Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving Palm Beach County, FL
Contact an attorney who protects the rights of injured bikers in Florida
Many Floridians know the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that comes with riding on two wheels, especially here in Palm Beach Gardens. However, that thrill comes with significant risks, given the lack of protective barriers that leave riders exposed to serious injuries in the event of an accident. Injured bikers have the right to pursue compensation for their losses, but the process is not always easy. That’s when having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side is essential.
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, we understand the unique challenges and risks faced by motorcyclists on the road. Mr. Shomo and his team provide top-notch legal representation and support for those who have been injured in motorcycle accidents in the Palm Beach County area. Whether you’re dealing with debilitating injuries, mounting medical bills, or the emotional toll of a traumatic motorcycle accident, contact us. Our law firm is here to help.
“Casey and his team are amazing. From our first meeting, he explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings. He and his team worked hard and were very organized. They got back to me quickly and made it a seamless operation. I highly recommend and will work with this law office again. Thanks, team!” – Nick P., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Average Rating: 5/5 stars, 38 reviews
Frequently asked questions about your motorcycle accident claim
- What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?
- What are the types of motorcycle accidents?
- What types of injuries are common in motorcycle accidents?
- What are the motorcycle laws in Florida?
- What steps should I take immediately after a motorcycle accident?
- How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Florida?
- What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage?
- How is fault determined in a motorcycle accident in Florida?
- What types of compensation can I get from a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
Motorcycle accident case results
- $1,200,000 in a wrongful death case where a motorcycle’s right of way was violated by a pickup truck, resulting in the tragic death of the motorcycle operator.
- $1,025,000 for a motor vehicle/motorcycle accident that led to surgical injuries.
- $400,000 awarded in a hit-and-run motorcycle case involving shoulder injuries.
- $300,000 for a motorcycle rider involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in surgical injuries.
Mr. Shomo is adept at handling a wide range of motorcycle accident cases, from negotiating with insurance companies to litigating complex claims. Our team understands the physical, financial, and emotional toll that an accident can impose, and our goal is to alleviate that burden by providing unparalleled legal support. If you’re grappling with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach County, or anywhere in Florida, contact us. Our law firm is here to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?
While motorcycles offer a thrilling ride, there are many associated risks, especially when it comes to other vehicles sharing the road with bikers. Motorcycle accidents can happen for many different reasons and understanding them can help prevent them from ever happening, or help motorcyclists try and avoid them.
Distracted driving
When a driver becomes distracted, it is likely they may not notice other road users, especially motorcycles that are less visible than other types of vehicles. Drivers may be looking down at their phones, talking to their passengers, or eating and not see a biker in front of them or in the lane next to them. With their attention diverted from the road, they can easily crash into a motorcyclist and cause a serious accident.
Speeding
Speeding, a common behavior among motorists, can have severe consequences for motorcycle riders on the road. When a car exceeds the speed limit, it not only violates traffic laws but also significantly increases the risk of accidents involving motorcycles. Bikers are already at high risk of injuries and death when involved in a crash, and that only increases when speeding is a factor. If a driver is speeding, they are more likely to lose control and be unable to avoid a biker on the road.
Tailgating
Tailgating, when a car drives too closely behind a motorcycle, is a serious safety concern on the road. It reduces the motorcyclist’s space cushion and limits their ability to maneuver safely. Tailgating leaves little room for error. If the motorcyclist needs to brake suddenly or if a driver is simply not paying attention, there’s little either can do to avoid a crash. This increases the risk of motorcycle accidents, making it vital for drivers to maintain safe following distances.
Drunk driving
Motorcyclists face significant risks when encountering drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as these individuals often exhibit erratic driving behavior. This reckless behavior puts anyone in their path, including motorcyclists, at risk of being involved in a crash. Motorcycle accidents resulting from drunk driving are particularly devastating collisions. These accidents frequently occur suddenly, leaving little time for a motorcyclist to react. Additionally, with impaired judgment and coordination, the intoxicated driver may be unable to respond effectively, increasing the severity of the accident.
Road hazards
Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable to the dangers posed by road hazards, such as potholes, debris, and uneven pavement. These hazards can increase the risk of accidents, as they can cause motorcyclists to lose control of their bikes or swerve unexpectedly. Such road hazards may be insignificant to cars and larger vehicles, but for riders on motorcycles encountering road hazards can mean a fatal accident.
What are the types of motorcycle accidents?
When it comes to navigating the roads on a motorcycle, there’s no shortage of potential hazards. As a biker it is important to understand the various types of motorcycle accidents that can occur on Florida roads.
- Head-on collisions: When another vehicle suddenly crashes into a motorcycle head-on, it can result in severe injuries and in worst case scenario, death. These motorcycle accidents often occur due to reckless driving and driving under the influence.
- Rear-end accidents: If you’re at a red light, patiently waiting for it to turn green, the last thing you’d expect is a car crashing into your motorcycle. Rear-end accidents are typically caused by drivers who are distracted, tailgating, or simply not paying attention to the road ahead. For motorcyclists, these accidents can lead to devastating consequences, as the lack of protection leaves them vulnerable to serious injuries upon impact.
- Left turn accidents: One of the most common types of motorcycle crashes is the left turn accident. These occur when a motorcycle is hit by a vehicle making a left turn, often due to misjudgments of speed or failure to yield. Left turn accidents can happen suddenly and catch a biker off guard, leaving them little time to avoid the crash.
- Dooring: While you may be safely cruising along, a car door can suddenly swing open in your path. Dooring accidents typically occur in urban areas where parallel parking is common and can potentially lead to serious injuries.
- Lane switching accidents: These accidents occur when a motorcyclist is struck by a vehicle changing lanes without proper signaling or checking blind spots, leading to collisions or forced evasive maneuvers.
What types of injuries are common in motorcycle accidents?
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries because riders have far less protection than drivers in enclosed vehicles.
- Road rash: This occurs when a rider’s skin scrapes along the pavement. While it may sound minor, road rash can lead to serious infections and permanent scarring if not properly treated.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBIs are common in motorcycle accidents especially when riders don’t wear helmets. These injuries can range from mild concussions to life-altering cognitive impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: These injuries often lead to pain and loss of mobility. In severe cases, they can cause paralysis and long-term disability.
- Fractures and broken bones: These injuries are particularly common in the legs, arms, and ribs due to the direct impact with a vehicle or the road surface.
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries such as organ damage and internal bleeding, can be dangerous because they’re not always immediately apparent.
What are the motorcycle laws in Florida?
In Florida, motorcycle riders have the right to share the road with other vehicles, such as cars and trucks. They are governed by the same rules and responsibilities as other drivers. This means that bikers must obey all traffic signals and signs just like motorists in cars. Additionally, like how slower vehicles are expected to use the right-hand lane, motorcyclists traveling at a slower pace should stay as close to the right curb as possible.
Unfortunately, despite these clear regulations, motorcycle accidents still occur due to drivers failing to recognize or respect the rights of motorcyclists on the road. This lack of awareness or disregard for motorcycles as equal road users can lead to dangerous situations and potentially fatal accidents.
What steps should I take immediately after a motorcycle accident?
In those first tense moments after a motorcycle accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Here’s what you can do to protect your well-being and your rights:
- Move to safety: If you can, carefully get yourself and your motorcycle away from traffic to prevent further harm.
- Call 911: Report the crash right away to the police and request emergency medical assistance if you’re seriously injured.
- Get checked out: Even if you feel fine, let a medical professional evaluate you. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, even if you don’t feel pain initially.
- Exchange information: Collect names, contact details, insurance info, and license plate numbers from everyone involved.
- Take pictures of the crash scene: Take photos of the damage to your motorcycle, other vehicles, and any visible injuries.
- Gather witnesses: If there are bystanders who saw what happened, politely ask for their contact information and statements of what they saw.
- Contact a lawyer: Speaking with a qualified motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible helps you understand your rights, preserve evidence, and pursue fair compensation.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Florida?
Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims is two years from the date of the collision. This legal time limit is strict and once it passes, you generally lose the right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. It may seem like you have plenty of time, but two years can fly by, especially if you’re juggling medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and everyday bills.
Waiting too long can also weaken your case as evidence and witness recollections fade over time. It’s best to consult with a Palm Beach County motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. By getting professional advice early, you’ll have the best chance of protecting your rights, preserving evidence, and pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage?
Finding out the other driver has no insurance or minimal coverage can be frustrating, especially if you’re facing costly medical bills and lost wages. However, you still have options. First, check your own insurance policy for uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is designed to step in when the at-fault driver can’t fully compensate you.
This coverage can help with medical treatments, lost income, and other damages. If UM/UIM coverage doesn’t apply, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Palm Beach County can explore other avenues.
How is fault determined in a motorcycle accident in Florida?
Fault for a motorcycle accident in Florida usually comes down to four key criteria of liability:
- Duty of care: Every driver on the road has a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and obey traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: If a driver ignores their duty by speeding, texting behind the wheel, or failing to yield, they’ve breached that responsibility.
- Causation: To be held liable, that breach must have directly caused your motorcycle crash. In other words, if a driver’s action (or inaction) led to your injuries, they can be found at fault.
- Damages: Finally, you must show actual losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means if you’re over 50% at fault, you may not recover any damages. If you share a smaller percentage of blame, your compensation is reduced by that amount. For example, if your damages equal $100,000 and you’re found 80% at fault, you would receive $80,000 in compensation.
What types of compensation can I get from a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
In the unfortunate event of a motorcycle accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for their damages. This compensation is designed to help alleviate the financial burdens of the accident. You may be able to be compensated for:
- Medical expenses such as hospitalization
- Follow-up medical care, including consultations with specialists, physical therapy, surgeries, and other treatments.
- Lost income if the victim is unable to work during their recovery period.
- Future income if the victim is permanently disabled and unable to return to work.
- Pain and suffering endured from the accident, including physical and emotional pain, discomfort, and distress.
Get experience, compassion, and support by your side with Casey D. Shomo
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., we understand the impact that a motorcycle accident can have on your life. From serious injuries to expensive medical bills, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Our law firm treats every client like family, providing support and personalized attention every step of the way.
Don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Get help from a compassionate motorcycle accident attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation, or visit us at our office, conveniently located in Palm Beach Gardens.
“He went above and beyond in every aspect.” – Kim R.