Being involved in a bike wreck could change an individual’s life in many important ways. Even if a motorcyclist follows all of the rules of the road and wears all of the proper gear, an accident caused by another driver may be unavoidable. Whether the victim suffers broken bones, road rash, head trauma, or a spinal cord injury, the impact on their ability to work and enjoy life could be significant.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash due to someone else’s negligence, call a Pasco County motorcycle accident lawyer for evaluation of your claim. A seasoned personal injury attorney could fight for the compensation you need.
Recoverable Damages and Comparative Negligence
In a motorbike wreck personal injury claim, individuals can recover damages, or compensation for their losses. One of the most common sources of compensation covers medical treatment, both in the past and in the future. Additionally, accident victims can recover compensation for lost income if they were unable to work due to the pain or disability that the injury caused. These sources of compensation are known as economic damages because they have a readily quantifiable dollar value.
Additionally, it is common for injured individuals to suffer emotional or mental anguish in addition to their physical injuries. These losses are known as non-economic damages, and they are also recoverable in a personal injury action. However, they can be difficult to calculate without in-depth knowledge of the local courts and similar cases. Taking the opportunity to speak with a motorcycle crash lawyer in Pasco County could lead to a better understanding of the types of damages available in a particular claim.
One issue that some injured individuals may face is comparative negligence. If an injured party was partially responsible for their own injuries, then they may face a reduction in the damages that they can recover. For example, a motorcyclist who was 15 percent at fault may have a 15 percent reduction in the damages that they can recover.
Deadline for Filing a Claim
The statute of limitations provides injured motorcyclists with four years to file a lawsuit. However, it may be important for victims to discuss the details of their case with a motorcycle crash attorney in Pasco County, as there are case-specific factors that can affect the filing deadline. Failure to file a personal injury lawsuit by the deadline could lead to harsh consequences. Attempting to file a time-barred claim could lead to a dismissal of the claim altogether and the loss of the right to recover damages.
There are also practical advantages to pursuing a motorcycle wreck claim as soon as possible. Most motorcycle claims involve issues of liability, and documentation is necessary. Because witnesses can become difficult to locate over time and memories can fade, it could help a case to get started gathering evidence as soon as possible.
Talk with a Pasco County Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you were hurt in a motorbike crash, do not hesitate to get advice and guidance regarding your legal options. You do not have to figure out your next steps alone. Instead, allow a seasoned attorney to help you gather evidence, examine any potential legal issues, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Call a Pasco County motorcycle accident lawyer today to schedule a consultation.