If you lost a loved one or suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by another Ocala motorist, you could be entitled to compensation. Our personal injury lawyers in Ocala understand the impact a serious injury can have on your life and those of your loved ones.
With over 40 years of experience with helping motorcycle accident victims, Bogin, Munns & Munns provides unwavering assistance throughout the entire legal process to help secure the financial compensation needed to rebuild lives. Call us today to learn more about working with our Ocala motorcycle accident lawyers during a free initial consultation.
An Ocala Motorcycle Crash Attorney Can Help Assess the Value of Your Case
Recovering from serious injuries can take time. Motorcycle accident victims often face extensive medical care costs, long periods away from work, and in some cases, long-term or permanent disabilities.
Insurance companies may attempt to settle quickly but offer an amount that does not meet your future care needs. Our lawyers can carefully examine the details of your case to determine the different types of compensation you can pursue.
Motorcycle Accident Damages Can Take Many Forms
Our goal is to negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the impact of the collision on your life now and in the future, which can include compensation for:
- Current and ongoing medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Missed wages
- Any impact on future earnings and work-related benefits
- Pain and suffering, and inconvenience
- Psychological trauma
- Damaged or lost property
- Other related expenses
If the accident caused the loss of a loved one, with earnest consideration for your situation, our attorneys can help surviving beneficiaries pursue compensation via a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. You might be able to recoup damages for your loved one’s funeral and burial, as well as your loss of companionship.
To consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer serving Ocala
855-780-9986
We Manage the Legal Process so You Can Focus on Recovering After a Motorcycle Crash
When you hire us to represent you, we provide many services to build a strong case to support your claim. The process typically begins with a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
From there, we can gather the evidence required to identify the liable parties and prove their negligence caused you harm by:
- Proving the other driver owed you a duty of care
- Showing the other driver failed to uphold their duty of care
- Establishing a link between the other driver’s actions and your injuries
- Demonstrating the losses you incurred from the accident
What Happens When We Build Your Motorcycle Collision Case
Once liability is established, we can accurately estimate the value of your claim before entering into settlement negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company or their legal representation.
Having reviewed their offer, we may accept, renegotiate, or take matters to trial. As we meticulously prepare each case, insurance companies know that we will have the evidence necessary to receive a fair settlement. As such, it is more usual for us to reach a fair settlement outside of court.
Understanding How Driver Negligence Can Factor Into Motorcycle Accidents
Driver negligence is a term used to describe when a motorist fails to drive in a responsible way and whose actions result in the injury of another road user, passenger, or pedestrian.
Leading causes of many accidents of this type include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when a motorist’s attention is diverted from the task of driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), leading causes of driver distraction include:
- Using a smartphone, texting, or using in-car technologies
- Fiddling with the GPS or radio
- Other passengers or pets
- Eating, drinking, or smoking
- Driving while upset, angry, or worried
- People, objects, or events outside of the vehicle
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving falls below the minimum standard expected of a careful driver. It can include negative behaviors such as:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Improper passing
- Erratic lane changing
- Failing to obey traffic signs and controls
Unfortunately, there are many other forms of aggressive driving, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). However, the overarching message is that this risky behavior considerably increases the likelihood of an accident.
Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Drugs and alcohol can impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. An injury lawyer can help you gather the evidence required to prove liability, such as:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Other supporting documents
If a negligent driver injured you, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Ocala with our firm can help you prove they are responsible for your injuries and other compensatory damages.
Ocala Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
Potentially Liable Parties in Your Motorcycle Crash Case
In a motorcycle accident, determining liability involves identifying who was at fault. Multiple parties could potentially be held responsible:
- Other drivers: This includes car, truck, and other motorcycle drivers who may have been negligent, such as through speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws.
- The motorcycle manufacturer: If a defect in the motorcycle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
- Government entities: If poor road conditions like potholes or unclear signage played a role, the responsible government body might be liable.
- Maintenance providers: Faulty maintenance from a service provider could also lead to an accident.
Each case varies, and sometimes multiple parties may be at fault, increasing the complexity of your claim.
Understanding Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Law
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, Florida Statutes § 768.81, any party found to be more than 50 percent at fault for their own injuries is barred from recovering damages. This means the at-fault driver’s insurance company may attempt to shift undue blame onto you, the motorcycle rider, to avoid paying fair compensation.
Motorcyclists are often unfairly judged due to biases that assume reckless behavior or disregard for traffic laws. This prejudice can make it easier for the at-fault party to argue that you were primarily responsible for your accident, even if this is not the case. For example, they may claim you were speeding, weaving through traffic, or failing to adhere to road safety standards.
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, our Ocala motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to combating these tactics. We meticulously gather evidence to demonstrate that the other party’s negligence caused your accident. We work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you are not wrongfully assigned fault, and we won’t let misconceptions or bias stand in the way of your recovery.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries Ocala Victims May Face
According to 2024 data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Marion County saw 195 motorcycle crashes, and almost 173 injuries from these accidents. Tragically, there were also 13 fatalities.
Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of physical protection compared to other vehicles. These injuries can vary widely in severity and significantly affect the value of a personal injury claim. Below are some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents and how they impact cases.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or brain damage, which may result in cognitive impairments or long-term disabilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can range from herniated discs to complete paralysis, leading to permanent mobility issues and requiring lifelong medical care.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are frequently fractured in motorcycle accidents, often necessitating surgeries, rehabilitation, and extended recovery periods.
- Road Rash: This painful injury occurs when skin makes contact with the pavement, potentially leading to infections, scarring, and nerve damage.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs, internal bleeding, or other life-threatening conditions can result from the sheer force of impact.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can cause significant pain and limit mobility during recovery.
The severity and long-term effects of motorcycle accident injuries play a significant role in determining the value of a claim. Permanent disabilities, such as paralysis or traumatic brain injuries, often lead to higher compensation due to the need for ongoing medical care and the loss of future earning capacity. Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, may also increase based on the physical and emotional toll of injuries like road rash or fractures.
The Role of Evidence in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Evidence is crucial to any accident claim. Some of the forms of proof an Ocala motorcycle accident attorney can draw on include:
- Medical Records: Detailed documentation from physicians is critical to prove the extent of injuries and required treatments.
- Expert Testimony: Specialists, such as neurologists or orthopedic surgeons, can provide insights into the long-term prognosis for injuries.
- Prognosis Reports: Evidence of permanent disabilities or future medical needs can be used to justify higher compensation.
- Photographs and Journals: Visual evidence and personal accounts of recovery highlight the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
Motorcycle accident victims face unique challenges in their recovery. At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we ensure your injuries are accurately documented and presented to secure the compensation you deserve.
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What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Ocala
After a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps can be beneficial to your health, safety, and legal case. You should:
- Check for injuries: Immediately assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety: If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic to avoid further danger.
- Call the police: Report the accident to the police. A police report is vital for insurance and legal purposes.
- Exchange information: Obtain contact and insurance details from all parties involved, as well as witness information.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and all vehicles involved.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor for a full evaluation.
- Contact an attorney: Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer in Ocala to discuss your rights and the next steps.
These actions can help protect your health and strengthen your case if you pursue a claim.
Your Medical Records Play a Key Role in Your Ocala Motorcycle Accident Case
Make sure you seek medical treatment after a motorcycle accident. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, remember that only a doctor can accurately assess them and provide a treatment plan. Your medical records can also provide the necessary evidence for your case. Your Ocala motorcycle accident attorney can use them to establish your losses, as well as another party’s negligence.
If you forgo or delay treatment, an insurer may try to undervalue or deny your claim. You deserve to make your maximum medical recovery and give your case the best chance possible.
How Long Do I Have to Begin Legal Proceedings After a Motorcycle Accident?
Florida Statutes § 95.11 generally allows two years from the date of the accident for injured parties to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long to file your case, you may lose the chance to get compensation. This time limit also applies if you are filing a wrongful death suit on behalf of a deceased family member.
Acting quickly is crucial. Evidence such as accident scene details, surveillance footage, and witness accounts can be harder to gather as time passes. Physical evidence may deteriorate, and witnesses may forget important details or become unreachable. Delays also give insurance companies an opportunity to argue that your injuries are not severe or directly related to the accident.
Hiring an Ocala motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure your case is built on strong evidence. An attorney can immediately investigate the accident, preserve critical proof, and handle communications with insurers. This early action not only protects your legal rights but also improves your chances of negotiating a fair settlement or preparing for litigation if necessary.
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Don’t Worry If You Feel Like You Can’t Afford a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be expensive, so the costs of hiring a lawyer might be the last thing you want to consider.
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t have to pay us unless and until you recover damages. You risk nothing when you work with our law firm.
Our Ocala Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Dedicated to Helping You Recover Fair Compensation
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent party, an Ocala motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover fair compensation for your losses.
For a free consultation, call Bogin, Munns & Munns today. We are happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have about your case. There are no upfront or hourly fees involved, as we only collect payment if you are awarded compensation.
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