Florida’s famously moderate climate makes it an ideal place for motorcycle enthusiasts to live and visit, as they are generally able to ride their bikes year-round. As a result, on any given day there are likely thousands of motorcyclists riding on Florida’s various roadways. While riding a motorcycle is undoubtedly a thrilling and fuel-efficient way to travel, it also exposes riders to a significant risk of injury every time they ride. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, turn to the St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyers at Dolman Law Group for help.
Because motorcyclists are not secured to their vehicles in any way, they can often be thrown from their bikes in the event of a collision. In addition, the lack of a vehicle shell protecting motorcyclists often results in significant injuries when they are involved in accidents with other motor vehicles or if they hit stationary objects.
Fortunately, the law allows victims of motorcycle accidents to recover compensation for their injuries and other losses by filing a Florida personal injury claim. A St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney can help victims make sure that they receive as much compensation as possible after a motorcycle accident and prevent insurance companies from pressuring victims into taking unreasonably low settlement offers and giving up their right to sue.
Why You Should Choose Dolman Law Group to Handle Your St. Pete Motorcycle Crash Claim
Soon after a motorcycle crash that was caused by another driver’s negligent or careless behavior, you will probably receive a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster wants to catch you before you have retained a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer because they hope they can talk you into accepting a lowball offer to settle your case.
Before you do anything, contact a law firm with extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims in St. Petersburg. The team at Dolman Law Group brings more than 120 combined years of experience protecting and fighting for accident victims whose lives were forever changed by someone else’s reckless actions. We have successfully resolved many motorcycle collision claims, such as:
- A $1.4 million motorcycle accident settlement.
- A $1 million settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle accident.
- A $415,000 settlement for a client who suffered damaged cervical discs from a motorcycle accident.
When we work together, we promise to:
- Answer all your questions and fully explain your legal rights so you can make the best decisions possible
- Calculate the value of your claim so you know whether any settlement offers are fair
- Explain the Florida laws that apply to your case and ensure we meet all filing deadlines
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding your crash to determine who may be responsible for paying your losses and to build a solid legal case
- Negotiate with aggressive insurance representatives to ensure a fair and reasonable settlement
- File a civil lawsuit on your behalf and take your case to a full trial if necessary to protect your rights
To schedule a free consultation with an attorney at The Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, call our office today at (727) 451-6900.
What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in St. Petersburg?
According to the National Safety Council, the number of annual motorcycle accident deaths continues to rise. Nearly 6,000 riders lost their lives in the most recent year’s report while 83,000 motorcyclists were injured in that same year.
These accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle collisions include:
The negligence of other drivers.
In most cases, the negligence of other motorists is a direct cause of motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and truck accidents. Examples of the types of driver negligence that can cause a serious accident include:
- distracted driving,
- speeding,
- failure to yield the right of way, and
- driving while impaired,
- as well as many other traffic violations.
Defective vehicle design or manufacture.
Defective vehicle design or manufacture of a motorcycle can result in serious accidents, as can defective vehicle design or manufacture of other vehicles that cause accidents involving motorcycles. In these situations, victims can often recover for their losses from the manufacturer or retailer that provided the vehicle that caused the accident. The kinds of vehicle defects that often lead to serious accidents include:
- brake defects,
- tire defects,
- steering defects, and
- defects involving accelerators.
Negligently designed or maintained roads.
Some accidents are attributable to poor road maintenance or design. For example, malfunctioning stoplights, inadequate signage, poor road drainage, or inadequate lane markings all could lead to serious accidents involving one or multiple vehicles.
Because government entities are generally responsible for road design, construction, and maintenance, a special set of legal rules and shortened deadlines will often apply when pursuing a legal claim arising from an injury resulting from problems with Florida roadways. As a result, it is extremely important for victims to consult with a skilled attorney who has experience pursuing personal injury claims against the government.
What are the Most Common Types of St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
A motorcycle accident can result in a variety of injuries including:
- Spinal cord injury: Affects sensation and movement.
- Traumatic brain injury: Disrupts normal brain function.
- Broken bones: May require surgeries and therapy.
- Internal injuries: Can damage organs if left untreated.
- Burns: May require painful skin grafts and plastic surgery.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Road rash/skin abrasions: Painful to clean, but necessary to prevent infection.
These are just a few examples of motorcycle accident injuries that could result in a long recovery or a permanent disability. Seeking immediate medical attention can be vital to ensuring you get the care your injuries require.
Your recoverable medical costs begin the moment you receive transport to the hospital. These expenses continue to rise as you suffer immense pain and need life-saving measures. Always seek the help you need, then give careful consideration to contacting a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer to help you receive the money you need to cover these costs.
What Types of Compensation are Possible After St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accidents?
While payment for your losses is never guaranteed, a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer may pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses relating to your injuries
- Physical therapy, medications, rehabilitation, or other ongoing medical costs
- Your missed time from work and lost wages due to your injuries
- Your lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to the same job as before
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries
Regardless of whether you have medical insurance, you deserve to seek damages if your accident is the result of another driver’s negligence. Holding the responsible driver accountable for their reckless actions can serve as a form of justice. This is especially true if you lose a close loved one in a motorcycle accident.
St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident FAQ:
Important Information for When Your Ride Turns Tragic
Riding your motorcycle in St. Petersburg is a feeling like no other. The open road can serve as a stress reliever, whether you ride on the weekends or for your commute to work. However, the training you receive cannot always prepare you for the sudden actions of another driver.
Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident will be important if you decide to pursue civil action against the responsible driver. The following list of frequently asked questions can serve as a cursory guide for you in the event of an accident. Speak with one of our St. Petersburg motorcycle crash attorneys for more information.
The impact of a sudden motorcycle crash can have you questioning who caused the accident. It is imperative that you do not admit fault or apologize for the accident. While it is human nature to want to tell an injured person you are sorry, such an apology is often interpreted as an admission of guilt.
Let law enforcement take some time to determine fault while you retain the services of a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney. The attorneys at Dolman Law Group can also investigate the accident to determine potential liability for your injuries. The immediate aftermath of your motorcycle accident can create mixed emotions. You may feel angry, upset, and frightened. It is important to take a deep breath and accept medical assistance. Leave the accident investigation to responding officers and to your attorney.
Accepting the assistance of responding emergency medical technicians (EMTs) is a good idea for two key reasons:
- Some injuries do not exhibit outward signs of trauma, making it necessary for a doctor and any recommended tests to identify internal injuries.
- The medical treatment you receive could help support your civil case later.
A motorcycle accident can be a frightening experience. Surprisingly you may feel normal right afterward. Shock, however, is a serious medical condition that can not only mask pain but can also result in death. Always accept medical transport to a hospital following your motorcycle accident, no matter how you feel.
Motorcyclists and motorists have a responsibility to share the road. When motorists don’t take their driving privileges seriously and engage in one of the following behaviors, they may cause a motorcycle accident:
- Driving distracted: when a driver takes their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, or their mind off driving.
- Driving intoxicated: when a driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher.
- Driving drowsy: when a driver operates a vehicle with an undiagnosed sleep disorder or after extended hours without rest.
- Driving aggressively: for example, if a driver intentionally tailgates, which is an especially dangerous action behind a motorcycle.
Riding your motorcycle requires a dedication to your own safe driving habits and the ability to react to the negligent actions of others. One sudden and unpredictable move by a car, SUV, or semi-truck can leave you with nowhere to go.
Apologies from the responsible driver will not pay your medical costs. The driver may feel terrible about what occurred, but proper care may have prevented your injuries. This is especially frustrating, and this is why contacting a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer could help ease some of the frustration.
To pursue a civil case, a lawyer must prove the responsible party was negligent. If another driver failed to use care, and that failure caused serious harm to you, consider bringing an injury claim with the help of a licensed attorney.
You can generally pursue a wrongful death claim and lawsuit if you have one of the following relationships with the victim:
- Surviving spouse
- Parent
- Child
A St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer can determine if other options apply in your case. For example, pursuing compensation for the loss of companionship you suffer due to the death of a spouse may apply to your case.
Wrongful death cases are highly emotional for family members, and the motorcycle accident lawyers in our St. Petersburg office understand this. We treat our clients with compassion and care during this time of loss. We know the unexpected expense of a funeral, and the loss of income from a spouse can create great stress and anxiety. A wrongful death action may help to alleviate those feelings.
No amount of money can replace your loved one; it may, however, help ease some worries about your future. The pursuit of compensation typically begins by negotiating with an insurance company for the best settlement possible.
Never speak with an insurance company without a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer to advise you. The insurance company representing the driver responsible for your injuries will want to settle quickly and they have a full team of lawyers backing them. As a for-profit business, the insurance company’s goal is to pay as little as possible on St. Petersburg motorcycle accident or wrongful death claims.
A settlement offer from an insurance company may seem appealing as you face mounting medical costs. However, accepting the insurance company’s settlement offer will prevent you from seeking additional compensation in the future. If your medical condition worsens, this can leave you without the funds you need for your medical care.
St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyers can recognize when an insurance company is using tactics designed to underpay an accident victim. A lawyer can help by countering this behavior on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not possible out of court, your attorney should be prepared to go to court on your behalf.
The reason for the urgency when it comes to legal action is because of the statute of limitations. State law imposes a strict deadline for how long an accident victim has to file their case.
A motorcycle accident that leaves you seriously injured, or that results in the death of a loved one, changes everything—your health, your finances, and your emotional state. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by these changes and to feel confused about what to do next.
Florida laws generally allow only two years for St. Petersburg motorcycle accident cases and wrongful death cases. The word “years” can instill a false sense of security and make you think that there is plenty of time to contact a qualified St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer. However, starting with a free case evaluation to pursuing compensation in a possible trial, the time can pass before you know it.
If you miss the deadline required by the statute of limitations, you may not have another chance to pursue possible compensation. Securing the services of a licensed St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer could help ensure that your case meets all deadlines required by state law.
There are ways you can help a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney build your case. You may have taken images of the accident scene that your attorney may find useful for your case or recorded contact information for witnesses. A St. Petersburg motorcycle crash lawyer can also help your case by interviewing witnesses soon after the accident—while their memory is still fresh. Other ways you can help your case include:
- Providing your lawyer with copies of your medical reports
- Following through with all recommended medical care and treatments
- Keeping a journal to document your medical progress and limitations
- Refraining from posting information on social media
The last suggestion may be the most difficult. When you experience a serious motorcycle accident in St. Petersburg, friends and family may question you about it. It’s best to share as little information as possible and refraining from posting about your accident on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Any information you share could potentially hurt your civil case. Protect your best interests by not posting any information that an insurance company may use against you, or to blame you for the accident.
At Dolman Law Group, our St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay legal fees until we successfully recover compensation for you.
The reality is that with today’s rising medical costs, you simply cannot afford to handle your injury claim alone. A serious injury that results in a permanent disability changes your financial situation. Additionally, it may prohibit you from pursuing certain dreams and achieving your personal goals. No upfront costs means no risk. Consider working with our legal team to help you achieve a brighter future.
Seek Legal Help for Your St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident
A serious motorcycle accident not only changes your life, but it also changes your family and all of your futures. Traumatic injuries, like that of a spinal cord injury, can impact your relationships and cause you incredible stress. You should not pay for all of the costs associated with your accident injuries. Pursuing a civil claim and lawsuit is your one opportunity to secure the best compensation possible.
If you suffered serious injuries due to a dangerous driver, or you lost a close loved one, you should contact a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Protecting your financial future is imperative when it comes to your medical needs. A motorcycle ride in and around beautiful St. Petersburg should not result in life-changing injuries. A St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer could help you; consider reaching out to one of ours today.
Contact a St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Dolman Law Group For a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the negligence of another person or driver, you may be able to recover substantial compensation for your injuries and other losses. Typical damages that are available in a motorcycle accident case include compensation for medical bills that arise from injuries sustained in the accident, physical and emotional pain and suffering, lost income, property damage, and future medical expenses.
The St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers at Dolman Law Group are dedicated to helping people injured in St. Petersburg motorcycle accidents and other preventable accidents recover for their losses. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call our office today at (727) 451-6900 or send us a message through our online contact form available here.
St Petersburg Office
1663 1st Ave S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Phone: (727) 472-3909