Protecting Your Rights and Seeking Justice: Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Englander Peebles is an experienced, reputable law firm based in Fort Lauderdale. We have distinguished ourselves with a focus on motorcycle accident cases. At our firm, you will find a dedicated Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer ready to help you. With a team of seasoned lawyers committed to delivering legal representation, our firm has established a track record of aiding accident victims in their pursuit of justice. Englander Peebles is dedicated to providing comprehensive services that encompass thorough investigations, legal advice, and representation in insurance claims. Our specialties extend to negotiation with insurance companies, litigation, and trial representation. We’re here to further discuss with you the range of services and specialties offered by Englander Peebles, as well as highlight our unwavering commitment to assisting clients in navigating the legal complexities associated with motorcycle accidents. Contact us today to connect with a motorcycle accident attorney.

As fun as motorcycles are to ride along the ocean views in Fort Lauderdale, they do not protect the bikers in the same way a car does. This is why motorcycle accident injuries are often so severe, as is the emotional distress that often accompanies a serious injury. In case of a crash, there is no metal frame, airbags, or seat belts to shield your body. It is also why your motorcycle accident claim must be handled by professionals who can get you the compensation you deserve.

Unfortunately, in Florida, there is a stereotype about motorcycle riders being reckless or “risk-takers” that can influence how the justice system perceives your accident. You could be the most responsible motorcyclist in the world, but you might still get blamed for what happened, even if you had the right of way. Don’t let a negligent driver put the blame on you. Insurance adjusters often try to take advantage of this bias. As a result, you are likely to be offered a settlement that is far lower than what is fair. If the insurance company refuses what you are owed, don’t pay for your own injuries. Bring in a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle crash lawyer who has experience with injured motorcyclists like yourself.

At Englander Peebles, our motorcycle accident lawyers represent crash victims and their families in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas. If you have been injured or lost a loved one while riding your bike because of someone else’s fault, call us at 561-556-6786 or get in touch with us online to schedule a free consultation.

 

Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Injury Laws

Motor vehicle drivers across Florida are covered by no-fault insurance which means that their own insurance will cover their medical bills and other expenses, regardless of who caused the car accident.

Unfortunately, this rule does not apply to motorcyclists. If you get into an accident while operating your bike, you cannot simply turn to your own insurance. Instead, you will have to go after the other driver’s insurance to recover compensation you need. This means filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit and proving that the other driver was at fault.

This is where the evidence collected by your Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys can come in handy. At Englander Peebles, we:

• Obtain the official crash report prepared by the law enforcement officers (this report contains an assessment of fault)
• Talk to eyewitnesses
• Take pictures from the crash scene, including damage to the motor vehicles, skid marks, and road conditions
• Collect the dashcam or surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and vehicles
• Bring in accident reconstruction experts to recreate the events to show who caused the crash
• Consult with medical treatment experts to link your serious injuries to the crash and determine their full extent

The reason for working with experienced attorneys is now even more important than ever because as of March 24, 2023, Florida has moved to a “modified” comparative negligence system. This means if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you would not be able to recover any damages.

Think about it: you cannot rely on your own insurance to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses resulting from your injury. Your only option is to take action against the other party and file an insurance claim via their insurer. With this new Florida law, insurance providers know that now all their army of lawyers need to do is prove that you are at least 51% responsible for what happened and they would not have to pay a dime.

On top of that, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases has also been reduced from four years to two years! If you want to get compensated for your losses, it hinges upon you being able to prove the fault of the other party. Doing this without the skills, expertise, and resources of a good personal injury law firm will be extremely difficult.

Fort Lauderdale Area (Broward County) Motorcycle Crashes

Source: flhsmv.gov

Helmet Laws in Fort Lauderdale

Anyone riding a motorcycle must wear a helmet that meets the Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218, according to the Florida Statutes Chapter 316. There is one exception to this: if you are over 21 and have insurance that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits for motorcycle-related injuries, you can go without a helmet.

But remember, going helmet-free might give you a sense of freedom, but it also exposes you to greater risk in many motorcycle accident cases. For those under 16 riding a moped, helmets are non-negotiable; you must wear one.

Violating these laws is considered a noncriminal traffic infraction in Florida and is punishable as a nonmoving violation. If your motorcycle crashes, and you are found to be without a helmet (and without the right insurance), you would not be able to hold anyone else accountable for your severe injuries, even if they were also breaking the law.

The Importance of Hiring a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale is of paramount importance for several reasons. To begin with, these legal professionals possess knowledge of the intricacies of motorcycle accident cases, which often differ from typical car accidents. Their knowledge allows them to navigate the unique challenges associated with motorcycle accidents, such as prejudice against bikers and misconceptions about liability. Furthermore, a motorcycle accident lawyer is well-versed in the specific laws and regulations governing motorcyclists in Fort Lauderdale, ensuring that clients receive tailored and accurate legal advice.

Additionally, these attorneys play a crucial role in explaining the complexities of insurance claims to their clients. Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries, and insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts. A skilled lawyer can advocate on behalf of the victim, ensuring that their rights are protected, and negotiating fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Enlisting the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer lets individuals navigate the legal landscape after a motor vehicle accident with confidence and increase their chances of obtaining the compensation they rightfully deserve. The right Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer for you is at Englander Peebles.

What to Do if You are Injured in Motorcycle Accidents?

Whether your bike crashed on East Sunrise Boulevard, East Las Olas Boulevard, North Federal Highway (U.S. Route 1), or any other dangerous intersection in Fort Lauderdale, call 911 to report the crash and request an ambulance

Even if you feel okay, some internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries might not show symptoms right away. Either call the emergency services yourself or have someone else do it. While waiting for help, try to move to a safe area away from traffic if you can. Throughout the process of receiving treatment, be sure to save all the medical records in one accessible place. This will be key in calculating your compensation.

You are legally obligated to report the motorcycle crash to the police if anyone has been injured, died, or there is property damage exceeding $500. If you do not do this and leave the scene, someone might report it as a hit-and-run and you could go to jail for that.

Wait for the officers to come and file a report, which you will need for insurance claims and possibly for legal action later on. Do not forget to get a copy of this report.

If you are in the physical condition to do it, we highly recommend taking plenty of high-quality pictures of the site, your crash injuries, and the vehicles involved. If there are witnesses, get their contact details. In fact, turn your phone recorder on and get their statements while it is still fresh in their memory. Your personal injury lawyer can use this information to clearly establish the other party’s negligence and determine who are the real motorcycle accident victims.

Now, you will need to notify your insurance company as well but you would be wise to do so with a motorcycle accident lawyer’s guidance. Insurance providers are notorious for twisting words to minimize payouts so avoid talking to them without legal representation.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents, whether caused by aggressive driving or negligence, can result in a range of injuries due to the limited protection that motorcycles provide compared to enclosed vehicles. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

Road Rash: Abrasions and lacerations caused by sliding on the road surface during a crash.

Fractures and Broken Bones: Impact with the ground or other vehicles can lead to fractures or breaks, commonly in the arms, legs, or collarbone.

Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur, even with helmet use, due to the vulnerability of the head in motorcycle accidents.

Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact accidents may result in damage to the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis or long-term disability.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can occur, leading to strains, sprains, or contusions.

Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal injuries to organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys.

Joint and Bone Dislocations: Joints may be forced out of their normal positions, causing dislocations that require medical attention.

Burn Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can lead to burns, especially if the motorcycle catches fire or if hot surfaces come into contact with the rider.

Facial Injuries: Injuries to the face, including fractures, lacerations, or dental injuries, can occur upon impact or if the rider is not wearing a full-face helmet.

Amputations: Severe accidents may result in traumatic amputations or injuries requiring surgical amputation due to the nature of the crash.

These injuries can vary in severity, and even seemingly minor incidents can lead to significant medical expenses. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will help you get the financial compensation you need and deserve. The motor vehicle accident attorneys here at Englander Peebles offer a comprehensive range of services to assist motorcycle accident victims throughout their legal journey. Our firm provides crucial legal assistance, starting with initial consultations and case evaluations to understand the unique circumstances of each client. With a dedicated team, Englander Peebles guides clients through the entire legal process, from the meticulous gathering of evidence related to the accident to negotiating settlements with insurance companies. In cases where a fair resolution is not reached through negotiation, the firm is prepared to represent clients in court, offering strong advocacy for their rights and interests. A personal injury lawyer from Englander Peebles is committed to ensuring that motorcycle accident victims receive fair treatment and just compensation, standing as a reliable ally during the complex aftermath of such incidents.

Do Not Fall Victim to the Bias Against Motorcyclists: Get the Compensation You Deserve with Englander Peebles

If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle collision or want to file a wrongful death claim in Fort Lauderdale, contact our attorneys at Englander Peebles and maximize your chances of getting the highest possible compensation. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys will investigate, collect evidence, and hold the negligent motorist liable. We recently helped a client in the same situation recover $250,000 even though they were originally offered only a couple of thousand of dollars by the insurance company.

Choosing Englander Peebles over other law firms brings a host of benefits that set us apart in the legal landscape. Our firm prioritizes personalized attention and communication, ensuring that motorcycle riders feel heard and supported throughout the legal process by their personal injury attorney. Englander Peebles stands out for our client-focused approach, going beyond legal knowledge to truly understand the unique needs and concerns of each individual. With a steadfast commitment to delivering results, our firm leverages its experienced team to navigate the complexities of cases efficiently.

Our dedication extends to securing the best possible outcome for every client, emphasizing not only legal proficiency but a genuine dedication to achieving justice and ensuring optimal compensation for the injured party. Englander Peebles emerges as a trusted choice, offering a blend of personalized service and unwavering commitment that distinguishes them in the realm of legal representation.

You can reach us at 561-556-6786 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We do not charge any fee unless we win your motorcycle accident case, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Englander Peebles – Fort Lauderdale Office

2122 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 206
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
P: 954-500-4878