Gainesville Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle Accidents in Alachua County

Although any motor vehicle accident can result in serious injuries, motorcycle crashes tend to be particularly devastating. Because motorcycle riders have fewer protections than passengers in typical vehicles, they are at a high risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries or fatalities in a collision.

If you or someone you love was involved in a motorcycle accident in Gainesville or anywhere in Alachua County, reach out to our team at the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. to learn how we can help. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and resources to effectively advocate for your full recovery. We work with a team of 6 investigators and 100+ support staff to help ensure that you receive the personal attention and dedicated support you need during this difficult time. We understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face, and we are here to stand up for you and your rights.

Request a free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident attorneys in Gainesville; call (855) 933-3881 or contact us online today.

Do Florida No-Fault Laws Apply to Motorcycle Accidents?

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning most motorists must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance as part of their auto insurance coverage. In a typical car accident claim, injured victims turn to their PIP coverage to recover compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, motorcycle accident claims do not fall under the state’s no-fault system.

After an accident, you will need to prove that another person or party is liable for your injuries and damages if you wish to recover compensation. While this can be challenging, being free of the no-fault system means that you do not need to prove that you have sustained “serious injuries” to recover full compensation for your medical bills or lost wages. You can also recover compensation for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, through your personal injury lawsuit.

Proving Fault in Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

To recover compensation after a motorcycle accident in Florida, you will need to prove that another party (usually, though not always, another motorist) was at fault for the accident. The first step in proving fault is establishing the cause of the accident.

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving, including texting while driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• Speeding and reckless/aggressive driving
• Following too closely (“tailgating”)
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Merging or turning into an unseen motorcyclist
• Unsafe or unlawful passing
• Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
• Violating traffic laws/rules of the road
• Unsafe conditions, including inclement weather
• Defective road design or construction
• Faulty vehicles/vehicle parts

Because Florida follows a rule of pure comparative negligence, you do not need to prove that the other party was entirely at fault for the accident, only that they were partly to blame. If a jury finds that you shared some degree of fault, however, your total recovery will be reduced in proportion to your degree of blame. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, you can only recover up to 80% of the total amount you would have otherwise received if you were not found partly at fault.

Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

After a motorcycle accident, you are likely to face numerous physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you suffered a serious injury, such as a brain or spine injury, you could be facing months or even years of medical treatment. You may be unable to work during your recovery, putting you and your family under even greater financial stress.

Unfortunately, the insurance company is not on your side. Insurance adjusters will often do everything they can to reduce your payout or deny your claim. When you are already dealing with getting proper medical treatment, repairing your bike, and taking time off work to heal, fighting the insurance company is the last thing you need. That’s where we come in.

At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., our Gainesville motorcycle accident lawyers have decades of experience and a proven record of success in helping injured bikers get back on their feet. We know what you are up against, we know the stakes, and we know how to win. As your legal team, we can handle everything, from gathering appropriate supporting evidence to submitting your claim to negotiating with the insurance company. We are even prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our goal is always to maximize your recovery, allowing you the ability to heal and move forward with your life.

Get Started with a Free Consultation Today

Based in Gainesville, we serve clients throughout Alachua County who have been injured due to someone else’s negligent or unlawful conduct. If you need help with your motorcycle accident claim, don’t wait to get in touch with our team to request a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney. Your time to file a claim is limited, so the sooner you speak to an attorney at our firm, the better.

Call (855) 933-3881 or submit an online contact form today.