Clearwater Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Were you hurt in a motorcycle accident in Clearwater? If so, you’re not alone. Though motorcyclists are entitled to the same rights and subject to the same rules as everyone else on the road, they often aren’t treated the same by the other drivers around them. Careless and aggressive drivers crowd them, cut them off, and overlook them. This negligent behavior leads to preventable collisions – and riders nearly always get the worst of it.

However, you could have the right to pursue financial recovery and justice from the person to blame for your injuries. Let the law firm of Zervos & Calta, PLLC help you demand it. With over 50 years of combined experience, our legal team has the knowledge and skill to handle even the most complex accident cases.

Contact Zervos & Calta, PLLC today for a free consultation with a Clearwater motorcycle accident lawyer. We’re ready to get started on your case at a moment’s notice and at no upfront cost to you.

Why Are There So Many Motorcycle Accidents in the Clearwater Area?

With year-round warm weather, the Clearwater area provides excellent conditions for motorcycle riding. As a result, Clearwater has a higher-than-average rate of motorcycle ownership. More motorcycles on the roads mean more opportunities for motorcycle accidents. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Pinellas County had over 400 motorcycle crashes in one recent year, resulting in nearly 400 injuries and 30 fatalities.

What Are the Most Common Causes for Clearwater Motorcycle Accidents?

Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers don’t notice motorcycles. Or they drive negligently and fail to share the road with them. Some of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents in Clearwater include:

• Speeding drivers
• Tailgating
• Reckless driving, including excessive speeding or swerving through traffic
• Passing a motorcycle without moving over entirely to an adjacent lane
• Turning or changing lanes without signaling or checking mirrors
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Drowsy driving
• Aggressive driving and road rage

What Injuries Occur the Most in Motorcycle Crashes?

Because motorcycle riders are completely exposed while on their bikes, they tend to suffer severe, life-altering injuries in crashes. Some of the most common injuries that result from motorcycle crashes include:

• Lacerations
• Abrasions and road rash
• Degloving injuries
• Broken bones
• Dislocated joints
• Ligament sprains and tears
• Muscle and tendon strains and tears
• Nerve damage
• Whiplash
• Neck and back injuries such as herniated spinal discs
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Crush injuries
• Internal organ injuries or internal bleeding
• Traumatic amputation or limb loss

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Clearwater?

It’s critical to take certain steps after a motorcycle accident in Clearwater, both to protect your health and to lay the groundwork for a strong injury claim:

• Report the accident – You should report the crash to law enforcement as soon as possible, ideally while still at the crash scene. Remember to request a copy of the police accident report if an officer responds to the accident scene.
• See a medical provider – Seek immediate medical attention after the accident to diagnose injuries you sustained in the crash. Follow your treatment recommendations and recovery instructions. Remember to request copies of the medical records for your treatment.
• Save evidence of your losses – Keep any bills, invoices, or receipts to document expenses you incurred due to the accident, such as motorcycle repairs or medical treatment. If you need to take time off work or transfer to a lower-paying position while you recover from your injuries, gather copies of your pay stubs or income statements to help calculate your lost wages.
• Speak to a lawyer – Contact a Clearwater motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. They can pursue the compensation you could be owed while you focus on your health and recovery.

How Do You Prove the Other Person Was to Blame for the Crash?

To prove that the other driver involved in the motorcycle accident caused the crash, you’ll need strong evidence of their fault. This might include:

• Accident scene photos and videos
• Police accident reports
• Citation or arrest records
• Eyewitness testimony
• Surveillance and traffic camera footage
• Helmet cam or dashcam footage
• Vehicle event data recorder (“black box”) logs
• Driver cell phone records
• Post-accident vehicle inspections
• Accident reconstruction expert reports and testimony

What Damages Can Be Recovered for My Injuries?

If you can prove that another party is to blame for the motorcycle accident that injured you, you can demand they compensate you for the losses you suffered as a result. These might include:

• Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Costs of care and support you need if you suffer long-term or permanent disabilities
• Lost income from missed work or reduced earning capacity in a lower-paying part-time or light-duty role
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life caused by disabilities or scarring and disfigurement
• Repairs to your motorcycle or reimbursement for your bike’s value if totaled in the accident

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Florida?

Under Florida’s statute of limitations on negligence claims, you typically have only two years to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver who hit your motorcycle. Although you may have more time to file a claim under certain circumstances, any lawsuit filed after the expiration of the statute of limitations period may be dismissed. Contact a Clearwater motorcycle accident lawyer at our law firm as soon as possible after a crash to ensure you can file your claim on time.

How Long Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take to Settle?

While our firm cannot predict precisely how long it might take before you obtain a fair settlement offer in your motorcycle accident case, we can help you understand the factors that can affect the timeline and duration of your claim. These include:

• The nature and severity of your injuries
• The duration of your medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Whether you become temporarily or permanently disabled
• The number of parties at fault for the accident
• Whether other people also suffered injuries due to the accident
• The complexity of the evidence
• The availability of insurance coverage
• How quickly the insurance company investigates the accident and processes your claim
• Whether you need to file a lawsuit to pursue your claim