Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle Accidents in Duval County

While any motor vehicle accident can result in severe bodily injury or death, motorcycle accidents tend to have particularly tragic results. To make matters worse, most motorcycle accidents could have—and should have—been prevented had the other driver utilized the proper attention and care.

If you were injured or if someone you love died in a motorcycle accident in Duval County, turn to the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. for compassionate, dedicated legal representation. Our Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorneys understand the devastating impact the crash has had on your life, and we are here to help you pick up the pieces. With over a century of combined experience, our team has what it takes to effectively advocate for you and your recovery.

Continue reading to learn more or contact us directly at (855) 933-3881 to speak to a member of our team during a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney.

On This Page:

• How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?
• What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
• Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Cases
• How the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. Can Help
• Frequently Asked Questions

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents occur with alarming frequency in the United States, including in Florida, where many crashes happen as a result of negligent or wrongful conduct.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2018 Crash Facts Report, there were:

• 9,143 motorcycle crashes in Florida in 2018
• 531 motorcycle fatalities (including 25 passenger fatalities) in Florida in 2018
• 7,849 motorcycle injuries (including 621 passenger injuries) in Florida in 2018

Because they are relatively unprotected, motorcyclists are highly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries and fatalities when they are hit by larger, heavier vehicles, like cars and trucks. Unfortunately, motorcyclists also often face an uphill battle when it comes to recovering compensation.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville, Florida, it's important to take the right steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.

Try to keep these tips in mind after being in a motorcycle accident:

• Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority after an accident. Even if you don't think you've been seriously injured, it's a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional the same day as the wreck.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved. Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
• Contact an attorney: It’s important to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help guide you through the process and ensure that your legal rights are protected.
• Don’t admit fault: Be careful what you say to anyone at the scene of the accident or afterward. Don’t apologize or admit fault for the accident, as this could be used against you later.
• Keep records: Keep track of all expenses related to your accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This will be important when filing a claim for compensation.

Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Cases

There are several unique challenges that injured motorcyclists face. First, they are up against an untrue—but nevertheless persistent—misconception that motorcycle riders are inherently risky drivers. In reality, most motorcyclists obey the law and drive with caution, knowing the risks of being in an accident. However, demonstrating this fact to a jury can be difficult for an attorney who lacks the necessary experience.

Additionally, Florida motorcyclists over the age of 21 are not required to wear motorcycle helmets as long as they have the appropriate insurance coverage. However, although it is not against the law, not wearing a helmet can be used against you. The insurance company may argue that not wearing a helmet is a form of negligence on your part, thereby limiting or negating their liability. This is especially true when the motorcyclist does not have the required insurance to legally ride without a helmet.

Motorcyclists are also highly likely to sustain very serious injuries when they are involved in motor vehicle accidents. These injuries often require extensive, ongoing medical treatment and can put victims out of work for weeks or months. In some cases, a rider’s injuries may even be disabling, preventing them from ever returning to work or enjoying the same quality of life they once did. It takes a skilled attorney to effectively demonstrate the full extent of your injuries, including your future damages.

How the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. Can Help

Our Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyers are not only well-versed in standard motor vehicle accidents; they also have extensive and specific experience with complex motorcycle accident claims. We can help you understand all of your legal rights and options and are prepared to aggressively advocate for the full compensation you are owed.

Depending on the unique factors present in your case, you may be able to collect compensation for the following damages:

• Emergency medical care costs
• Hospitalization
• Surgeries and other treatments
• Rehabilitation therapy
• Future medical expenses
• In-home care costs
• Lost income/wages
• Lost future earnings
• Lost earning capacity due to disability
• Lost future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.
• Counseling services
• Inconvenience
• Lost quality of life
• Motorcycle repair costs

At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we understand that no amount of compensation can negate the immense pain and suffering you are experiencing. However, a successful personal injury claim can allow you to recover the financial resources you need to obtain high-quality medical care, manage day-to-day expenses, and navigate the physical and emotional healing process.

Get Started with a Free Consultation

Our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and when you reach out to us, you will always be connected with a real, live person. the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. provides legal services in Spanish, Russian, and German, and we do not collect any attorneys’ fees until we recover compensation for you.

Get in touch with us today at (855) 933-3881 or submit a free online case evaluation form to request a complimentary consultation.