Wesley Chapel Motorcycle Accident

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Wesley Chapel, Florida

“Couldn’t be happier the service was great I didn’t have to call once cause they were so good about calling to check in at least once a month. They made the process pretty painless and as convenient as possible. They settled the case for full amount an got me more then the high end of what I was figuring. If u were injured in an accident I fully recommend giving them a call.”

-Bruce Twiss

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Representing Injured Clients in and Around Wesley Chapel

Nobody should have to sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident because of another person’s carelessness or recklessness. Yet motorcycle collisions occur with some frequency in Florida, and they often result from another driver’s negligence. If you recently got hurt in a motorcycle wreck, an experienced Wesley Chapel motorcycle injury lawyer can discuss your case with you.

Common Causes of Wesley Chapel Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycle crashes can happen for many different reasons, from poor road conditions to driver error. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites some of the following as frequent causes of motorcycle accidents:

• Motorist fails to see a motorcycle rider in his or her blind spot and changes lanes into that motorcyclist;
• Motorist misjudges a motorcyclist’s distance at an intersection and makes a turn;
• Dooring accident, or when a car driver opens his or her door into an oncoming motorcyclist
• Alcohol-impaired collisions;
• Distracted driving;
• Inclement weather; and
• Poor road conditions, including slippery roadways or uneven roads.

Possible Injuries in a Wesley Chapel Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can happen almost anywhere in the Wesley Chapel area, from high-speed collisions on I-75 or I-275 to crashes that occur on local neighborhood roads or in retail parking lots. Since motorcyclists do not have the protection of an automobile when a wreck occurs, even a low-speed collision can lead to devastating and permanently disabling injuries. The following are examples of the types of injuries that a person can sustain in a motorcycle accident:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs);
• Broken bones or fractures;
• Severe scrapes and road rash;
• Contusions;
• Internal bleeding;
• Organ damage;
• Facial lacerations and other injuries;
• Disfigurement; and
• Limb amputations.

Comparative Fault and the Failure to Wear a Helmet in Wesley Chapel

In some motorcycle accident cases, the at-fault party will raise the issue of comparative negligence or comparative fault in order to suggest that the injured party is also responsible for his or her injuries. Florida uses a “pure” comparative fault system. What does this mean? Under Florida’s comparative fault law, an injured plaintiff can still recover damages regardless of whether that plaintiff is anywhere from 1 percent at fault to 99 percent at fault. However, the plaintiff’s total recovery will be reduced by his or her portion of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is awarded $1 million in damages after filing a motorcycle accident claim but the court determines that the plaintiff is 20 percent at fault, that $1 million award will be reduced by 20 percent (or $200,000), and the plaintiff will recover $800,000.

One of the most common reasons that an at-fault party will raise the issue of comparative fault in a motorcycle accident case is the plaintiff’s failure to wear a helmet. If you sustained a traumatic brain injury or another type of head trauma and you were not wearing a helmet, the defendant may be able to prove that you are partially responsible for the severity of your injury. To be clear, even though Florida law does not require most adult motorcyclists to wear a helmet, failing to wear head protection can result in a reduction of your damages award.

Contact a Wesley Chapel Motorcycle Injury Attorney

If you or a close family member recently sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle crash in or around Wesley Chapel, it is important to discuss your options for seeking compensation with an experienced Wesley Chapel motorcycle injury attorney. One of the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Kemp, Ruge & Green Law Group can speak with you about your situation and what steps you may be able to take to seek financial compensation for your losses.

Call us at 1-877-941-4878 or submit a contact form for a free consultation.

Directions to Our Nearest Office

Why Should I Hire Kemp, Ruge & Green?

It is very easy to describe what Kemp, Ruge & Green Law Group does. Our mission statement says it all. We strive to “relentlessly pursue protecting our clients and improving our community through respect, communication and service.” Put more simply, we help people.

Everything we do is with that singular purpose in mind. If a client has been injured by someone else, we will do everything we can to make sure they get the best possible medical care at little or no expense to them. If a client is going through a divorce, we will vigorously work to help them get everything they need to put the pieces of their life back together and to make sure their rights are protected.

Our firm is unique; we are committed to our community and our clients with a level of legal expertise that is among the highest in the area. In fact, we were featured in Positively Tampa for our efforts.

Our attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a national group that provides a network for information exchange, local assistance and case referrals to top trial lawyers in America who have won large, complex cases. Fewer than 1% of attorneys nationwide earn this high distinction. We always provide legal representation in your best interests, maintaining open communication lines, and keeping you updated about your case every step of the way.

Regardless of where you live in the Tampa Bay region, including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando Counties, we look forward to helping you make the best of your situation. Many of our attorneys have been acclaimed as among the 1% of all attorneys in the country, and they’re right here in our area, ready to help you.

Commonly Asked Questions About Wesley Chapel Motorcycle Injuries

• Can I file a lawsuit against a driver who caused my motorcycle accident?
• Generally speaking, since Florida is a no-fault state for auto insurance purposes, you will likely need to start the claims process by filing an insurance claim through your own auto insurer. However, if you sustained a “serious injury,” then Florida law may allow you to file a motorcycle accident in which you name the at-fault driver as a defendant.

• Can I seek compensation even if I was not wearing a helmet and suffered a head injury?
• It depends. Florida law does not require helmets for most motorcyclists, but the other driver may argue that you bear some fault for your injury.

• What is the statute of limitations in a motorcycle accident case?
• Under Florida law, most motorcycle accident lawsuits must be filed within 4 years from the date of the collision.

Living in Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel is home to more than 44,000 people and is located just 25 miles north of Downtown Tampa. Wesley Chapel is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state of Florida. In fact, it was listed as one of the “8 boomtowns of 2008” by the Gadberry Group.

Wesley Chapel has a number of planned communities, including a retirement community called “The Beach House.” Furthermore, 40% of households in the city are composed of families with children present. It has a median age is 35.2.

When it comes to commuting, I-75 is one of the most dangerous roads in Wesley Chapel. Other dangerous roads to be cautious of include State Rd 56, State Rd 54, Bruce B Downs Blvd, and County Line Rd.

Wesley Chapel Local Services & Emergency Contact Information

In an emergency, always call 911.

After a motor vehicle crash:

• Florida Highway Patrol – (305) 234-2240
• Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dial 911 Nonemergency (727) 847-5878
• Wesley Chapel Car Accident Lawyer – (877) 941-4878

Fire Department

• Wesley Chapel Fire Emergency – Dial 911

Police/Sheriff Departments

• Florida Highway Patrol – (305) 234-2240
• Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dial 911 Nonemergency (727) 847-5878

Hospital

• AdventHealth Central Pasco ER (813) 328-4999