Traveling around Fort Pierce on a motorcycle can provide a pleasurable experience, but it can also pose risks due to careless drivers. Motorcycle accidents have the potential to cause severe injuries and can be particularly devastating.
Thankfully, you have the right to receive compensation if you sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Motorcycle accident lawsuits are often complicated and can be challenging to pursue, as many riders are often blamed for causing their accidents. Nevertheless, our team understands that most of these accidents occur due to the other driver’s recklessness and can assist you in proving this. You have a right to be safe on the road like every other driver.
For a free case assessment with our motorcycle accident lawyers, contact the Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. at (954) 751-4258 today.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Pierce
Determining the complexity of a motorcycle accident lawsuit hinges on the culpability of the person responsible for the injury. Our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers are well-equipped to identify the liable parties in your case. In some cases, there might be multiple parties who acted negligently, leading to the accident. Additionally, it is possible that the injury was not caused by another driver but was instead due to the negligence of the motorcycle manufacturer. The following parties are most commonly named in motorcycle accident lawsuits in Fort Pierce:
Other Drivers
In Fort Pierce, motorcycle accidents can often lead to injuries for the rider, which might be caused by the neglect of other drivers on the road. These drivers might fail to notice the presence of motorcycles, either due to a lack of concentration or carelessness. However, not seeing the rider ahead of time cannot be used as a valid excuse in any legal proceedings resulting from the accident.
If a motorcycle accident involves multiple drivers, each driver can be held accountable for the damages they caused. For instance, if one driver was speeding and collided with another vehicle that had made an illegal lane change, resulting in damage to your motorcycle, both drivers would be responsible for compensating you for the damages related to their actions.
Commercial Drivers and Their Employers
In the event of a motorcycle accident caused by an employee’s negligence while on the job, both the driver and their employer might be held responsible. If you were injured while a driver was delivering goods for a company, the employer might be liable for their negligence. This is referred to as the legal principle of respondeat superior, and it can result in both the driver and their employer facing legal consequences.
Manufacturers and Designers of Motorcycles and Motorcycles Parts
If your motorcycle was the cause of an accident due to a faulty part, regardless of whether it was an imported bike, you might be able to file a claim against the manufacturer or designer. The manufacturer could be held responsible for not ensuring the safety of the motorcycle’s design or failing to disclose any potential hazards associated with using the product.
Evidence Commonly Used in a Fort Pierce Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
When seeking compensation for injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident, it is vital to gather evidence that proves the other party’s liability for the damages incurred. This evidence can come from a variety of sources, and your own efforts might be crucial in building a strong case. Below are some frequently used types of evidence in Fort Pierce motorcycle accident cases:
Accident Reports
When dealing with a motorcycle accident lawsuit, it is crucial to obtain a police report. The officer in charge will investigate the scene and record all relevant information in the report, such as the vehicles involved, their damages, and driver contact and insurance information. Additionally, witness statements might also be included in the report, which can be very helpful in identifying any discrepancies between the driver’s account and what actually took place.
Medical Documentation
After an accident, your medical records are crucial in demonstrating the extent of your injuries and necessary treatment. They can also show if you require ongoing care or have sustained permanent injuries that might impact your future work and quality of life. Furthermore, medical records often contain the doctor’s conclusions regarding the cause of your injuries.
It is crucial to seek medical care promptly after a motorcycle accident. This is because it documents your injuries and the treatments taken to address them. Additionally, it serves as evidence for insurance companies and the court that your injuries were severe enough to warrant compensation.
Photographs
If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, it is a good idea to take photos of the area where it happened. This can help show the extent of the damage and identify potential causes. By taking photos, you might be able to spot skid marks on the road or see how far your bike is from the point of impact. Your smartphone can be used to capture images of broken glass, damaged vehicles, and any other evidence that could help with your compensation claim. Since much of the physical evidence might be removed from the scene, taking photos is the best way to preserve it for future use.
Damages You Can Recover for a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Pierce
If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Fort Pierce, it is likely that you are facing financial and emotional damages due to your injuries. But our team is here to help you seek compensation through a lawsuit if the accident was caused by another driver. The amount of compensation that you might receive depends on the severity of the accident and the lasting effects of your injuries.
Medical Expenses
In the event that you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another party, said party is legally responsible for covering all medical expenses, present and future, that are related to the incident. These expenses encompass doctor appointments, chiropractic treatments, physical therapy sessions, and all other necessary healthcare services. Additionally, you might be entitled to reimbursement for costs related to prescribed medications, hospital stays, ambulance services, and surgeries. It is crucial to keep in mind that if you suffer from a permanent disability as a result of the accident, long-term medical expenses also need to be considered in your claim for damages.
Lost Wages
If a motorcycle accident has caused injuries that make it impossible for you to return to work or continue pursuing your previous career, you have the legal right to request compensation for lost wages and future earnings. If your injuries are severe enough to make it impossible for you to work at all, you can file for permanent disability based on the expected duration of your inability to work.
Pain and Suffering
After motorcycle accidents, it is common for individuals to file lawsuits seeking damages for pain and suffering. These damages aim to provide compensation for both physical and emotional distress experienced by the injured rider. Lawsuits often include loss of consortium and loss of enjoyment as well. Loss of consortium refers to an individual’s inability to enjoy life with a spouse or partner due to injuries sustained in the accident. Loss of enjoyment can stem from the inability to participate in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyed prior to the accident.
Our Fort Pierce Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
Contact the Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. at (954) 751-4258 for a free case review with our motorcycle accident attorneys.