Riding your motorcycle is a blast, especially when you’re traveling through sunny central Florida. However, while it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and a more eco-friendly commute, it’s also dangerous. If you’re struck by a car or hit a road hazard the wrong way, you could end up permanently disabled, with your life changed forever.
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we represent people like you who have been injured in motorcycle accidents. We help you secure the compensation you need for medical care, replenishing lost wages if you missed time at work, and for your pain and suffering. As your Melbourne, FL, motorcycle accident lawyer, we fight for you and your interests, standing up for your rights against the negligent party who caused your harm. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Should I Look For In A Melbourne Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Motorcycle accidents can happen in any number of ways. Many of our clients are struck by a negligent driver who isn’t watching for the smaller profile of someone on a motorcycle. However, other times, the accident is due to poor road conditions. You may think that hitting a pothole or road debris would mean that you are not eligible to file a claim, but in fact, if the city or county responsible for maintaining the roads fails to adequately do so, then it could be held liable for your injuries.
Good motorcycle accident lawyers fully investigate the cause of your accident to determine its root cause and then develop a strong case according to the rule of evidence in Florida personal injury claims. Our attorneys aren’t afraid of taking on the city or county or a reckless driver. We’re here to protect you and help you secure the money you need to recover from the crash.
What Makes Motorcycle Accident Claims So Complex?
We’ve noticed in our many years of litigating motorcycle accident claims that there are a few complexities that car accidents may not have. First, there is a bias among some people, including insurance adjusters, that a motorcycle rider isn’t taking proper precautions for their own safety (just by riding the bike) and shouldn’t be eligible for compensation. We know how to counter these biases—with strong evidence and a well-constructed case.
Secondly, motorcycle accident claims are often high-value. Insurance companies don’t make money when they may have to fork out large settlements, and so they will heavily scrutinize six—and seven-figure claims. We’re tough negotiators and build a strong case before sending our demand letter. We’re ready to fight for you and overcome these difficulties.
Skilled Legal Advocacy After A Motorcycle Accident
Have you been hurt while riding your motorcycle? Whether the accident was caused by poor road conditions, a malfunctioning bike, or a negligent driver, the experienced attorneys at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., are ready to take on the toughest opponents to get justice and fair compensation in your case. Please contact our firm today for a free consultation with a Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer.
Damages You May Be Able To Recover
During your free consultation with our Melbourne, FL motorcycle accident lawyer, we’ll provide personalized guidance on the types of compensation you might be eligible for.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident often brings financial and emotional challenges. Medical bills, lost income, and pain from injuries can quickly accumulate, leaving you uncertain about the road to recovery. Understanding the damages you could recover through a claim is a vital step toward regaining stability. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we work hard to help clients secure fair compensation.
Motorcycle accident claims typically address two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover concrete financial losses, while non-economic damages focus on the intangible effects of the accident on your life.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include the direct, financial costs that result from the accident. Medical expenses are often one of the most significant categories here. If you’ve been hospitalized, undergone surgery, or need ongoing rehabilitation, these costs can quickly rise. Medical expenses also include emergency services, physical therapy, assistive devices, and any necessary modifications to your living space if injuries impact your mobility.
Another type of economic damage is lost wages. Motorcycle accidents can disrupt your work life, and serious injuries may require extended recovery time. When injuries lead to permanent disability or limit your ability to perform your job, this can also result in a reduction in future earning capacity. Documenting these losses accurately is really important, because they can significantly impact the amount you might recover.
Property damage is also an important category. Motorcycle accidents often result in extensive damage to the bike itself, which may require repairs or even replacement. Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can help ensure all property-related costs are carefully accounted for in your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Beyond the financial losses, many motorcycle accident victims suffer from pain and emotional distress due to the accident. Non-economic damages cover these less tangible losses, aiming to provide compensation for the physical pain, emotional suffering, and disruptions to your daily life that result from serious injuries. Pain and suffering can include physical discomfort and limitations that impact your overall quality of life.
Loss of enjoyment is another form of non-economic damage that addresses how your injuries affect your ability to engage in activities you previously enjoyed. For example, if an injury limits your ability to participate in sports, travel, or pursue hobbies, you may be entitled to compensation for that diminished enjoyment of life. These non-economic damages can be challenging to quantify but are often just as critical as the financial costs.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases, a court may award punitive damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages aim to penalize particularly reckless or negligent behavior by the at-fault party. Courts often award punitive damages when a driver’s actions show extreme disregard for the safety of others, such as driving under the influence.
While punitive damages are not very common, they can significantly increase the compensation you might receive in a claim handled by our experienced Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer.
Build A Strong Case For Compensation
Medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony all heavily contribute to building a solid case because this documentation supports the claims you make for both economic and non-economic damages. Our qualified motorcycle accident attorney can guide you in effectively collecting, preserving, and presenting this information.
If you or someone you know has suffered from a motorcycle accident, pursuing the compensation you deserve can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. With Tuttle Larsen, P.A. by your side, you’ll receive support to navigate the claims process with confidence. Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our knowledgeable Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer and begin your path to fair compensation.
Mistakes That Can Weaken An Accident Claim
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash, you need legal assistance from a Melbourne, FL motorcycle accident lawyer you can trust. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we work directly with our clients to guide them through the aftermath and help them avoid pitfalls. You won’t have to deal with paralegals or investigators before getting the personalized support you deserve, and we’ll use our decades of experience to fight for the best outcome possible. Make sure you don’t make the following mistakes, and get in touch with us today to get started on your case.
1. Delaying Medical Treatment
Seeking medical attention promptly after an accident is important, even if injuries seem minor at first. Waiting to see a doctor can create doubt about the severity of your injuries or whether they were caused by the accident. Medical records provide a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is critical for a successful claim.
2. Failing To Document The Scene
Accurate and timely documentation of the accident scene can make a significant difference in your claim. Failing to collect evidence such as photographs, witness contact information, or police reports can weaken your case. These details provide a clearer picture of what happened and who was at fault.
3. Speaking To Insurance Adjusters Without Representation
After an accident, insurance adjusters may contact you to discuss the case. Speaking to them without your Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyer at your side can be risky, as adjusters might use your statements to minimize or deny your claim.
4. Accepting A Settlement Too Quickly
It can be tempting to accept a quick settlement offer, especially when medical bills and other expenses start to pile up. However, early offers are often lower than what you may be entitled to, as they don’t fully account for long-term medical costs or other damages.
5. Posting On Social Media About The Accident
Social media can be a liability when it comes to accident claims. Posting details about the accident or your recovery can be used against you, even if your posts seem harmless. Insurance companies and opposing counsel may review your social media activity for any evidence that contradicts your claim.
6. Not Following Medical Advice
Failing to follow your doctor’s recommendations can hurt your claim by suggesting that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. Missing appointments, ignoring prescribed treatments, or returning to physical activities too soon can all work against you.
7. Missing Deadlines For Filing A Claim
Every accident claim has a deadline, known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to pursue compensation altogether. The timeframe for filing depends on the type of case and the state where the accident occurred.
Moving Forward With Confidence
Filing an accident claim can be challenging, but avoiding these mistakes can improve your chances of success. Careful attention to the steps you take after an accident can make a big difference in achieving a fair outcome.
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we work with clients to guide them through this process and protect their interests every step of the way. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact us today, and see how a Melbourne, FL motorcycle accident lawyer from our team can help.