Lost wages – Serious injuries can require a period of rest for recovery, especially if surgery is necessary. During this time, you will likely have to take time off work. Some injuries may prevent you from working due to the nature of your job. For example, if you lift heavy objects or engage in physical activity for work, a back injury can keep you off the job until you have recovered. In either case, most people do not have enough paid time off to cover the time they need and, therefore, lose a substantial amount of income.
- Loss of future earnings – Your injuries may make it impossible for you to return to your job, potentially requiring you to accept a lower-paying position or not work at all. Your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer can include your reduced earning capacity in your claim.
- Property loss – Motorcycle crashes usually damage the bike, sometimes beyond repair. You can include the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged during the crash in your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Many losses you experience in a motorcycle accident are subjective in their value and can include:
- Physical pain and suffering from injuries
- Mental trauma from the accident and injuries
- Permanent impairments or disabilities
- Disfigurement and scarring
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys will help you calculate the costs associated with these losses and include them in your claim.
Wrongful Death Damages
If your loved one died in a motorcycle crash, please accept our sympathies. We know money cannot replace the person you lost, but your loved one would want you to be financially secure, if possible.
If someone’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, certain family members and the decedent’s estate may pursue damages, such as:
- Loss of support and services
- Loss of companionship and protection
- Loss of parental companionship and guidance
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical costs
- Loss of future earnings
Florida Statutes § 768.21 specifies who may seek damages and what damages they may recover in a wrongful death case. Our Fort Lauderdale wrongful death attorneys will review the law with you and your family to help determine if pursuing wrongful death damages is appropriate for your case.
Punitive Damages
The court may award punitive damages under rare circumstances. Under Florida Statutes § 768.72, your motorcycle accident attorney must prove that the at-fault party’s “gross negligence” or “intentional misconduct” caused the accident and your subsequent injury.
These damages are meant to punish the negligent party and cause others to think twice before acting similarly. They do not directly compensate you for your losses.
Changes Affecting Personal Injury Lawsuits in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Two recent changes in Florida’s laws may impact your case, and you should know about them.
Statute of Limitations
In 2023, HB 837 / SB236 reduced the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida from four years to two years. This means you only have two years from the accident date to file an injury lawsuit, should negotiations with the insurance company fail to produce an appropriate settlement.
Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys will explain how this rule may apply to your case during your evaluation.
Negligence
A new section was recently added to Florida Statutes § 768.81, changing Florida from a pure comparative negligence state to a modified comparative negligence state. This means if an injured party is more than 50% at fault for an accident, they cannot recover compensation for their losses.
These changes are just a few good reasons to hire Meldon Law to serve you. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers can help you gather evidence to avoid unfair blame for an accident you did not cause and ensure you meet the new, shorter statute of limitations deadline. We recommend calling us as soon as possible so we have ample time to build a solid case for you.
A Motorcycle Accident Can Happen to You
Florida’s beach roads and gorgeous weather make for perfect motorcycle riding. But accidents happen, and in Fort Lauderdale, our stretch of I-95 is known as the “deadliest mile in America.”
According to recent crash statistics published by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the following occurred in 2022 in the Sunshine State:
- 9,153 crashes involving a motorcycle
- 7,862 injuries to motorcyclists
- 590 motorcyclist fatalities
In Broward County, the numbers are:
- 642 motorcycle crashes
- 515 motorcyclist injuries
- 33 motorcyclist fatalities
If you ride a motorcycle in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, be aware that the possibility of an accident is very real. Because of the risks of serious injury, it is important to know what to do after a motorcycle accident to protect your rights.
Questions You May Have Following a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale
After a motorcycle accident, you likely have many questions. Here are just a few of the questions we often hear from motorcycle accident victims in Fort Lauderdale:
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Fort Lauderdale?
First, you should always seek medical attention. Many motorcyclists may be in shock and may not immediately feel the effects of injuries. The symptoms of other injuries—such as concussions—can develop several days after a crash. If you undergo a prompt medical evaluation, you can treat your injuries as soon as possible to minimize complications.
Once a doctor has diagnosed your injuries and made a treatment plan, you may begin to feel the financial stress of your accident, including medical bills, lost income if you had to miss work, and more. At this point, you should not delay contacting a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
How Can I Help My Legal Case After a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Once you have attended to your injuries, you can take several steps to protect your rights, such as:
- Contact a personal injury law firm for a consultation
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters
- Do not sign any settlements
- Keep all medical receipts and expenses
- Document your recovery and setbacks
- Attend all doctor’s appointments, follow-ups, and therapy sessions
- Follow your treatment plan closely
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media
Who Is to Blame for My Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident?
In many cases, the other involved driver is responsible for a motorcycle accident. Drivers may turn left into oncoming motorcyclists, rear-end motorcyclists at stoplights, or change lanes into motorcyclists in their blind spot.
To determine who is to blame, your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney will investigate the accident. In some cases, multiple parties may share blame for the accident. As such, it is necessary to examine all angles of the crash to find all negligent parties. Your injury attorney can then build a case to collect fair compensation from those parties and their insurers.
What If I Am Uninsured?
Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, Florida is a no-fault state for vehicle accidents, which means most victims turn to their own insurance policies for coverage after an accident. However, this law only applies to vehicles with four wheels—not motorcycles.
If you do not have insurance to cover your medical expenses and other losses, you may face significant challenges. However, you may still have options for seeking compensation, especially if you suffered serious injuries. One option may include suing the at-fault driver.
If you are uninsured, it does not mean all hope is lost. Your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle wreck attorney can help you understand your options for financial recovery.
How Much Money Can I Get for My Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident?
The financial strain an accident causes makes this question of primary concern. However, every motorcycle accident is different, and every motorcyclist suffers different injuries.
Some factors that can affect your award or settlement value may include:
- The cause of the accident
- The severity of your injuries and damages
- Long-term complications or disabilities
- The impact your injuries have on your career and future
- Any lost wages you incurred
- The medical expenses you incurred
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale must closely evaluate your case and work with medical experts to determine how your injuries will impact your life and future. Any settlement or award should account for all your current and future damages.
Learn More About How Our Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You Today
After a motorcycle accident, you may not know where to turn. Please understand that the legal team at Meldon Law is here to help. We regularly meet with motorcycle accident victims to evaluate their rights and have helped many clients recover compensation for their losses.
We provide representation you can trust and will keep you updated on all developments in your case. Consultations are always free with no obligation, so please call (352) 373–8000 or contact us online today to schedule your first visit.
