Riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable activity that brings with it feelings of personal freedom and the joys of the open road. Unfortunately, the high speed and small size of motorcycles often mean that accidents can happen at any time. Depending on the kind of protective gear you might be wearing, the results of a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic. If you want to seek legal action against the negligent party, you might want to know the average motorcycle accident settlement in Florida.
Unfortunately, there is no definitive, useful average motorcycle accident settlement in Florida. Every motorcycle accident case is different from all the others. Each case brings with it its own set of specifics and details that make every individual case unique. Just because an accident case similar to yours resulted in a hefty settlement, that does not automatically mean that yours will, even if you hire the same law firm.
When determining the settlement amount in a motorcycle accident case, there are many different factors that need to be considered, including Florida’s two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims and whether you were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. If you are over 21, you don’t need to wear a helmet as long as you carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance. Here are some other factors that will influence your settlement amount:
How much most motorcycle accident settlements are is not useful for estimating the potential value of yours. Every motorcycle accident case is different, with each case bringing its own details and circumstances into the situation. When determining a settlement amount, there are multiple factors that need to be considered, including the severity of your injuries, the damage to your motorcycle, and the stance of the insurance company.
The average bodily injury payout in Florida cannot be used to estimate the payout for your case. Every case is going to be different and result in a different number that each party is comfortable with. Generally, more serious injuries that result in surgeries and chronic pain are going to pay considerably more than minor injuries. It really depends on the nature of the accident and the details of your injury.
Generally, a vehicle is considered totaled when the cost to have it repaired is greater than the actual value of the vehicle itself. It’s just not considered economically feasible to repair it. You might as well get a new one if you are going to pay that kind of money. If the frame is bent or there is additional structural damage, the bike may be considered totaled, even if the cost does not exceed its value.
When the insurance company does its investigation into the accident, it will need to determine the value of your motorcycle. This allows them to give you an approximate number that the vehicle is worth when figuring out that part of the settlement. This is usually determined by researching the vehicle’s current market value while taking into consideration the bike’s condition, mileage, modifications, and recent maintenance. Motorcycles tend to depreciate quickly, with some exceptions.
Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. The accident itself could result in severe trauma, which you could still be trying to recover from, and the last thing you need to worry about is a legal battle for compensatory damages. That’s why you should consider entrusting your case to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. They can take charge of the legalities and allow you the freedom to prioritize your recovery.
The legal team at The Frank Santini Law Firm can figure out a way to pursue compensatory damages and get what you deserve from the right people. We can construct your case, gather evidence that backs it up, and protect you from insurance companies. Our firm provides personalized attention to all our clients, we make sure you can stay informed of any developments in your case. Contact us to arrange a consultation about your case.
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