After suffering damages in a motorcycle accident, you will likely be curious about your options for recovering compensation. While you may need to take your case to court to get the money you need, the truth is that most Florida motorcycle accident cases are resolved through an out-of-court settlement.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we have a long history of helping our clients get the money they need after a crash, both through out-of-court settlements and by securing favorable verdicts at trial. Our team of Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers is ready and waiting to help get you the money you need and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
Going to Court Vs. Taking a Settlement Deal
When attempting to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, it is critical to weigh the pros and cons of taking your case to court versus reaching a settlement agreement. While there is the potential to recover a larger amount of money if you go the settlement route, it is also riskier and will take longer. Even if your case seems airtight, surprises can arise in a jury trial.
By taking a settlement deal, you will recover compensation far quicker than if you go through the whole trial process, and you won’t have to worry about the possibility of ending up with nothing. A settlement is usually in the other party’s best interest as well, as this route will save them money in legal fees and help them avoid unwanted press coverage that may accompany a trial.
However, even though settling is typically going to be in everyone’s best interest, there is still the possibility that you will be unable to come to terms with the opposing party and will be forced to take your case to court. Because of this, it is essential that you hire an attorney with experience securing favorable outcomes for their clients through court verdicts.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Florida Is a No-Fault Insurance State
When attempting to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, it is also important to keep in mind that Florida is a no-fault insurance state. What that means is that all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. In the event of an accident, you must first file a claim with your own insurance provider before pursuing other avenues.
If you suffered a serious injury and your damages exceed your coverage limits, you will then have the option of pursuing the rest of the money you need through an insurance claim with the liable party’s insurer or by filing a lawsuit. For an injury to qualify as serious under Florida law, one of the following must apply:
- The injury resulted in a permanent disability
- The injury resulted in significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- The injury resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement
- The injury resulted in death
Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
Accident victims are often wary of hiring an attorney because they don’t think they can afford to do so. Because of this, they often agree to lowball settlement offers that don’t come close to covering the full value of their claim. However, you should never let cost stand in your way when hiring an attorney to represent you after suffering damages in a motorcycle accident.
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers get paid on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only recover compensation if we secure compensation on your behalf. This remains true whether your case goes to trial or is resolved through settlement negotiations. We do not charge a fee to retain our services or an hourly rate for the time spent on your case.
Instead, if we are able to secure compensation on your behalf, the only payment we receive will come at the end of your case and be paid directly out of the settlement or court-ordered payout you receive. This fee will be assessed as a fixed percentage of the money you recover, meaning your attorney will be strongly motivated to ensure you recover the maximum amount possible.
Be Sure to File Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit on Time
When attempting to recover compensation after an accident, it is essential that you pay attention to the personal injury statute of limitations in the state where you are filing. In Florida, this statute was changed in 2023, reducing the amount of time people have to file from four to two years in most cases. Missing this deadline could result in the loss of your right to recover damages.
Damages You Can Recover Through a Settlement or Court-Ordered Payout
When attempting to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident, it is essential that you identify all the damages you are eligible to claim. Every accident case is unique, and determining all the damages that apply on your own can be challenging. Fortunately, an experienced attorney can help you figure out which damages you qualify to claim.
Some of the most commonly available damages following a motorcycle accident include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Lowered earning ability
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
Get a Free Consultation From an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At SKG, we have helped countless motorcycle accident victims recover the compensation they need after accidents in Florida. Our attorneys have secured favorable outcomes both through settlement negotiations and by winning in court.
Contact us today by giving us a call or completing the contact form on our website and schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. We will review your case and answer any questions you may have. There is no obligation to retain our services, so don’t hesitate to get started.
Injured? Call The Aggressive Attorneys Today
