Melbourne Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, a Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation for those injuries. Our Melbourne personal injury lawyers specialize in motorcycle accident cases, offering comprehensive support from investigating your accident to determining liability and filing a compensation claim.

With extensive experience in helping accident victims secure the damages they are entitled to, our firm is committed to advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (561) 655-1990 to schedule your free consultation.

Types of motorcycle accidents we handle

At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we have experience with various motorcycle accident types, including:

• Drunk driving accidents: Impaired driving remains a significant threat to motorcyclists.
• Hazardous driving accidents: Speeding, failing to obey traffic signals, tailgating, and failing to yield the right of way.
• Lane splitting and sharing accidents: Although controversial, these accidents can be severe.
• Inattentional blindness accidents: This includes scenarios like turning left across traffic or changing lanes without noticing a motorcyclist.
• Distracted driving accidents: Smartphone use has increased these incidents.
• Weather-related accidents: Wet or snowy conditions can drastically affect visibility and control.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes or debris in the road can be particularly hazardous for motorcyclists.
• Speeding around curves: Taking curves too fast can lead to losing control.

Weather, road conditions, and driver experience are crucial factors in motorcycle accidents. If you’ve been injured, a Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer from our team can help navigate your options for recovery.

Florida motorcycle laws you should know

Florida’s motorcycle laws are designed to protect riders and ensure the safety of all road users. Key laws include a helmet requirement for riders under 21 and an insurance mandate that requires riders to carry a minimum of $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred in an accident. Additionally, all riders must hold a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license, which requires completing a Basic Rider Course through the Florida Rider Training Program.

What should I do after being in a motorcycle crash?

Taking the right steps can protect your rights if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident. Here’s what you should do:

1. Contact the police and ensure an accident report is filed.
2. Document the scene with photos and videos if possible.
3. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you believe you are not seriously injured.
4. Collect contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
5. Consult with a Melbourne motorcycle accident attorney to understand your legal options.

How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Melbourne?

Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath is proud to operate on a contingency fee basis. You won’t incur any fees unless we win your case, and we offer free consultations to ensure we’re the right fit for your needs.

Who could be liable for the crash?

Liability in motorcycle accidents can be complex, potentially involving multiple parties such as another driver, a pedestrian, or even the motorcycle manufacturer. In Florida, you can still recover damages even if you are partially responsible for your accident, thanks to the state’s comparative negligence standard. Your Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer can help determine all liable parties and navigate the complexities of your claim.

How your Melbourne motorcycle accident attorney will prove negligence

To establish negligence in Florida, Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyers must demonstrate certain elements supported by the preponderance of the evidence. This legal standard means that your claims are more likely true than not. To succeed in your personal injury claim, the elements your attorney needs to prove include:

1. Duty: The person responsible for your accident was obliged to ensure the safety of others, including motorcyclists, and prevent causing them harm.
2. Breach of duty: The liable party failed to fulfill their duty of care.
3. Causation: There is a direct link between the breach of duty and the accident resulting in your injuries.
4. Damages: You have incurred actual losses or injuries due to the accident.

If your Melbourne motorcycle accident attorney can prove all these elements effectively, you stand a strong chance of being awarded compensation for your injuries. Our personal injury attorneys are skilled in investigating motorcycle accidents to determine liability comprehensively. Contacting us promptly after your accident allows us to collect the crucial evidence to establish negligence in your case.

What damages can I receive in a Melbourne motorcycle crash?

If another party was even partly responsible for your motorcycle accident in Melbourne, they are accountable for compensating you for your injuries and losses. In a Florida personal injury claim, you can pursue several damages, including the following.

Special damages

These represent your economic losses, encompassing medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, and any property damage incurred during the accident.

General damages

These cover your non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the loss of enjoyment of life that often follows in the wake of serious injuries.

A Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can meticulously review your case to determine which damages you can claim. We’re dedicated to gathering all necessary evidence to secure the maximum compensation for your losses. Contact us today to start reviewing your losses and calculating the full extent of your damages.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle injury suit in Melbourne?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to a motorcycle accident is generally two years from the accident date. It’s crucial to adhere to this deadline because failing to file within this period typically results in losing your right to sue for damages related to the accident.

Exceptions to the two-year rule

There are exceptions to the general rule that can extend or, in rare cases, shorten the time you have to file. For instance, if the defendant (the party you are looking to sue) is a government entity, specific notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply. Additionally, in certain circumstances, such as when the injured party is a minor or if the defendant leaves the state of Florida, the statute of limitations might be tolled or paused for a period.

Why are motorcycle accidents so serious?

Factors contributing to the severity of motorcycle collisions, particularly relevant to Melbourne, Florida, include:

• Limited protection: Unlike cars, motorcycles lack airbags, seatbelts, and a protective frame, leaving motorcyclists more vulnerable in a crash.
• Visibility issues: Motorcycles’ smaller size makes them less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Road hazards: Melbourne motorcyclists face heightened danger from potholes, debris, and gravel, which can cause serious accidents even at low speeds.
• Braking power: Motorcycles generally have less braking power than other vehicles, requiring greater stopping distances and careful speed management.
• Sensitive steering: The more sensitive steering of motorcycles can lead to loss of control more easily, especially for inexperienced riders.
• Tailgating and yielding: Motorcyclists in Melbourne often experience tailgating by other vehicles and find that drivers are less likely to yield the right of way, further increasing crash risks.

For motorcyclists in Melbourne, it’s crucial to maintain a high level of awareness and practice defensive riding to mitigate these risks. However, if you’re involved in a collision, the consequences can be severe, leading to significant injuries. Consulting with a Melbourne motorcycle accident attorney from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can be crucial. Our team can assess your case, help determine your eligibility for compensation, and guide you through recovering damages for your injuries.

What are some common motorcycle accident injuries?

The impact of motorcycle accidents can be particularly severe in Melbourne, Florida, often resulting in significant, sometimes life-threatening injuries. Victims may endure long periods of medical treatment and recovery. Injuries commonly associated with motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Back and neck injuries
• Amputation
• Disfigurement
• Road rash
• Lacerations
• Broken bones

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Melbourne, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately, even if you initially feel unharmed. Injuries from motorcycle accidents can sometimes manifest symptoms hours or days after the incident. Having a comprehensive medical record of your injuries and treatments is vital.

A Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can guide you through documenting your injuries and seeking compensation for your losses. Their expertise is crucial in navigating the complexities of motorcycle accident claims in Melbourne, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you deserve during your recovery.

Work with us to recover full compensation

Choosing the right legal representation is crucial after a motorcycle accident. Our team at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath is dedicated to guiding you through the legal process, advocating for your rights, and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact a Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm today to start your journey toward recovery.

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