Daytona Bike Week is a 10-day annual celebration of the biker lifestyle the first week of March (schedule sometime varies), and people come from all over the world to have the time of their lives. Unfortunately, Daytona Bike Week motorcycle accident lawsuits happen all too often.
It is smart to go into Bike Week aware of the potential dangers, but no matter how careful you are, accidents can occur. With so many bikes and people—not to mention other hazards such as cars and trucks, pedestrians, and possible inclement weather—it is easy to see why.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident at Daytona Bike Week, a Davie motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us for a free consultation.
Who Can Sue for a Bike Week Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcyclists may have grounds for a lawsuit if they are in an accident at Daytona International Speedway or elsewhere in Daytona Beach. Common mishaps include collisions with other bikers, crashes with cars or trucks, and incidents with pedestrians. Your motorcycle attorney will be able to advise on liability in each instance.
Aside from bikers, other groups may be victims of motorcycle accidents as well. This includes:
Motorcycle Passengers
People riding motorcycles as passengers can be victims of accidents. They may be involved in a motorcycle accident with another vehicle or injured due to the actions of the person in control of the bike they are riding.
Pedestrians
Over 10 days, around half a million people will attend Daytona Bike Week . As a result, there will be many bikes and many people on the street and the sidewalks. Pedestrians struck by reckless bikers may have a valid personal injury case.
Four-Wheel Motorists
If a motorcycle crashed into your car or truck during Bike Week, causing injuries and property damage, you could have a case. You may sue for compensatory damages for medical costs, lost wages, and property damage if the at-fault party’s insurance is unable or unwilling to offer a fair settlement.
Property Owners
Daytona Bike Week is a time for bikers to let loose and have fun. When that extends to property damage due to reckless motorcyclists who cause accidents, it is not a lot of fun for property owners.
How Much Can You Get for a Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
Depending on the nature of the incident, your attorney may first attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the liable party’s insurance company. Success here can help you avoid a lawsuit.
Every case is different, and an attorney can help you evaluate your case and arrive at a fair settlement number. Some of the things that may factor into your compensation are:
- Medical bills: Your medical costs due to the accident, including emergency room and ambulance charges, doctor’s visits, medications, and physical therapy
- Future medical costs: Expenses you expect to incur moving forward, including physical and occupational visits, repeated visits with specialists, or prosthetics
- Lost wages: The amount of money you are unable to earn because you are not able to work due to your injury
- Future earnings potential: Any drop in earnings or your ability to make a living stemming from the accident
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle or any other personal items destroyed in the accident
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering and related non-economic damages such as mental anguish or loss of enjoyment of life in very specific situations
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help?
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so you will be able to tell your story and get their opinion on whether or not you have a case. If you do, a skilled attorney will advise you on what to expect after a motorcycle accident and assist with a wide range of challenges.
Affordable Representation
People often worry about the cost of hiring an attorney. Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency basis. That means they’ll take their costs out of your award, and if you don’t win, they don’t get paid.
Such a pay structure makes quality legal advice available to almost anyone and levels the playing field with insurance companies.
Case Investigation
Bike Week can get pretty wild, so it is understandable if you aren’t clear about the events of your accident. Your attorney can investigate and find out what really happened and who is responsible. They may refer to police reports, witness statements, or security footage.
Calculate Maximum Compensation
Insurance companies often offer low settlements that won’t meet your needs. It’s usually not a good idea to take such a settlement, at least not without first speaking with an attorney.
A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will know how to calculate your compensatory damages and arrive at a fair settlement number to present to insurance companies.
Deal With Insurance Companies
You don’t need to speak with insurance companies. An experienced attorney knows how to negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. You can concentrate on recovery while they take care of business.
Represent You in Court
Negotiations aren’t always successful, and not every case is subject to a settlement through an insurance carrier. If necessary, your attorney can help you file a civil suit and represent you in court. You don’t have to go it alone when you can have a powerful ally by your side.
Know Your Rights After an Accident
When you are in a Daytona Bike Week motorcycle accident, you may not be sure what to do next. It can be especially tough if you don’t live in the area or if the events of the accident are confusing. A skilled attorney can help you make sense of it all.
You don’t have to be a biker to sue after an accident. Pedestrians hit by bikers, cars or trucks struck by reckless motorcyclists, and property owners are examples of people who may need a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Winston Law Firm can help. Founding member Bradley Winston is a board-certified civil trial lawyer and a biker himself. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Or, check out Bradley Winston’s free ebooks: The Florida Motorcycle Accident Bible and Five Deadly Sins That Can Wreck Your Personal Injury Claim.
