Why You Should Call Catania & Catania for Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Palm Harbor, FL
We understand the unique challenges bikers face and are skilled at navigating the complexities of motorcycle accident litigation. Our approach ensures that your rights are protected and you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. With the right motorcycle accident attorney, you can focus on recovering – and we will take care of you in court.
The insurance company won’t be fighting for you after your accident. Catania & Catania will. By choosing our law firm, you’ll benefit from Palm Harbor personal injury attorneys with 120+ years of experience who have won $500 million in damages.
With Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, you gain a powerful ally dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay unless we win for you.
Palm Harbor, FL Motorcycle Accident Statistics [2023]
Palm Harbor is part of Pinellas County, one of the larger counties in Florida. The Florida Department of Highway and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides detailed crash data for this and other Florida counties, which paints a picture of the severity of motorcycle accidents throughout the region.
In 2023, Pinellas County accident statistics showed:
- Nearly 15,000 total accidents, more than 400 of which involved motorcyclists
- At least 20 fatalities directly caused by motorcycle accidents
- More than 4,000 hit-and-run crashes, nearly 800 of which resulted in injury
The rate of total crashes was generally consistent throughout the year, with the highest number of crashes occurring in March. Considering the region’s year-round tourism and warm weather, it makes sense that the risks are pretty evenly spread across all months, with a slight increase that could be attributed to spring break visitors.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Palm Harbor, FL
Various factors can cause motorcycle accidents in Palm Harbor, FL, each potentially catastrophic for riders.
Common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Distracted Driving: Motorists not paying attention can easily overlook a motorcycle, leading to collisions. Activities such as texting, eating, or using in-car technology divert drivers’ focus from the road, significantly increasing the risk of missing a nearby motorcyclist.
- Speeding: When drivers exceed speed limits, their ability to stop or maneuver safely in response to sudden changes, such as a motorcyclist’s quick lane change or stop, is compromised.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and debris are dangerous for motorcyclists. Even small objects on the road, which might be inconsequential to larger vehicles, can pose significant threats to motorcyclists.
- Poor Visibility: Due to their smaller size, motorcycles can be harder to see, especially at night or during adverse weather conditions such as fog, rain, or dusk. Their smaller profile can blend into the visual clutter of the road, making them nearly invisible to unsuspecting drivers.
- Improper Lane Changes: Vehicles changing lanes without checking blind spots or signaling can inadvertently hit motorcyclists. Due to motorcycles’ compact size, many drivers fail to adequately assess their surroundings for motorcycles, leading to dangerous collisions when changing lanes or merging.
We Handle All Types of Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Injury Cases
With little protection in a collision, motorcyclists face a high risk of serious injury or death. The NHTSA has found that people are 27x more likely to be fatally injured in a motorcycle crash than car occupants.
We represent motorcyclists in Palm Harbor, FL who have suffered:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Catastrophic injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue injuries, such as road rash
- All types of injuries and fractures
A Palm Harbor motorcycle accident can leave you with life-changing injuries and affect you for the rest of your life. Even wearing a helmet is also a good way to protect your head especially, since motorcycles don’t have the same safety features other vehicles have. We realize that you may face an unfair stigma over your injuries simply because you chose to ride a motorcycle. We will fight back against insurance adjusters and juries to seek the compensation you deserve.
Common Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Tragically, many motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries simply because there are fewer protective barriers between the rider and the road (or other vehicles). The most common accident injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, riders can suffer significant head injuries.
- Road Rash: Sliding across the pavement can cause severe abrasions.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a collision often results in multiple fractures.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Emotional Distress: Many accident victims experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression after a crash.
Each case handled by a Palm Harbor motorcycle accident attorney from Catania & Catania is approached with the utmost care and professionalism, ensuring comprehensive legal and emotional support.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Crash in Florida?
There is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Florida. Missing this crucial deadline means your case will be dismissed, and you will not be able to recover any compensation. The statute of limitations for a fatal accident is just two years.
Don’t delay your claims. The investigation and negotiation process can take many months. Delays can allow valuable evidence to be lost which may weaken your case. Reach out to our law office today and program some time to talk to an attorney in Palm Harbor, FL that will help you protect your claim.
How Much is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth in Palm Harbor?
All Palm Harbor motorcycle accident cases are valued based on many unique, individual variables. There is no formula or calculator that can be used to estimate your case’s worth without adequate investigation.
The value of your motorcycle accident case will likely be based on:
- The amount of insurance coverage
- Whether you share the blame
- The strength of your negligent case
- How severe are the injuries
- The cause and circumstances of the collision
- How your injuries will impact your life and ability to work
After determining the value of your economic damages like medical bills and lost earnings, we will estimate the value of your non-economic losses like pain and suffering. These estimates will serve as a starting point for negotiations.
The best way to determine the value of your case is to schedule a free case evaluation with a Palm Harbor motorcycle accident lawyer.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Partially at Fault for My Motorcycle Accident?
Florida follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Liability is assigned to each party based on their share of fault for injuries.
If your own negligence contributed to your harm in any way, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
What if I Wasn’t Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet?
Wearing a helmet is always a safe idea. With a few exceptions, it’s also the law in Florida.
Under Florida law, most motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet. Riders must also wear eye protection.
If you are at least 21 years old, you can ride without a helmet if you carry an insurance policy that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits.
You may notice this sounds much like your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance that pays benefits if you’re in a Palm Harbor car accident. But it’s important to understand that the PIP coverage on your automobile does not apply to motorcycles.
While it’s possible to face fines if you’re caught not wearing protective headgear, the more serious consequences occur if you’re involved in a motorcycle crash.
What Damages Are Available to Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Victims?
When your injury claim is successful, you are entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic losses after the accident.
You can obtain compensation for the following types of damages in Palm Harbor:
- Medical bills related to the crash, including current and future medical costs
- Lost wages for time off work
- Diminished earning capacity if incapacitated, disabled, or impaired
- Property damage from your motorcycle wreck
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
You may be entitled to punitive damages as well. A jury awards punitive damages to punish the defendant if they caused your crash through gross negligence or wanton indifference to human life.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Motorcycle Accident?
Proving someone was negligent requires showing:
- The other party owed you a duty of care.
- The defendant breached this duty of care.
- This breach led to your accident.
- You suffered damages.
Your Palm Harbor motorcycle accident attorneys will use many forms of evidence to prove negligence. The police report may indicate the officer’s opinion on the cause. Witness statements, dashcam footage, photos of the scene, and the other driver’s cell phone records may all support your case.
What Should I Do After A Motorcycle Accident in Palm Harbor, FL?
After a motorcycle accident in Palm Harbor, a few things can help ensure that you are as safe as possible and that you have the best chance of preserving your right to the maximum compensation available.
Try to remain calm and try to remember these seven steps that will help you the most:
- Call 911 and stay at the scene. Never leave the scene of an accident. The police in Palm Harbor can complete an accident report, which will be helpful to your attorney should you decide to file a lawsuit. Emergency services will take care of medical needs and get you and anyone else who needs it to a hospital.
- Document the scene. It may be tough, but if at all possible, snap some photos or videos of the accident scene. Take pictures of your wounds, your bike, other vehicles, the intersection, etc. Anything is helpful.
- Get contact and insurance information from other parties involved. If possible, try to get at least the names and insurance companies of the people involved.
- Resist the urge to apologize. In a traumatic event, sometimes people just say they’re sorry for the situation and don’t intend to admit fault. But that’s exactly how it will be interpreted. Accident scenes are chaotic and it’s highly likely you don’t really know what happened. So you don’t want to go on record with something that could compromise your case and that may not even be accurate.
- Seek medical attention. If you weren’t taken to the hospital from the scene, get to a doctor as soon as possible. Not all wounds are immediately visible. You may be in shock and not realize the extent of your injuries. A documented medical exam will be important to prove your injuries in a personal injury claim.
- Don’t talk to insurance adjusters alone. They are not trying to help you out. Their goal is to minimize their payout. They may try to take advantage of your vulnerable state right after a collision and make a subpar offer before you have a chance to talk to a lawyer.
Talk to an experienced local Palm Harbor motorcycle accident lawyer. A reputable attorney can help you understand all of your legal options and can protect you from unfair blame that could severely limit your chances of getting the maximum compensation available to you.
Contact a Palm Harbor Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
After a serious motorcycle collision, you should not have to fight the at-fault driver or their insurance company for fair compensation. Don’t accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without speaking with an injury lawyer first.
Call Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers at (813) 222-8656 today to schedule the time for a free evaluation with a team of experienced Palm Harbor motorcycle accident lawyers ready to help you.
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