Pensacola, Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Pensacola Motorcycle Accident Attorney Chris Klotz Knows Representing Victims

Chris Klotz is the current President and a founding member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers. He rides a ’08 Harley Fat Bob. Chris strongly believes that those everyday people should have access to a tenacious personal injury lawyer who is willing to stand up to and challenge adversaries who are sometimes more powerful than the people he represents. Everyone deserves to have a lawyer willing to stand up for what is right, especially when making the right choice is the harder path.

Chris has a degree in psychology from LSU and graduated from Mississippi College Law School. He is also a graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College. Chris lives in Gulf Breeze FL and is licensed to practice in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Washington D.C.

Do You Need a Pensacola Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

After any motorcycle accident, you hope to put the whole experience behind you. Understandably, you want to heal from your injuries, get back to work, and move forward. Unfortunately, returning to normal after a motorcycle accident isn’t always straightforward. You may face obstacles such as:

• Short- or long-term medical treatment
• Doctor appointments
• Therapy
• Lost wages
• Life-changing injuries

Sadly, you may have lost a loved one in an accident and now face funeral expenses, reduced income, and medical bills.

How a motorcycle accident attorney can help

The insurance company may tempt you to settle early. It may offer you a low amount immediately and pressure you to accept it. Insurance companies usually are attempting to save themselves money with this tactic. They know you want to get past the accident quickly and may try to take advantage of your position. Our Pensacola motorcycle accident attorney is on your side. The lawyer reviews your circumstances to determine if you have a case. If so, our legal staff evaluates the accident, injuries and property damage to determine what your claim is worth. You may discover that you need more compensation than the insurance company offers. Your total lost wages and healthcare expenses may add up to more than the insurer’s proposal. If you want to work for your deserved amount, your personal injury attorney can represent you.

Who May Be at Fault for Your Motorcycle Accident?

You may benefit from talking to our Pensacola motorcycle accident attorney if you believe you were not at fault in an accident. Another party could be at fault, such as:

• Other motorists
• A government agency responsible for maintaining roadways
• The employer of a commercial truck driver
• A product or vehicle manufacturer

Florida law requires four-wheeled vehicle drivers to have personal injury protection insurance to cover expenses after an accident. However, PIP does not cover motorcycles. The law requires motorcyclists to have proof of financial responsibility or insurance coverage in specified amounts. You still have options after sustaining injuries in an accident. Effective March 24, 2023, Florida changed to a modified comparative negligence system meaning that even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. If your injury occurred after March 24, 2023, you have a two-year statute of limitations starting from your injury date to file a negligence-based lawsuit. If your injury happened before then, the four-year statute of limitations still applies. You can talk to your Pensacola motorcycle accident attorney if you have questions about the new laws.

What Evidence Helps in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

Having as much information as possible about the accident can help your case. The evidence you provide supports a comprehensive investigation to prove liability. Helpful details to collect include:

• Photos of the crash scene, including weather conditions, skid marks, injuries and pavement markings
• Testimony from accident reconstructionists
• Witness accounts
• Medical and employment records
• Healthcare bills

An account of your experiences, treatments and suffering after the accident can also help build your case.

Finding Legal Representation for Your Motorcycle Accident in Pensacola

It can be difficult finding the right Pensacola, Florida motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you in a motorcycle accident. Many Pensacola, Florida motorcycle accident lawyers will try to appeal to you by representing themselves as fellow bikers. But what you really need is someone with the know-how to get your case won.

Eric Stevenson and Chris Klotz are Pensacola, Florida motorcycle accident lawyers who have the experience you need to get you the compensation you are looking for.

Getting evidence together can help you to build a strong case. It’s always a good idea to try to gather evidence at the scene of the accident by talking to witnesses and taking pictures. However, this can be difficult to do if you are upset and injured.

Another important part of your case will be establishing who is at fault. Motorcycle accidents can be caused by driver negligence as well as any of the common causes listed above. The staff at Stevenson Klotz will work to get to the bottom of things finding out who is responsible for your injuries to make sure that justice is served.

Stevenson Klotz will work to make sure you get the evidence you need for your case and the compensation you deserve.

When someone is injured in an accident, they may want to settle quickly. While it is understandable that one may be eager to leave this unpleasant part of their lives behind them, it is also important to get a settlement that covers all expenses and losses. Stevenson Klotz will make sure you get a fair settlement allowing you to move forward feeling confident that your finances are in good shape.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, the last thing you should have to deal with is defending yourself in court. That’s why it’s important to find a Pensacola, Florida motorcycle accident lawyer you can trust. Stevenson Klotz will make every effort to get you the settlement you deserve giving you the closure you need to move on.

Common Causes of Pensacola Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of conditions and circumstances on Pensacola roads. These include the following:

• Poor road conditions: Poor weather conditions, debris or potholes can cause drivers to swerve causing a collision.
• Drunk driving: Impaired drivers have a poor sense of judgment that can increase the chance of accidents.
• Motorcycle defects: Motorcycles are complex machines with several mechanical components and working parts that must always be in sync. Design defects and mechanical faults in a motorcycle can lead to a devastating accident, resulting in severe injuries and death.
• Failure to check blind spots: Motorcyclists are difficult to see as it is. Beware that you may be in a driver’s blind spot and act accordingly to avoid accidents.
• Door accidents: When riding on the street, be aware of drivers that open their doors suddenly without checking for traffic. This can impede a biker’s path resulting in an accident.
• Overcompensating the front brake: This occurs when the driver brakes too hard. In these cases, momentum can throw them over the handlebars.
• Lane splitting: Many motorcyclists take advantage of their small-sized vehicles to weave in and out of traffic. However, this is extremely dangerous, and it can increase the likelihood of accidents.
• Cars turning left in front of motorcycles: Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. However, according to the latest NHTSA report, in 41% of motorcycle-vehicle crashes, the vehicle turned left while the motorcycle went straight. Car drivers may turn in front of motorcycles because they don’t see the motorcycle, they have a distraction, or they are speeding.

What Are Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Escambia County?

Escambia County saw 150 motorcycle crashes in 2022. Tragically, eight people died, and 130 injuries resulted from those accidents. These numbers have risen over the past three years. In 2020, 131 crashes caused seven deaths and 113 injuries. In 2021, 136 motorcycle accidents caused 114 injuries and eight deaths. A QuoteWizard study shows that Florida is the fourth most dangerous state for motorcycle riders. Statewide, 593 people died and 7,939 people had injuries in 9,237 motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle Laws in Florida

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be due compensation. However, this will be harder to come by if you were driving in a way that is considered illegal. To make sure you are on the right side of the law, always abide by these Florida motorcycle laws:

• Wear a helmet: A U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Snell approved helmet isn’t necessarily required for anyone riding a motorcycle. These helmets are tested and approved as safe for motorcyclists. Be sure to check the product description and helmet labeling to ensure your helmet is correctly rated.
• Be aware of blind spots: Because motorcycles are smaller vehicles, they can be difficult to see, especially if they are in a driver’s blind spot. If you are a motorcyclist, be sure to pay attention and avoid riding in a spot where a driver may be unable to see you.
• Use reflective safety gear: This will make you more visible to other motorists.

Common Motorcycle Collision Injuries

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several injuries that can occur. Some of the most common motorcycle injuries include:

• Road rash: This occurs when your body hits the pavement or gravel resulting in cuts and abrasions.
• Broken bones: Broken bones are common and can be the result of you colliding with another vehicle or landing on the ground.
• Amputation: Some injuries may result in the removal of a limb.
• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are common and can result in paralysis or even death.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Failure to wear a helmet can result in traumatic brain injuries which can severely affect the quality of life.
• Death: Unfortunately, many motorcycle injuries result in fatalities.

The Impact of Motorcycle Related Injuries

If you were injured in a motorcycle injury, it can impact your life in several ways. Here are some of the ways you can be affected:

• Loss of income due to time away from work to recover from injuries
• Medical expenses
• Diminished quality of life
• Chronic pain
• Costs for motorcycle repairs or replacement
• Lack of consortium

Of course, you can get compensation for your losses, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault, but you need the right Pensacola, Florida motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you.

Motorcycle Accident Case FAQs

What should you do after a motorcycle accident?

Seek medical attention and call 911. Ensure your safety and that of others. Document the scene, if possible, with photos and witness information. Inform the insurance companies about the accident. Call an attorney to get help with your case.

What is the average payout for a Florida motorcycle accident?

Each case is different. While no formula exists for precisely calculating your case’s value, our experienced Pensacola motorcycle accident attorney can work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call a Pensacola Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Motorcycles can be great fun to ride. The wind in your hair and the feeling of freedom can be invigorating when out on the open road. Unfortunately, there is also an increased risk of danger when you are riding a motorcycle. Because you are in a smaller vehicle, it may be difficult for other motorists to see you when you are driving alongside them. Also, because you don’t have the benefit of a steel frame to protect you, you are likely to suffer more severe injuries as compared to other drivers if you are involved in an accident. Even the most experienced motorcyclists must use extreme caution to stay safe.

If you or a loved one were involved in a Pensacola, Florida motorcycle accident, you need to contact the experienced accident attorneys at Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers to see to it that you get the compensation you deserve.