At our firm, we act swiftly and effectively to assist injured motorcyclists and their families. From the moment you step into our office, we focus on providing personalized care and attention. We take the time to understand the full impact of your motorcycle accident in —your injuries, how they’ve affected your life, and your concerns for the future. Our goal is to offer peace of mind while you recover.
Our Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Lawyers offer free consultations to help you explore all your legal options, even if you’re unsure about pursuing a case. We handle the legal complexities, including insurance negotiations and creditor issues, so you can focus on healing. Our team has helped over 30,000 clients recover more than $1 billion, and we’re ready to fight for you.
With vast resources and experience, we are prepared to take on the most complex cases and, if necessary, bring insurance companies to trial. Past successes can’t guarantee future results, but you can trust that our dedicated team will work tirelessly on your behalf. Let us take care of the legal battles so you can focus on getting back to what you love.
Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Myers
According to FLHSMV data from 2023, there were 360 motorcycle accidents in Fort Myers, making up 100% of the total crashes in Lee County. Of these, 28 were fatal, accounting for 25% of the county’s 112 total fatalities. Additionally, 303 cases resulted in injuries.
As these statistics show, motorcycle accidents in Fort Myers tend to be severe, highlighting the vulnerabilities motorcyclists face on the road. Weather conditions, poor visibility, and hazardous roads can further increase the risk for motorcyclists.
Because they are more exposed than those in passenger vehicles, motorcyclists are at greater risk of serious injuries. Common injuries include:
- Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Amputations.
Motorcycle Accidents We Handle in Fort Myers
At our firm, we handle a wide range of motorcycle accident cases in Fort Myers, many of which are caused by driver negligence or hazardous road conditions. Here are some of the most common types of accidents we deal with:
Distracted Driving
Accidents caused by distracted driving are unfortunately common. Motorcyclists are often overlooked by drivers texting, eating, or using their phones. We represent riders injured in these preventable accidents, fighting to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
Drunk Driving
We handle many cases where motorcyclists are struck by impaired drivers. Drunk driving significantly reduces reaction times, putting motorcyclists at serious risk. We work to hold these drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving accidents often involve drivers who fall asleep at the wheel or fail to react in time to avoid hitting a motorcyclist. We fight for compensation for motorcyclists injured by drowsy or fatigued drivers in Fort Myers.
Tailgating
Rear-end collisions due to tailgating are a frequent issue in Fort Myers. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, and when drivers follow too closely, it can result in serious accidents. We represent clients in these cases to recover damages for injuries and lost wages.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
When drivers run red lights or stop signs, the results can be catastrophic for motorcyclists. We have experience handling cases where motorcyclists were injured by reckless drivers disregarding traffic signals.
Failing to Yield the Right of Way
Many of the accidents we handle involve drivers failing to yield the right of way, especially at intersections. Motorcyclists are often overlooked or misjudged, leading to devastating collisions.
Road Defects
Hazardous road conditions like potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris cause serious accidents for motorcyclists. We help riders who have been injured due to poorly maintained roads, working to hold the responsible parties accountable.
We do not limit our services to just these types of accidents. We motorbike crash accidents lawyers handle a broad range of other motorcycle accident cases, including accidents caused by road rage, running red lights or stop signs, fatigued driving, and improper lane usage. Our expertise extends to any scenario where motorcyclists are at risk, ensuring that we cover all grounds for our clients’ claims.
Florida’s Motorcycle Laws
Motorcyclists in Florida face unique legal requirements. Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists are not covered by the state’s no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This means they must rely on fault-based personal injury claims to recover damages after an accident. To mitigate this, motorcyclists are encouraged to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can protect them in cases where the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance.
Florida’s comparative negligence rule can significantly affect compensation. Under the “modified comparative negligence” system, if a motorcyclist is found to be more than 51% at fault for the accident, they cannot recover damages. If they are 50% or less at fault, their compensation will be reduced according to their percentage of fault.
Helmet laws also impact claims. Riders under 21 are required to wear helmets, while those over 21 can forgo helmets if they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance. However, failure to wear a helmet can be used to reduce compensation under comparative negligence if the lack of a helmet contributed to the rider’s injuries.
Motorcyclists have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to Florida’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline will typically result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Our attorneys are experienced in handling these complexities. We help motorcyclists gather strong evidence to establish fault, challenge biases that may arise against riders, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the compensation they deserve.
Types of Compensation
Motorcycle accident victims can pursue several types of compensation depending on the severity of injuries and fault determination. Florida’s fault-based system allows injured motorcycle riders to seek:
- Economic Damages: Covers medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Includes compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: Awarded for cases involving reckless or malicious behavior by the at-fault driver.
Since Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, compensation can be reduced if the motorcyclist is found partially at fault. Our attorneys can help navigate the complex process of proving fault and gathering evidence. We assess all potential compensation options, ensuring that both economic and non-economic losses are addressed. By handling negotiations with insurance companies and presenting a strong case, we fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Personal Injury & Motorcycle Accident Case Results
Our attorneys offer more than just legal advice and representation to our clients. Our team will cooperate with you through every process step of seeking compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries. It means assisting you with determining if you have a case, who is liable for your injuries, your damages, and what strategy to take so that you receive maximum compensation.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Myers
Lastly, the steps you take after a motorcycle accident can significantly affect your recovery, potential injury claim, and the above-mentioned compensation amounts. First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, as pain and injuries can surface hours later. Prompt medical care ensures your health and strengthens your claim by preventing accusations that you failed to minimize your damages.
Remaining calm is essential. Control your emotions, assess the situation, and call for help if needed. Exchange insurance information with the other driver but avoid discussing the specifics of the accident. Following these steps can help protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful claim.
At the accident scene, collect evidence if you’re able, including photos of the crash site, your bike, and the other vehicle. Also, gather contact details of any witnesses, as their testimony can be critical. Notify law enforcement and your insurance company, but avoid discussing details with the other driver’s insurer.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Your attorney will assist you if talks do not result in a fair settlement, and you need to proceed with the legal process and file a motorbike accident case. There are various steps involved in a motorcycle accident lawsuit. The discovery stage of your suit is at the start of the procedure.
The discovery stage of litigation allows both sides to interrogate each other and gather paperwork and evidence. Your lawyer and the defendant’s lawyer may call witnesses, hire experts, and do other things. Some legal teams agree with this premise; in other circumstances, a mediator is needed to help the matter resolve outside of court.
Mediation does not always guarantee to work. If mediation doesn’t resolve the issues in your case, it may be time to go to trial. It involves your attorney making your case in front of a judge or jury, and the trial can last anywhere from a few weeks to months.
How Our Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Our firm also assists in other details essential to your case’s success, such as investigating your accident, getting the assistance of expert witnesses, handling court paperwork, securing medical records, etc. Your attorney will also be at your side, representing your best interests and ensuring you are not taken advantage of. They will contact the insurance company to notify them of your demands, negotiate a settlement on your behalf, and represent you in a trial to fight for your right to compensation for the damages you suffered. All of this is accomplished with award-winning skill and experience honed by years of successful litigation on behalf of clients we have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
Common Questions About Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Steinger, Greene & Feiner’s Team of Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Seeking compensation for injuries and wounds suffered in a motorcycle accident is rarely a simple task. Motorcycle accidents cause some of the worst injuries in motor vehicle accidents which means more severe damages and a higher case value. Insurance companies will fight these types of cases much harder to avoid paying for these extensive damages, so hiring a motorcycle accident attorney in Fort Myers is often a must if one wishes to stand a chance in getting the compensation they deserve.
Contact us at (239) 747-7473 or visit us at 9160 Forum Corporate Pky, Suite 350, Fort Myers, FL 33905, to learn how we can assist you after a serious motorcycle accident.