Sarasota Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle accidents are, unfortunately, a frequent occurrence on the roads of Sarasota, Florida. These accidents often occur for various reasons, including the following:

Motorcycle accidents are a major cause of concern due to the high severity of injuries they often result in. Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are as follows.

Head and brain injuries are among the most common and potentially catastrophic injuries motorcyclists sustain. These include Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures. Even when riders are wearing helmets, the force from a high-speed impact can be sufficient to cause such injuries. The after-effects of these injuries are often severe. They can result in long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, behavioral changes, and physical disabilities, significantly affecting the victim’s quality of life.

Spinal cord injuries are another grim consequence of motorcycle accidents. The impact from a crash can jolt or damage the rider’s spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries might result in significant physical limitations, confining the injured to a wheelchair or requiring extensive assistance for performing daily activities. The recovery process is usually long and may involve intense physical therapy and rehabilitation.

The intense force of a motorcycle collision often results in fractures and broken bones. It’s not uncommon for riders to suffer from broken limbs, ribs, collarbones, or pelvic bones during a crash. The severity of these injuries varies, but they frequently require extensive medical treatment. The recovery period might involve surgeries, castings, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation, often taking a heavy toll on the victim’s personal and professional life.

In many cases, a motorcycle accident will throw the rider from their vehicle, leading to a painful skin injury known as road rash when they skid across the pavement. Severe abrasions characterize this injury and can lead to infections if not properly treated. In addition to road rash, the sudden jolts and twists common in motorcycle accidents can result in soft tissue injuries. Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, or tendons may occur, causing significant pain and requiring medical intervention.

Motorcycle accidents can also lead to internal injuries that aren’t immediately visible but can be life-threatening. Damage can occur to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys due to the high-impact force of the crash. These types of injuries often necessitate emergency medical intervention and can result in the need for surgeries. Complications from internal injuries can also have long-term implications on a victim’s health.

In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to know what steps to take immediately following the incident. These actions are critical for ensuring your health and safety and instrumental in safeguarding your rights and establishing a strong foundation for any subsequent insurance claims or legal actions you might undertake.

The insurance claims process can be complex and daunting if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. This process can be especially overwhelming given the emotional and physical stress you may already be under following such a traumatic event. Even more so because the insurance company’s claims handlers are professionals with training and experience often focused on limiting your damages. The process is fraught with numerous steps, each with challenges and requirements.

First it is important to understand that you, as an insured, have a basic duty to cooperate with your own insurance company. On the other hand, you have no such duty of cooperation with respect to the insurance company for the at-fault party; in other words, you do not have to speak to them, call them back or give them a statement. Under these respective circumstances, you are once again encouraged to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney to at least understand your rights, obligations, the process etc. If you elect to handle your claim, then the first stage in the claims process requires contacting your insurance provider promptly after the accident. If you choose to hire a motorcycle accident attorney, communications with your insurance company would generally be handled by your attorney and statements required of you would be under the guidance of your attorney.

Once the claim is opened, the insurance company will initiate an investigation. This investigation aims to determine liability (i.e., who was at fault for the accident) and assess the damages resulting from the accident. During this stage, for example, the insurer will likely review the accident report, collect and examine physical evidence, interview witnesses, and at some point review your medical records and bills. Your attorney will again present your claim and the supporting documentation and information, to the insurer at the appropriate time. In short, the insurer is seeking to understand the accident’s circumstances, evaluate the claim’s veracity, and quantify the compensable damages.

Upon concluding their investigation and assessment, the insurance adjusters may proceed to offer a settlement to resolve your claim. This is one of the most critical stages in the claims process. It is imperative to carefully evaluate your settlement offers to ensure they adequately cover your losses, including your immediate medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages due to inability to work, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related expenses.

You may encounter various difficulties, such as denial of coverage, lowball settlement offers, delays, or other complications. In such cases, having professional legal representation can be extremely beneficial. A motorcycle accident attorney with experience in insurance claims can effectively negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, determine the appropriate time to engage in such settlement negotiations and generally assess if the settlement offer is fair given the unique facts and circumstances of your motorcycle accident injury claim. The goal is to ensure that you receive fair and just compensation that reflects the extent of your damages. They can also advocate for your rights, challenge unfair practices, and guide you through any further legal proceedings if necessary.

It’s critical to approach each step cautiously, as certain mistakes can significantly affect the potential for adequate compensation. Here are some crucial points of caution and potential stumbling blocks that need your attention:

One of the fundamental aspects to remember during the insurance claims process is consistency and accuracy in your statements. Whether you communicate with your insurance company, the other party’s insurer, or law enforcement officials, ensure that your account of the accident and your injuries remain unvarying and truthful. Speculative or assumptive statements should be strictly avoided. For instance, avoid commenting about the accident’s fault or assuming the extent of your injuries before obtaining a medical evaluation.

A common mistake individuals often make is rushing into accepting a settlement offer too soon. A premature settlement may fail to account for ongoing medical treatments, long-term disability, lost future earnings, and other aspects you may not initially realize. Remember, once you accept a settlement, you typically forfeit your rights to pursue further compensation related to the accident.

In the aftermath of an accident, you may be inundated with various documents and release forms from the insurance company. While expediting the process by signing these might be tempting, it’s crucial to exercise caution. These documents often contain legal language that, if signed without proper understanding, may release the insurance company from future liabilities or limit your rights to take legal action. Other documents may give the insurance company permission to obtain your medical records, earnings information and similar information. It is highly advisable to seek legal advice before signing any documents from the insurance company.

It’s easy to overlook the complexities of insurance claims and assume that it’s a process you can handle independently. However, this can often be a pitfall. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can provide crucial insights and guidance, ensuring your claim is handled professionally. They can help negotiate with the insurance company, advocate for your rights, and strive to get you the fair compensation you deserve.

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be challenging. The process can be overwhelming, from medical treatments to dealing with insurance companies and potential litigation. In such situations, engaging the services of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Sarasota, FL, can prove to be invaluable. They can assist in numerous ways, often significantly impacting the outcome of your case:

Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyers from Luhrsen Goldberg can protect your rights and increase the likelihood of securing the fair and just compensation you rightfully deserve following a motorcycle accident. Contact us today to receive the Law Powered by Women® legal assistance you need.