In West Palm Beach, motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of the open road, but this freedom comes with risks. Unfortunately, a motorcycle accident can derail your life in an instant, and when it does, you may face a long and challenging path to recovery.
In these trying times, you need to have the right legal counsel. The Blakeley Law Firm, your trusted West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accident lawyer, stands ready to guide you through the aftermath of an accident. We're here to navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on what's most important: your recovery.
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Why Choose Blakeley Law Firm?
Choosing the right attorney can make a huge difference in your motorcycle accident claim. The Blakeley Law Firm is a local firm that offers compassionate client care and a proven track record of success in personal injury cases. Our team understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road and in the courtroom.
Our firm is rooted in West Palm Beach, and we have an office off Vista Parkway. We're a part of the community and familiar with the local roads and traffic patterns. Our attorneys bring over a decade of experience, ensuring we handle your case with the professionalism and dedication it deserves.
Understanding Your Compensation Rights
Compensation for motorcycle accidents can include a variety of losses. Our firm can explain and pursue the full range of compensation you deserve. Here's a brief overview of what that may include.
Medical Expenses in Motorcycle Accident Claims
When a motorcycle accident happens, your medical expenses can quickly mount up, from the ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any required future medical treatments.
Blakeley Law Firm will fight to recover the compensation needed to cover immediate and long-term care costs.
We document all medical expenses related to your accident to build a comprehensive claim. To substantiate these claims, we gather all relevant medical records, bills, and expert testimony to demonstrate the necessity and extent of your medical treatment.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
The financial repercussions of a motorcycle accident are not limited to medical bills. Many victims face lost income due to time taken off work for recovery, and some sustain injuries that affect their ability to earn an income in the future. You might have to take a lower-paying job or rely on disability benefits moving forward.
Blakeley Law Firm works to recover compensation for immediate lost income and diminished future earning potential. We use detailed evidence, such as pay stubs, employment records, and possible expert testimony, to establish the full impact on your earnings.
Pain and Suffering
Calculating pain and suffering is one of the more complex aspects of a motorcycle accident claim, as it involves putting a monetary value on non-economic damages like physical pain and emotional distress. Blakeley Law Firm uses psychological evaluations and personal journals to paint a picture of the accident's impact on your life.
Property Damage Claims in Motorcycle Accidents
The damage to a motorcycle and any other personal property involved in an accident is not just a financial loss it can also be a loss of a hobby, a passion, and a way of life.
Blakeley Law Firm recognizes the significance of your motorcycle and any associated gear, and we are committed to securing the funds necessary to repair or replace your property. We collect estimates, receipts, and appraisals from experts to substantiate the value of your property damage claim.
In each damage category, Blakeley Law Firm uses our experience and dedication to ensure that clients receive the full compensation they are due. With a comprehensive approach to evidence collection and a commitment to client advocacy, we strive to recover the maximum amount possible for our clients.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in West Palm Beach?
Some specific locations where motorcycle accidents have occurred in West Palm Beach are Community Drive near 12th Street and Ocean Boulevard near Lake Avenue.
Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents in the West Palm Beach area are:
- Single-vehicle crashes, which may involve hazards or debris on the roadway, defective or malfunctioning motorcycles or parts, inclement weather conditions, and defective or improperly maintained roads.
- Lane change crashes, which happen when a driver makes a lane change and fails to see a motorcyclist.
- Red light crashes, which might occur when a motorcyclist stops at a red light and a driver following them rear-ends them.
- Failure to yield crashes, which typically occur when drivers don't notice motorcyclists or intentionally fail to yield the right of way to them.
- Motorcycle crashes due to faulty equipment, which can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of the motorcycle or crash into other vehicles.
Overcoming Insurance Company Tactics
When you're the victim of a motorcycle accident in West Palm Beach, you're not just facing the physical and emotional toll of your injuries; you're also up against insurance companies that may try to undervalue your experience and reduce your compensation.
Blakeley Law Firm is familiar with these companies' strategies and stands ready to advocate on your behalf.
Insurance companies may attempt to dispute liability, arguing that you were at fault for the accident. They have a repertoire of tactics designed to cast doubt on your claim, from scrutinizing the accident report to questioning the statements of witnesses.
We review all the available evidence, from skid marks on the road to traffic cam footage, to establish a clear and undeniable chain of events that led to your accident.
Also, insurers might acknowledge the accident but downplay the severity of your injuries. They may argue that the medical treatment you received was excessive or unrelated to the accident.
To counteract this, Blakeley Law Firm works closely with medical professionals to document the extent of your injuries and the necessity of your treatments. We collect comprehensive medical records, expert opinions, and testimony to demonstrate the true impact of your injuries on your life.
Another common tactic is for insurance companies to offer a quick settlement that might seem sufficient at first glance but doesn't fully cover the long-term costs of your injuries.
We provide a detailed assessment of the compensation you need, not just for immediate expenses but for future medical care, loss of earning capacity, and the long-term consequences of your injuries.
They may also unnecessarily request and comb through your entire past medical history, looking for pre-existing conditions they can point to as the real source of your pain and limitations.
Blakeley Law Firm can advise which medical records you should disclose to insurers and which they do not need to review. We are skilled at disproving such connections, ensuring the insurance company does not try to avoid liability due to past health issues.
Insurance adjusters are also skilled in persuasive communication and may try to get you to admit fault or downplay your suffering inadvertently. Our legal team communicates with these adjusters, protecting you from conversations adjusters might manipulate to harm your claim.
At Blakeley Law Firm, our commitment to our clients goes beyond the courtroom. We're here to ensure that the insurance companies recognize the full extent of your losses and the compensation you deserve.
With our representation, we stand against the insurance companies' efforts to undermine your claim, working to secure a fair settlement for your injuries and suffering.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in West Palm Beach?
After a motorcycle accident, your steps can significantly influence the outcome of your legal claim. Blakeley Law Firm advises all clients on the importance of gathering evidence. This involves photographing the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
We can secure copies of police reports, witness statements, and any surveillance footage that may have captured the incident. Even minor details can play a significant role in building a solid case.
Keep a Detailed Injury Journal
We recommend keeping a personal injury journal to record your daily experiences after the accident. This should include notes on physical pain, emotional distress, challenges in daily activities, and how the injuries affect your relationships. Such a journal can provide compelling evidence of the ongoing impact of your injuries and help calculate your non-economic damages.
Adhere to All Treatment Plans
Adhere to your prescribed treatment plan. Insurance companies may view gaps or inconsistencies in treatment as indicating that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
Blakeley Law Firm stresses the importance of following your healthcare provider's recommendations and recording all appointments, treatments, and medications.
Financial Record-Keeping
Financial records are essential for substantiating claims for medical expenses, lost income, and other costs associated with the accident. Keep all receipts, invoices, and statements related to your accident. This includes expenses for medical treatments, assistive devices, transportation to medical appointments, and any modifications made to your home or vehicle due to your injuries.
Avoid Direct Communication with Insurance Companies
After an accident, insurance adjusters may attempt to contact you for a statement or to discuss a settlement. Only go into detailed discussions with them with legal representation. Insurance adjusters are trained to extract information they can use to minimize your claim.
Blakeley Law Firm can manage all communications with the insurance companies so that your rights are protected and you do not inadvertently say anything that can hurt your case.
Stay Off Social Media
In today's digital age, it's natural to want to update friends and family about your life on social media. However, sharing information about your accident, injuries, or recovery online can harm your claim. Insurance companies often monitor claimants' social media profiles for evidence contradicting the claim, such as photos or posts suggesting your injuries are not as severe as stated.
We advise all our clients to limit their social media activity and to discuss with us any posts that might relate to the accident or their injuries before making them public.
Seek Legal Guidance Before Signing Anything
Only sign insurance company documents after consulting an attorney. These documents can include releases or settlements that may seem harmless but can waive your right to pursue additional compensation later.
Blakeley Law Firm will review all paperwork to protect your best interests.
Secure Legal Representation Early
One of the most important steps is to hire a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Early legal guidance can prevent mistakes that might negatively affect your claim.
Blakeley Law Firm can step in immediately after your accident to take over the management of your claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we focus on securing your compensation.
Understand the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
The statute of limitations in Florida sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit in the state's civil court system after suffering harm. The statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is typically two years from the injury or your discovery of injuries. While there are rare exceptions, you should only assume one applies to your case after obtaining a legal assessment.
If you do not file a lawsuit within this two-year window, the liable party will certainly seek a dismissal, which will likely be successful. The court will not hear the merits of your case, no matter how strong of a claim you have or how severe your losses are.
Given these rules' complexities and potential exceptions, always consult a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident.
Blakely Law Firm can offer guidance on the statute of limitations and help ensure that you initiate all legal actions promptly. Our law firm can avoid the risk of missing the deadline to claim compensation for your injuries.
Contact a West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
You don't have to handle this challenging time alone. Call Blakeley Law Firm at (954) 253-9445 for your free consultation. With our experience and commitment, we'll work to secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery and the road ahead. Contact us today.