Experienced Coral Gables Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Schrier Law Group
Schrier Law Group is the premier personal injury law firm in Coral Gables, FL. We focus on motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury suits. Every member of our team is committed to providing skilled, localized legal support for Coral Gables residents. We take pride in aggressively representing our clients when negligence has led to injury or death.
The skilled trial lawyers at Schrier Law Group understand the nuances of the Coral Gables legal system. We will fight for your legal rights and work diligently to obtain the largest possible settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Coping with a lawsuit can be challenging in the best of circumstances. Keeping up with filing deadlines and negotiating with people who are experts in their field are only small parts of the process. It’s all even more difficult if you’ve been injured or are dealing with the stress of being unable to work.
Schrier Law Group will take care of every detail related to your case, and we’ll do it with decades of experience on our side.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Cases in Coral Gables
Unfortunately, Florida reports an extremely high number of motorcycle accidents, especially fatal accidents. According to reports from the National Safety Council, Florida experiences more motorcycle deaths than any other state.
Even so, motorcycle accidents account for a small percentage of all motor vehicle crashes. Not every attorney has experience handling lawsuits related to motorcycle injuries. If you or someone you know has been hurt or has experienced property damage, Schrier Law Group can help you receive financial compensation.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle accident can happen anywhere at any time, but there are some places in Coral Gables where motorcycle crashes are more common.
Intersection Collisions
Busy intersections like the one at Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Le Jeune Road are known for having a high rate of accidents. A small mistake on the part of the motorcyclist or the driver of a car can cause a serious accident and severe injuries.
Some common causes of intersection collisions include:
- Tailgating
- Driving over the speed limit
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Ignoring a traffic light or stop sign
Distracted driving and driving under the influence increases the risk of being in or causing a motorcycle accident in Coral Gables.
Left-Turn Crashes
High-traffic areas like the Coral Gables residential district are prime areas for left-turn accidents. A typical left-turn scenario is when a motorcyclist is going straight through an intersection, and an auto coming in the opposite direction makes a fast left turn in front of them.
Drivers sometimes do not see motorcycles because they take up less visual space on the road than automobiles. It’s also possible that some drivers underestimate the speed at which a motorcycle is traveling.
Single-Vehicle Incidents
Single-vehicle crashes may be related to road conditions or the types of hazards that are common in the residential neighborhoods of Coral Gables. Driving too fast for conditions, distracted driving, and errors by the motorcyclist can also cause an accident.
Lane-Splitting Incidents
Lane splitting, or driving between lanes on the interstate, is illegal in Florida. Motorcyclists sometimes practice lane splitting in congested traffic or to advance at a traffic light. Lane-splitting accidents can be fatal and may result in serious crushing injuries.
With only a small amount of space to maneuver in, any miscalculation by the motorcyclist could cause an accident. Another factor that contributes to lane-splitting accidents is that motorists don’t expect riders to suddenly appear between them and another car.
Typical Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists depend on their safety gear to protect them if an accident happens. Helmets, leather jackets, and riding boots go a long way to prevent injury, but even the right gear can only do so much. Unfortunately, there are many ways riders can be injured.
Road Rash
Road rash is a type of friction burn that can happen when the exposed skin of a motorcyclist skids along the road or other hard surfaces. Road rash can typically be treated at home, but correct care is important to prevent the wound from becoming infected and to limit scarring.
Any type of motorcycle accident can cause road rash. Wearing the right protective clothing can help prevent this painful injury.
Fractures
Broken bones are a commonly occurring injury in motorcycle accidents. The severe impact of hitting the pavement or another vehicle while driving at high speed is enough pressure to fracture large and small bones in any part of the body.
Fractures in the hands and arms often happen when a biker instinctively puts their hands in front of their body to break their fall.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can happen even when a rider is wearing protective gear. However, helmets severely reduce the chances of a serious head injury and are required by law in Florida. Head injuries include everything from a mild concussion to a serious brain injury that causes lifelong complications.
Injuries to the eardrums are included in the category of head injuries. Eardrum injuries happen when a rider falls from their bike and impacts the side of their head. The effects range from temporary hearing problems to complete hearing loss.
Spinal Injuries
High-impact motorcycle accidents can cause many types of spinal injuries. Crashing into another vehicle or a fixed object, such as a tree or a guard rail, may result in injuries with severe complications, such as permanent paralysis. Other injuries, like a slipped or ruptured disc or bruising on the spine, may also happen.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The lasting emotional effects of being in a major collision of any kind are often overlooked. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or fatigue after a motorcycle accident, or if you’re experiencing anger, irritability, or other personality changes, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder.
Navigating the Legal Landscape for Motorcycle Accident Claims in Coral Gables
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights. Even if you haven’t decided whether to file a claim for damages, completing each step will provide the foundation needed for success if you decide to pursue a lawsuit.
Seek Medical Care
Your health and recovery are the priority after any accident. Even if emergency care isn’t needed, call your primary healthcare provider as soon as possible to schedule an evaluation. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or whiplash, can go undetected until the symptoms become serious.
A record of medical care will also help you build a stronger case. Keep all recommended appointments and document visits for medical, dental, and mental healthcare related to the accident.
Collect Evidence
Collect as much evidence from the accident site as you are safely able to. Take photos of the crash site, including any intersections and traffic lights or traffic signs. Get the contact numbers and statements of any witnesses.
File a Police Report
In most cases, Coral Gables police officers will be called to the scene, and a police report will be automatically filed. In the case of a minor incident, you may need to contact the Coral Gables Police Department and request to file a report.
Double-check the report to confirm that basic details like the date, time, and address of the accident are correct.
File an Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance company to begin the claims process. Your Coral Gables insurance agent will guide you through the steps laid out by your specific insurance provider. If someone else was at fault, you will also need to file a claim with that person’s insurance company.
Florida law allows four years from the time of the accident to file a personal injury or property damage claim. In most cases, it’s in your best interests to file a claim sooner so that important information doesn’t get lost or forgotten.
Hire Legal Representation
Insurance providers have their own interests to protect. Their job is to settle claims for the least possible amount. A legal representative will fight to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Shrier Law Group are experienced in representing motorcyclists who have been injured by the negligence of another party.
Negotiate a Settlement
Most insurance claims are settled out of court. Coming to an agreement requires legal understanding as well as the ability to project damages. Depending on an individual’s injuries, damages may need to include coverage for ongoing medical bills, career retraining, or the costs associated with long-term care.
A personal injury attorney understands how to calculate damages and negotiate a fair settlement.
Litigate the Lawsuit
If a settlement is not reached, the case will go to court, where it will be heard by a judge. The judge — and in some cases, a jury — will decide the merit of the lawsuit and be aware of damages.
Settling a claim out of court is usually preferred. Taking a case to court can be risky. The plaintiff could end up receiving less in damages than the original settlement offer, or they could receive much more.
The Importance of Local Expertise in Coral Gables
Working with a local Coral Gables personal injury attorney can make all the difference in your injury claim. Some of the benefits that come with a local lawyer include:
- Understanding of specific motorcycle regulations that are unique to Coral Gables traffic laws
- Awareness of local regulations and city ordinances that affect motorcycle safety and claims
- Knowledge of Coral Gables court procedures that will streamline your case
- Access to local healthcare professionals and other medical resources that can help build a strong case
- Collaboration with local experts, including expert witnesses and accident reconstructionists
- A strong network of relationships with Coral Gables law enforcement and insurance adjusters
Like every state, Florida occasionally passes new traffic laws to improve citizen safety. For example, per state law, Coral Gables is now allowed to use speed cameras in school zones. Recordings from these cameras could be used to help prove liability in a motorcycle accident case.
Schrier Law Group stays updated on all state and local regulations to make sure we provide our clients with the best possible representation.
Our Commitment to the Coral Gables Community
At Schrier Law Group, being local legal representatives means much more than simply helping residents of Coral Gables with personal injury claims. We understand that Coral Gables is a special community with unique challenges and benefits. There are three main ways we enjoy showing our commitment to this wonderful community:
- Local Initiatives: We participate in community events, including local sponsorships
- Personalized service: Our legal services are tailored to the unique needs of Coral Gables residents
- Local Experience: Schrier Group Law has cultivated relationships with local insurance adjusters, medical experts, and others to help serve our clients
When you hire Schrier Law Group, you are hiring Coral Gables personal injury attorneys who are invested in the community and proud to provide you with top-quality legal representation.
Consult Schrier Law Group for Your Coral Gables Motorcycle Accident Case
Motorcyclists in Florida are at a higher risk of being in an accident than riders in other states. No rider wants to be in an accident or have a debilitating injury. Whether your accident was caused by a second or two of distraction or true carelessness, if you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve fair compensation.
Schrier Law Group understands the traffic laws and regulations unique to Coral Gables. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing people who have been injured in auto or motorcycle accidents, falls, workplace injuries, and other incidents.
We maintain a wide network of local experts and resources, including accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and insurance professionals. We use our resources to benefit our clients. The team at Schrier Law Group is proud to provide local representation to our friends and neighbors in Coral Gables.
Call Schrier Law Group to schedule a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident.
FAQs
How Much Are the Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?
No two cases are alike. Settlements are decided based on the amount of damages, including lost wages, medical bills, property loss, and other factors. While your case may or may not be “average,” the average settlement amount is around $66,000. Your settlement could range anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.
What Are the Immediate Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Coral Gables?
The first step is to protect your health. Seek emergency medical services if they are needed. If your injuries don’t warrant emergency care, make a follow-up appointment with your provider as soon as possible.
If possible, collect evidence at the scene of the accident. Take witness statements, including names and contact information. Photos of the accident site may be helpful in a lawsuit.
Call your insurance agent to file a claim. They will walk you through the process, including filing a claim with the defendant’s insurance company.
Next, hire legal representation. A Coral Gables personal injury attorney will help negotiate a favorable settlement or represent you in court if a settlement can’t be reached.
How Can a Coral Gables Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Assist With My Claim?
A Coral Gables motorcycle accident attorney will use their knowledge and resources to investigate the accident and uncover proof of liability. They will negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement and represent you in court if the lawsuit moves forward.
What Challenges Are Unique to Motorcycle Accident Cases in Coral Gables?
Public perception is one of the most difficult hurdles when talking about motorcycle accident cases in Coral Gables. Many residents (and potential jury members) still perceive motorcyclists as careless or risk-taking drivers. Because of this, it can be more difficult to establish liability without strong evidence and reliable witnesses.
Are There Recent Changes in Coral Gables Traffic Laws That Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims?
Red light cameras are a controversial form of traffic regulation throughout Florida. A recent update in Miami-Dade County traffic law requires Coral Gables and other cities within the county to create a uniform set of camera rules before violations can be enforced.
This change could benefit or harm motorcycle accident victims whose collisions may have been photographed on a red light camera.
