Motorcycle Accidents

Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

When riding a motorcycle, it's almost a matter of time before an accident happens. Sharing the road with other motorists in cars, trucks, SUVs, and 18-wheelers can be difficult, since those drivers may fail to see a motorcyclist until it's too late. A biker really puts his life on the line when he gets on his hog, especially since a significant number of bikers don't wear protective gear beyond a leather jacket.

In the case of an accident, there are things you need to take into consideration that can affect the promptness and amount of your compensation. Let the attorneys at Levine & Glassman, P.A. assist you in securing the compensation you are entitled to receive.

What do I do after I wreck my bike?

There are a few things you should do immediately following your motorcycle accident that are essential to a quick recovery:

• Get medical treatment – This should always be the first priority. If you don't have your health, what do you have? If the accident was serious and involved broken bones, road rash, or damage to the brain or spinal cord, you were probably already attended to by paramedics. In less severe circumstances, however, no ambulance may have been present on the scene, and injuries were perhaps overlooked. Even if you feel fine following your accident, get checked out by a medical professional; some injuries can take days, weeks, or even months to show symptoms, and finding them now could prevent much more serious complications.
• Contact an attorney – Securing legal representation with an experienced personal injury attorney will help you navigate through the insurance claims process and get you back to normal much more quickly.
• File a claim with your insurance company – Time is an important issue in your claims process. Filing your claim immediately after your accident and utilizing witness testimony, accident reports, and medical records while they are still recent will help you get the most compensation out of your accident.

Each of these steps is essential to receiving everything you deserve in your personal injury case. Don't put off doing these things; the sooner you act, the sooner you will be back to normal after your accident. Let our firm help you in this stressful time.

How does a motorcycle accident happen?

Lots of contributing factors can cause a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, there is a negative connotation associated with motorcycle riders; they are seen as reckless and unsafe, swerving in and out of traffic as they see fit. the reality of the situation is that motorcycle riders are usually safer than most drivers, because they are acutely aware of the risks that come with riding a bike. Usually, a motorcycle accident is caused by one of the following factors beyond the rider's control:

• Other drivers violating the rider's right of way
• Traffic congestion
• Alcohol-related incidents, drunk drivers, DUI/DWI cases
• Reckless driving / failure to control speed
• Drivers don't see the rider / Lack of motorcyclist visibility
• Driver exhaustion, fatigue, or inattention
• Driver distraction
• Using a cell phone or texting and driving
• Open car doors
• Illegally parked vehicles
• Fog or inclement weather / reduced environmental visibility
• Poor road conditions
• Motorcycle Defects / Blown Transmission / Tire Blowouts

These incidents can lead to serious complications or fatal injuries in a motorcycle crash. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney should thoroughly review your case to determine the liability of other parties involved and earn you the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.

What kind of injuries can a motorcycle accident cause?

An unprotected biker can sustain serious injuries from a motorcycle crash. These injuries may include one or more of the following:

• Arm or leg fractures
• Broken bones - arms, legs, shoulders, hands, pelvis, hips, nose jaw, ribs, or other bones
• Brain injury / Head trauma
• Concussions
• Spinal cord / Neck / Back Injury
• Knee injuries
• Road rash or skin abrasions

Suffering any of these injuries can be a headache (or worse). Contact the attorneys at Levine & Glassman today if you've been injures as the result of a negligent driver hitting you on your motorcycle.

How do I deal with my insurance claim?

You may have some questions about an insurance claim in the case of a motorcycle accident. We have provided some answers for you:

• How should I deal with insurance adjusters?

  The other drivers' insurance adjusters – The other driver involved in the accident will have their own property damage and/or bodily injury insurance adjusters call you. These adjusters representing the interests of the other party, so having a lawyer deal with them is your best bet. The bodily injury adjuster is particularly the one you'll want to avoid; they'll do everything they can to discredit your claim. If they ask you to give a recorded statement or sign a medical release form, do not do it.. They simply want to use that information against you. Politely refuse, and be persistent; tell them "no" until they stop asking. Remember, don't sign or agree to anything a third party adjuster says without consulting your attorney first.

  Your claim adjuster - If you have coverage for your incident, your insurance company will assign you an adjuster, who should be on your side in filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance. Be prompt in filing a claim after the accident to make this process go as smoothly as possible. Consult an attorney for advice if you're ever unsure about how to deal with an insurance adjuster.

• What about my bike?

  Florida law requires driver to have a minimum of $10,000 in coverage for both property damage and bodily injury. This covers property damage to your bike and your medical expenses. The compensation you receive from this will depend on your deductible, factors that contributing factors to the accident, and fault for the accident. You should have an attorney available to review all of the related documents, including police reports and witness statements, so they can find out what happened in-depth and address the right issues throughout the case.

• How will I pay for my medical bills?

  Medical bills after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially with the lack of protection bikers face. The insurance companies will want to pay as little as possible for your injuries, especially when the damage is from a negligent driver. The injury may result in damages that consist of medical bills, compensation for lost wages, mental pain and anguish, rehabilitation, and continued medical care. It’s important to contact an attorney that will be committed to your best interests.

We have provided you with this information to help you find out what you need to do after a motorcycle accident, but there is no substitute for speaking directly with an attorney about your individual situation.

What kind of motorcycles are involved in crashes?

Generally, two-wheeled riders of all kinds are involved in accidents with other motor vehicles. If it's street legal, chances are that it has been involved in a street accident. Some of the most common models of bikes include:

• Cruisers / Choppers / Harley Davidson
• Sport Bikes / "Crotch Rockets" / Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki
• Touring Bikes
• Dirt Bike / Off Road
• Dual Sport
• Mopeds

A rider on any of these bikes can sustain serious injuries when involved in an accident with another vehicle. It's important to contact an attorney to secure the representation you need to fight for your compensation.

Levine & Glassman, P.A. - Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

We at Levine & Glassman, P.A. are here to help if you've been injured while riding your motorcycle. Our attorneys will fight for your right to fair compensation with the experience, integrity, and resolve that defines our firm. Contact us via phone at (954) 332-6100 or by contact form to set up a free case evaluation if you're an injured biker in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, or the rest of Southeast Florida.

Motorcycle Safety Information Center

Florida Rider Training Program - Florida DHSMV program to encourage safety and awareness for bikers on the road

Florida Safety Council - Motorcycle Training Courses - Independent organization dedicated to promoting safe practices throughout Florida

Motorcycle Safety Foundation - Non-profit organization that offers training and licensing courses for riders nationwide along with safety-based videos and interactive tools that help to make riders safer on the roadways

U.S. Department of Transportation Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards - The DoT has safety standards and regulations regarding the use of motorcycle helmets as stated in the Motor Carrier Vehicle Safety Standards Sec. 571.218.