Most motorcyclists are aware of their vulnerability on the road, yet statistics show an astonishing number of accidents in Tampa. Many collisions are the result of negligent vehicle drivers, and if you are a victim, a motorcycle accident attorney can help you file your negligence lawsuit.
Negligence Lawsuit
A negligent driver is a person who fails to use the care expected of him or her to reduce, or avoid, harm to another person. The person driving a vehicle can be proven negligent by a motorcycle accident attorney when:
- Their negligence results in a crash.
- The motorcyclist receives injuries in the collision.
Types of Negligence
When a person is proven to be negligent, the victim can receive compensation for the damages. A motorcycle accident attorney in Tampa can help you understand your rights as a victim. In most cases a negligence suit can fall into one of two categories: contributory or comparative. Here is what that means:
- Contributory Negligence – This is when both parties show negligence, but the driver of the vehicle is proven to be more negligent than the motorcyclist.
- Comparative Negligence – Here the negligence between both sides is weighed and compared to determine the proportion of fault assigned to each. The proportions of fault guide the jury’s or judge’s decision regarding the amount of damage compensation awarded.
Common Driver Negligence
Motorcycle accidents can occur in unfathomable ways, but often, negligent driver cases follow certain patterns. Commonly, collisions in major metro areas like Tampa happen:
- When drivers are avoiding safe driving laws such as posted speed limit, or yielding the right of way.
- When a driver switches lanes or passes another vehicle.
- When a driver swerves in front of a biker.
- When a car driver ceases to notice a biker when pulling out of intersections.
- When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- When a driver is distracted due to simple activities such as texting or eating.
Time Limits to File Your Claim
The best practice is to reach out to a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as you can after the time of the crash. Negligence cases are subject to time constraints called “statutes of limitations.” The time permitted to file differs depending on the type of case, therefore, discussing your situation directly after the crash allows your lawyer to determine how much time you have. Sometimes people miss their opportunity to act because their time limit has expired.
Even if you are not sure whether you will file suit, knowing your time span will allow you to think about it, do your research, and speak to those in Tampa with similar experiences. After all, having the choice is better than finding out that your time expired.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You
A collision can be a catastrophic event. In the case of severe bodily injury, you may not be up for the playing the game of filing and filling out forms. If your bike was your primary means of transportation, you might be left without mobility, and we understand the difficulties of that in our current world.
A motorcycle accident attorney at K LAW, PLLC in Tampa may be able to help take some inconveniences off of your back. We assist clients with:
- Bike repairs
- Insurance forms
- Medical claims
- Liability claims
If you are facing other problems as a result of your accident, let us know, because we may be able to help find solutions for them as well.
K LAW PLLC Wants to Help You
At K LAW, PLLC, we understand the complexities of motorcycle accidents. Attorney Lisa A. Kennedy is a Florida State Licensed Claim Adjuster with 15 years of experience dealing with victims of motorcycle crashes. If you wish to discuss your case, give us a call for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney at (813) 866-8600 or contact us here.
We are all the help you need! There are no fees unless we win your case. Rest assured— we work hard for our clients in Tampa Bay.