Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Experiencing a motorcycle accident can prove terrifying and overwhelming. You are likely uncertain of what action to take and blindsided by the sheer amount of medical expenses you are now struggling with. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver in Old West Tampa or suffered serious injury due to a roadway hazard along Henderson Boulevard, an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer is here to help protect your rights to recover full compensation.

Trust the Personal Injury Team at Ronald Bone, P.A.

For over 30 years, the team at Ronald Bone, P.A., has worked to secure full compensation for victims of many different personal injury accidents. We have recovered millions of dollars for past clients and are now ready to put that same energy to work in your case. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our experience can make all the difference when it comes to securing the compensation and justice you deserve. 

We have successfully passed a claims bill through the Florida legislature and are AV-rated, the highest Martindale-Hubbell rating. We bring this level of excellence to every case entrusted to us. However, ratings and recognition are not guarantees of future results.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Tampa

Thanks to year-round seasonal weather, Florida is a hotspot for motorcycle enthusiasts. While it is exciting to hit the open roadway and experience the sights of the Sunshine State, riders of motorcycles are more vulnerable than individuals in passenger vehicles or commercial trucks, and therefore, can sustain worse injuries or even death when impacted by these larger vehicles. The sad reality is that 15 percent of all traffic fatalities turn out to be motorcyclists. 

At Ronald Bone, P.A., we make it our goal to understand what caused your accident so that we can better identify the liable party. The most common causes of these accidents include:

• Speeding. In a single year, speeding can result in over 11,700 deaths across the United States. Many of these deaths can involve motorcyclists and when a motorcyclist is hit by a speeding driver, it can result in horrific injuries when it doesn’t result in a fatality.
• Distracted driving. Thanks to the increase in the use of devices such as cell phones, GPS devices, and other handheld electronics, many drivers are tempted to use these devices rather than focus on the roadway. Whenever a driver engages in a behavior that takes their eyes off the roadway or their hands off the wheel, it is considered distracted driving and can have tragic and even deadly results. 
• Reckless driving. When drivers speed, tailgate, or engage in other erratic or reckless forms of driving, they can put themselves and others at risk. These actions can leave motorcyclists little time to react and avoid potentially devastating collisions. 
• Failure to see. Because motorcyclists are smaller than the average car or truck, they can be less visible to other drivers. When a driver does not check their blind spots or mirrors, it can cause them to unintentionally collide with a motorcycle. 
• Hazards. Florida weather has a way of changing in a split second. When unexpected storms or heavy rains fall, it can cause road conditions to become swiftly unsafe. Uneven pavement, debris in the roadway, and potholes can all lead to serious dangers for motorcyclists. 

What You Should Do Following a Motorcycle Accident

What you do following a motorcycle accident can have a direct impact on your ability to recover compensation in the future. In the aftermath of such an accident, if you are physically and emotionally capable of doing so, it is important that you take the following steps:

• Stay calm. It is essential that you do not panic following a motorcycle accident. You might experience pain or be unable to get up and move around. When you are seriously injured, you need to get help right away. 
• Seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel physically injured, it is essential that you seek medical attention. You could be suffering serious internal injuries, such as internal bleeding. Even if you think you are okay, call 911 or get to a local hospital to get checked out. This is essential for your own well-being, but also for the future of your claim. 
• Call the police. Following your accident, contact the police. This is important for a number of reasons. First, they can file an official accident report, which can provide a useful piece of evidence in your claim. They can work to keep you safe while also keeping traffic moving. If there were any witnesses to your accident, the police can speak with them. 
• Gather evidence. It is important that, if you are physically able, you gather as much evidence from the scene of the accident as you can. This can include photos and videos of your accident, as well as of the accident scene. It can also include getting the contact information of any potential eyewitnesses, but refraining from discussing any kind of fault. 
• Exchange information. You will also want to exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver. At this time, it is essential that you do not discuss fault. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be seen as an admission of fault. 
• Contact a lawyer. Finally, before taking any other steps in the process, you need to contact a lawyer. Do not speak with your insurance company or any involved insurance adjusters until you have first spoken with your attorney. 

Injuries Often Received in a Motorcycle Accident in Florida

Motorcyclists can experience a wide range of injuries when involved in accidents in Florida. Motorcyclists often lack the same kind of protection afforded to other drivers and, as a result, can suffer serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Head injuries and brain damage, such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures
• Neck and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis, whiplash, and herniated discs
• Road rash, which can occur when a driver makes contact with the pavement during an accident
• Back injuries, including sprains, fractures, and strains
• Fractures and broken bones, especially affecting the legs, ribs, arms, and pelvis
• Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, bruises, and strains
• Internal injuries, including internal organ damage, nerve damage, and internal bleeding
• Burn injuries, which can take place when a motorcycle catches fire during a traffic collision

When a partial amputation occurs during an accident, full amputation of the affected limb may become medically necessary to save the patient once the rider has been transported to the hospital. Emotional forms of trauma include post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological injuries.

If you have suffered any of these injuries or one not listed here due to another driver’s negligence while out riding your motorcycle, you are likely entitled to compensation, and the team at Ronald Bone, P.A., can help you get it. 

FAQs

Q: What Florida Motorcycle Laws Should I Be Aware Of?

A: There are a multitude of Florida motorcycle laws you should be aware of, as knowing these laws and following them can keep you safe while on the roadway. On a motorcycle in Florida, it is illegal to pass another vehicle within the same lane as yourself. It is also illegal to attempt to pass a vehicle by going off the main road or off the pavement. 

Q: Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial in Florida?

A: Many individuals will wonder if their personal injury case will need to progress to a court trial in Florida. Most claims are actually settled without having to go to court. However, at Ronald Bone, P.A., we are experienced with handling personal injury court trials and can use this experience to benefit your case. 

Q: What Is the State Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Case?

A: In the state of Florida, the victim of a personal injury accident has two years following that accident to file their claim. This is known as a statute of limitations, and in terms of negligence, was updated in 2023. If this statute of limitations passes before you file your claim, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will be unable to recover damages. 

Q: How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Motorcycle Accident?

A: The amount of compensation you can get for a motorcycle accident will depend on the exact circumstances of your accident and the severity of injuries and other damages you sustain. The most common forms of compensation in these cases include medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, physical pain and emotional suffering, loss of the enjoyment or quality of life, punitive damages, and wrongful death damages. 

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Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered severe injury or even death in a Tampa motorcycle accident, now is the time to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer. Don’t wait until it is too late and your chance at recovering compensation has passed. Instead, trust your case to the team at Ronald Bone, P.A. We are here for you and want to do everything in our power to secure the results you deserve. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.