3 FAQs About Motorcycle Accident Foot Injury Claims
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered a foot injury, you might consider yourself lucky. After all, these collisions often result in brain trauma and spinal cord injuries, which are far worse than an injured foot. That said, a serious foot injury can lead to a long-term or even permanent disability that affects your life and general wellbeing in many ways. Depending on your career, it might also diminish your ability to earn an income.
Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation for hospital bills, lost income, and other damages. If you intend to bring a claim against the liable party’s insurance company, you will need strong evidence to prove fault and damages.
During the initial consultation, your personal injury attorney can answer any questions you have about the proceedings. Below we’ve provided the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these cases:
1. Who Might Be Liable for a Foot Injury Sustained in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you hurt your foot or ankle in a motorcycle accident, there are several parties who could be liable. Examples include:
- Other motorists who were involved in the wreck;
- The government entity responsible for maintaining the roads where the crash occurred;
- The company that manufactured the motorcycle or one of its parts;
- The mechanic that worked on the motorcycle prior to the accident; and/or
- The company that manufactured your boots, riding pants, or other safety gear.
2. What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue After Getting Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you sustained a serious foot injury, you might incur tens of thousands of dollars or more in damages. In the state of Florida, victims of serious personal injury have the right to seek compensation for the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Past medical bills;
- Anticipated healthcare expenses;
- Home care;
- Lost wages;
- Lost benefits;
- Loss of future earnings;
- Property damage;
- Alternative transportation;
- Domestic help;
- Child care;
- Loss of enjoyment in life;
- Emotional distress; and
- Pain and suffering.
If you’re married, your spouse may also be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. This encompasses the loss of love, companionship, support, and affection that your injuries or any subsequent disabilities have caused.
3. Can I Seek Punitive Damages Following a Motorcycles Accident?
While the majority of personal injury attorney claims do not warrant punitive awards, these damages may be available if the liable party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Should this be the case in your situation, you may be able to seek up to three times the total compensatory damages or $500,000 in punitive damages, unless the defendant was purposely trying to hurt you, in which case there would be no cap on the potential punitive award.
Discuss Your Case with a Motorcycle personal injury attorney in Florida
If you sustained a foot injury in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, contact personal injury attorney Donaldson & Weston. Our strategic legal team is committed to getting our clients the results they deserve as quickly as possible. Call our personal injury attorney today 772-266-5555 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida.