Lakeland is a city in Polk County, Florida, along Interstate Four. The westernmost city in Polk County is part of the Tampa Bay Area, a principal city of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area. Home to several large companies, including Publix Supermarkets, Polk County Public Schools, Florida Southern College, and Saddle Creek Corporation, the city is a beautiful place to live, work, and take your bike on the road.
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand the severity of these accidents and are committed to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. We have years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and know what it takes to win your case. Contact The Fran Haasch Law Group today for a free case review.
Motorcycle Riders Are at Risk in Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland, Florida, and Polk County’s surrounding areas are beautiful places to ride a motorcycle. The weather is great year-round, and there are plenty of scenic roads to explore. However, Lakeland is also a dangerous place to ride a bike.
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Polk County was home to 308 motorcycle crashes in 2021. Of those, more than 20 accident victims lost their lives. In 2020, Polk County saw 283 crashes and 25 deaths.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Lakeland, FL
Most of the time, motorcycle accidents are not the rider’s fault. Instead, they are caused by other drivers who fail to see or yield to motorcycles. This is why it is so important for motorcycle riders to take precautions and always be aware of their surroundings.
Many Lakeland motorcycle accidents occur due to negligence or wrongful actions from other motorists, such as speeding or distracted driving. Other accidents may happen due to:
- Poorly marked streets
- Highway construction
- Defective vehicles
- Neglected maintenance
- Roadway hazards
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault. However, to negotiate a settlement or be successful in court, you must establish liability.
Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle accident victims often experience more serious injuries than those in passenger vehicles. This is due to the lack of protection that bikers have. They also can be thrown from their bikes during an accident, which increases the chances of sustaining a traumatic brain injury or other serious injuries.
The most common injuries our clients experience after a motorcycle accident are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Fractured or broken bones
Who Pays For My Medical Bills?
One of the most common questions we get from clients is, “who will pay for my medical bills?” The short answer is that it depends. Motorcycle crashes are unique in Florida. For car accidents, Florida uses a “no-fault” system. This means each driver’s personal injury protection insurance (PIP) pays for their medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault.
However, this system does not apply to motorcycle accidents. Florida only requires operators who choose not to wear helmets to carry $10,000 in medical benefits insurance. These motorcycle insurance requirements fall under a purely at-fault system, which means that if you are in a motorcycle accident, you will not be able to file a claim with your insurance company for compensation for your medical bills unless you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and/or medical payments coverage.
It is important to note that if you were in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another party, you might be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, to get this compensation, you must first establish liability.
How To Prove Liability in Lakeland, FL Motorcycle Accident Claims
To prove liability, we must first demonstrate the four elements of negligence :
- Duty: The at-fault driver had a duty to use reasonable care while operating their vehicle.
- Breach: The driver breached this duty by driving recklessly, speeding, or breaking other traffic laws.
- Causation: This breach of duty caused the victim’s injuries.
- Damages: The victim suffered injuries and financial losses due to the accident.
Under these elements, a driver, commercial and public transportation companies, property owners, and even government agencies could be liable for your damages. Determining who is liable for your injuries is not always straightforward. This is why it is important to have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side.
The Fran Haasch Law Group has successfully represented many clients in motorcycle accident cases. We know how to investigate accidents, gather evidence, and build a strong case to get you the compensation you deserve.
Evidence We Use to Prove Your Case
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, our Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyers will work tirelessly to help you prove liability and get the compensation you deserve. We will review all aspects of your case, including:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction
- Medical records
We understand how important it is for motorcycle riders to get back on the road, and we will do everything we can to help you get the compensation you need to recover.
Do I Need a Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Although you are not required to have a lawyer file a motorcycle crash claim, hiring one is in your best interest. Insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize the amount they have to pay out on claims. An experienced attorney will know how to negotiate with insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve.
How Often Do Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Cases Go to Court?
Most motorcycle accident cases are settled out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we may need to take your case to trial. You can be confident in our ability to represent you in court as our attorneys have successfully tried many cases throughout Florida.
Our Lakeland motorcycle accident attorneys have represented injured motorcycle riders in Lakeland and throughout Central Florida for over 21 years. Call us today for a free case review if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident.
How Soon Should I Contact a Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately after your accident. Florida’s statute of limitations for filing or settling a motorcycle accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long to file a claim, you may be barred from recovery.
What Happens If the Other Driver Is At Fault?
Because Florida doesn’t require all drivers or operators to carry bodily injury insurance (BIL), the chances of being involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver are likely. A lawyer will help you navigate the often-complex world of insurance claims and get the money you need to cover your damages.
What Happens If I’m At Fault for the Accident?
If you are at fault for the accident and have bodily injury liability and property damage liability, your insurance company might pay for the damages up to your policy limits. If you do not have motorcycle insurance and the injured party decides to sue you, you will be responsible for paying for the damages yourself. This includes medical bills, property damage, and any other costs associated with the accident. You will also be responsible for paying your own legal fees if you decide to hire an attorney.
If the other party decides to sue you and you do not have motorcycle insurance, they might be able to garnish your wages. This means they can get the money they are owed by taking it directly out of your paycheck.
If you are facing a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.
The Fran Haasch Law Group: Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Lakeland You Can Trust
The Fran Haasch Law Group focuses on helping you and your family recover. We pursue personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and more.
With over 21 years of experience, we draw on constant legal research to help clients recover after being injured in auto accidents in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Founding personal injury attorney, Fran Haasch, is a lifetime member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association, and the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.
Our attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
No Recovery, No Fee
You should not have to worry about how you will pay for an attorney after a motorcycle accident. At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we work on a contingency basis, which means you do not owe us anything unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
Our Team Knows Motorcycle Law
Our Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyers have years of experience handling motorcycle accident claims, and our law firm is heavily engaged in the community of amazing bikers throughout the Tampa Bay area. This gives us a unique understanding of the law and how it affects motorcyclists.
The Fran Haasch Law Group Fights for Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Victims
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we support the Tampa Bay biker community personally and professionally. We understand personal injury law for motorcyclists and have committed to protecting motorcycle rider rights.
We have handled numerous motorcycle accident claims in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and Tampa and know insurance companies’ strategies to avoid rewarding full compensation.
If you feel you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
