Experienced Orlando Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Attorney Cerasa can guide you through the legal process
Motorcycles are popular in Orlando, Winter Park and throughout Central Florida. You can see them every day on I-4 and other highways and on city streets. Many car and truck drivers are careless about sharing the road with motorcycles, however. This negligence leads to accidents that can leave motorcyclists seriously hurt. That’s when you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.
Attorney Michael Cerasa worked for big law firms in the area for many years. He learned how to use the legal system to help the injured fight back against insurance companies to recover the compensation they deserve. He started The Cerasa Law Firm LLC to be able to give clients more personal attention than the bigger law firms are capable of providing.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable out on the road. They have very little protection in a crash and can suffer significant injuries as a result. These include broken bones and injuries to the head, neck or back. Recovery from these injuries can take months or even longer. In some cases, people are left with a permanent disability.
If you were injured by the negligence of another, you deserve financial compensation. But insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. They tend to think of motorcyclists as irresponsible and may try to blame you for what happened.
That’s not acceptable. Attorney Cerasa knows how insurance companies operate. He understands the impact an injury can have on victims and their families. That’s why he works closely with clients to help them recover the compensation they need and deserve, whether that’s through a negotiated settlement or a jury verdict.
What causes motorcycle accidents?
Negligent drivers are frequently the cause of motorcycle accidents. Many drivers don’t even look for motorcycles or treat them as annoyances. They may drive too close or try to pass a motorcyclist. At an intersection, they may make a quick turn without checking for oncoming motorcycles. They may have been speeding or using their phone while driving.
The result is a crash that leaves a motorcyclist seriously injured. Many negligent drivers deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. They may even blame the motorcyclist for what happened. Insurance companies are happy to believe that, because it gives them an excuse to pay as little as possible.
What types of damages can I recover after a motorcycle accident?
You can take legal action to recover compensation for the economic damages you suffered. These are damages that can easily be assigned a dollar value. Examples include all medical bills for treating your injuries, both now and in the future. Other examples include lost wages if you couldn’t work and the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle.
You may also be able to recover compensation for non-economic damages you suffered as a result of the crash. These are losses that can’t easily be assigned a dollar value. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium.
Can I ask the insurance company for more money after a motorcycle accident?
Not long after your crash, you may be contacted by the insurance company with a settlement offer. Your medical expenses are adding up and you may not be able to work. You just want this to be over so you can heal from your injuries and move on. It can be tempting to accept their offer and the insurance company may say it’s the best that they can do.
Don’t believe it. You absolutely can ask for more money and you should. Their offer won’t even come close to covering all of the damages you suffered. This is just a way for them to pay you less. An experienced attorney can determine your total damages and negotiate a more realistic settlement – or fight for you in court.
How can an Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer help?
When you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, the insurance companies are not on your side. They may challenge the seriousness of your injuries or argue that they were pre-existing. They may argue that you were at least partially responsible for what happened. And they have lawyers to help them find ways to pay you less.
An experienced Winter Park motorcycle accident attorney can investigate your accident to get the facts. This includes gathering evidence, reviewing accident reports and interviewing witnesses. If needed, an accident reconstruction expert can be consulted. An attorney can build a strong case that you were injured by a negligent driver and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
It depends on many different factors, because each case is unique. If the negligent driver is denying responsibility, you will need to prove that driver is negligent. The insurance company may also be arguing that your injuries aren’t serious. It can take time to gather evidence and build a strong case.
In some cases, there may be a lot of evidence to support your claim, and it may be possible to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company in a matter of months. If your case is more complex, it may be necessary to pursue it in court -- a much longer process. An attorney can give you an idea of what to expect with your case.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Orlando, Winter Park or anywhere in Central Florida, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. The Cerasa Law Firm LLC can review the details of your case, go over your legal options and answer any questions you have. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.