Motorcycle Accidents in Miami, FL (Sponsored post for Florida readers)
Florida is an ideal state to own and enjoy a motorcycle. Year-round, the warm temperatures and captivating scenery make Miami, Florida a fitting environment for any motorcyclist. However, this bustling city is also the location to a substantial amount of motorcycle collisions.
According to recent studies, Florida is leading the nation in motorcycle accident fatalities. Even though only seven percent of all drivers are bikers, one in every five deaths sustained in a highway crash involves a motorcycle driver. Moreover, about 80% of all motorcycle collisions result in a severe or fatal injury, with 94% of victims being Florida residents.
While these statistics might be alarming, they only scratch the surface of the aftermath following a crash. Apart from the wound itself, lost wages and medical bills can place an enormous strain on a patient’s life. It isn’t rare for victims to endure physical, emotional, and financial hardship all at once. Since life after a crash can be challenging, it’s important that you understand how to recover compensation for your losses after a motorcycle crash.
Financial Compensation After a Motorcycle Collision
If you have sustained a personal injury due to a motorcycle accident in Miami, Florida, you may be able to obtain payment for your losses through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
If your injury is serious or complicated, it usually makes sense to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you. It won’t cost you anything out of pocket, and a study published by Chudnovsky Law found that plaintiffs represented by a motorcycle accident attorney received financial settlements 3.5 times larger than those without an attorney.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means that after a car crash, drivers have to file a claim with their auto insurance company to obtain coverage for some of their accident losses. According to Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law, motorcyclist don’t have to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, but they do have to purchase a minimum of:
$10,000 for one person for bodily injury liability/
$20,000 for two or more people for bodily injury liability; and
$10,000 per crash for property damage liability.
These bodily injury liability benefits are intended to pay the cost of the financial expenses stemming from your injury, such as your total medical bills and lost income.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
There are exceptions to Florida’s no-fault insurance law which allow specific individuals to file a personal injury lawsuit after a crash. If you sustained permanent damage (defined as a permanent loss of a vital bodily function, disability, disfiguration, significant scarring, or death), you might be able to sue the liable driver for economic and intangible damages.
Payment for your total losses could include compensation for any financial expenses stemming from your injury, along with money to reimburse you for your pain and suffering.
Getting Started On Your Case
Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, hiring a personal injury attorney can help you get the most money for your injuries. Trying to navigate through the legal system alone can be difficult and may even end up hurting your case. A motorcycle accident attorney will alleviate some of the obstacles involved and support you throughout every step of your case. Moreover, a lawyer will be able to prevent your final settlement from being based on an improper investigation and unfair adjustment practices.
You shouldn’t have to suffer because of another driver’s careless actions. Contact a Miami Motorcycle Accident Lawyer and get started on your case today.