St. Augustine Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Injuries from a motorcycle accident can lead to ongoing medical costs, suffering, and an uncertain future. When someone else’s carelessness is the cause, you have a right to pursue financial compensation. Insurance companies and law enforcement may blame you for the accident due to unfair biases against riders. You can count on our experienced St. Augustine motorcycle accident lawyers to be on your side. Call us today at (904) 549-6302 for a free consultation.
St. Augustine has all the attributes of a perfect motorcycle destination, with its breathtaking beach views, flat landscapes, and historic landmarks. However, the nation’s oldest city is rife with dangers for motorcyclists due to traffic congestion, narrow roads, and infrastructure not designed for heavy traffic.
If a careless driver has hit you, our award-winning motorcycle accident attorneys in St. Augustine are there for you. We will fight for your rights and ensure the responsible parties pay you the damages you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Farah & Farah Is the Team You Want on Your Side in St. Augustine
We are a large personal injury law firm in St. Augustine with a small office atmosphere. We give you the best of both worlds. Our St. Augustine motorcycle accident lawyers will treat you like family by providing personalized care, answering your calls, checking in on you, and even helping you find the best medical care.
At the same time, our talented St. Augustine attorneys have full access to the resources of our large law firm and multiple areas of expertise. Our attorneys work together to get e the best results for our clients by combining their knowledge. You can expect our attorneys to go toe-to-toe with the insurance companies and beat them at their own game because we have the financial resources and skills to do it.
When you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident in St. Augustine, experience makes all the difference. Call us today at (904) 549-6302, and let us put our experience to work for you. We’ve been helping injured accident victims and grieving families get justice against at-fault drivers and large insurance companies since 1979, and we’ve won more than $2 billion in compensation for our clients.
Our Attorneys Have the Skills and Experience To Get You the Compensation You Deserve
Each of our St. Augustine motorcycle accident lawyers brings unique experience and resources to our office and is a powerhouse in their own right. However, our attorneys never work on an island. They combine their experience, skills, and resources to work as a unified team that gets you the best possible result.
We have an open-door policy, meaning our clients can always reach us. This is one of the benefits of being assigned a legal team instead of one lone attorney. This open-door policy also extends to our attorneys. Senior partners Eddie and Chuck Farah are always available to consult with your legal team, along with all of the resources of our Florida personal injury law firm.
When you choose Team Farah, you can trust the skillsets of our seasoned St. Augustine motorcycle accident attorneys.
Jumani Ali
Jumani Ali is a former prosecutor turned defense attorney with years of trial experience, shaping her into a bold attorney with the grit needed to fight for every penny you deserve.
A personal injury lawyer unafraid to fight in court is exactly what it takes to put an insurance company on its heels. However, she also has a warm, compassionate demeanor that will immediately remove any doubt about how much she truly cares about helping you.
William Oglesby
Will Oglesby previously owned his own law firm and brings a wealth of experience to our St. Augustine motorcycle accident team. He cares deeply about providing the best client experience for every accident victim. He leads with empathy and compassion.
Will has a knack for explaining the legal process to clients in a way they understand. He knows how upsetting and confusing the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be and will do everything he can to help you through it.
Samuel Ranard
Samuel Ranard is a gifted motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Augustine with a heart of gold. He has experience giving prisoners in the Florida corrections system a voice when they were mistreated and harmed.
His compassion made personal injury law a natural choice because it is another opportunity to advocate for those who need it. Motorcycle accident victims must go against large, wealthy insurance companies who often misjudge them based on their chosen mode of transportation.
Our Results Are No Accident
We win big verdicts and settlements for our clients through caring, understanding, and hard work. Below are a few examples of our recent motorcycle accident wins:
- $5 million for the wrongful death of a rider hit by a driver who ran a red light
- $1 million for a motorcycle passenger hit by a truck
- $750,000 for the wrongful death from a motorcycle accident
- $400,000 for a rider who suffered leg injuries when struck by a car
- $250,000 for a rider injured when a driver pulled out in front of the motorcycle
Our Former Clients Are Our Biggest Fans
Our St. Augustine accident lawyers regularly receive glowing client testimonials praising the passion and hard work they put into every case. Below are a few recent examples:
I feel seen. I feel heard. I feel important. Farah & Farah of St. Augustine has made this process more bearable…informed me every step of the way. What was a horrific event and time in my life the team at Farah & Farah St. Augustine has been there every step of the way.
– Brooke G.
This law firm is absolutely the best. When they take your case, they don’t put you to the side. I was skeptical due to the nature of my accident, not knowing if they would really fight for me and make sure I was taken care of. Let me say this: THEY DID…It feels great to know that someone will not give up on you because your case is “small”!! They have made me a believer, and from now on, I know who I can trust. FARAH & FARAH!!
– Carlos
I had a bad experience over a year ago with an accident that was not my fault. If I had not hired Farah & Farah, I might’ve ended up with little or nothing. Be aware of all the crazy drivers out there that carry little or no insurance, and the insurance company that you use may not want to cover your expenses in pain and suffering. By hiring Farah & Farah, I got justice.
– Greg B.
After I was injured in an accident a while back, I knew I had to seek out a legal team…I made the call and wasn’t disappointed. My team of Corri Hunt and Sharon Pirkl helped me through every step, from seeking treatment to settlement. They treat you well and are knowledgeable about whatever your questions may be. Highly recommended!
– Andrew G.
We Care About Our Clients and Our Community
We can’t think of a better way to show how much we care about people than giving back to the communities where we live and work. We proudly support worthy causes that improve the lives of those less fortunate, veterans, people with disabilities, and others.
We have seen the devastating effects of accidents on victims and their families. Through community giving, we strive to be part of the solution to decreasing motorcycle accidents in our community. One way we accomplish this is through our Safe Ride Home program.
Through this program, we provide free Uber and taxicab vouchers during holidays and various community events to prevent drunk driving accidents. In 2022, 1,469 people were arrested for drunk driving in St. Johns County. Our free vouchers provide partygoers with a safe alternative for getting home. We hope that this removes the temptation to drink and drive.
We started the Safe Ride Home program in Jacksonville in 2015. Due to its success, we quickly extended it to St. Augustine and continue expanding this program throughout Florida. We have given away more than 8,900 rides so far. Just one life saved is worth it to us.
What Our Nationally Recognized St. Augustine Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Do for You
After a motorcycle accident, physical pain, anxiety about the future, and medical treatment dominate your thoughts and your time. Unfortunately, insurance companies take advantage of these difficulties by refusing to pay what they rightfully owe and forcing you to fight for every penny.
You shouldn’t have to worry about fighting for what you deserve when you’re already fighting for your life and health. We’re here to take up the fight for you so you can focus your energies on recovering from your injuries to the fullest extent possible. You’ll get through this, and we can help by doing the following and more:
- We will conduct a detailed motorcycle accident investigation with the help of accident reconstructionist and other forensic experts to identify who contributed to your accident.
- We will use the evidence we uncover in our investigation to refute incorrect allegations of fault against you.
- We will refer you to the best medical care available in the St. Johns County area and work with your doctors to keep your medical bills as low as possible.
- We will retrieve your medical records and consult medical experts, vocational specialists, and life care planners to get insight into your long-term prognosis and quality of life.
- We will evaluate your damages and demand this amount in full from the responsible parties and their insurance companies.
- We will take over discussions with the insurance company, so you won’t have to deal with legal matters while trying to heal.
- We will put our nearly 45 years of experience to work for you by strategically negotiating a settlement and won’t accept less than you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to settle, we will take them to court.
- We will stay in regular contact and keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring you understand everything.
- We will help you through whatever challenges come along the way.
We do all of this with no upfront fees. We collect our fees only when you get paid. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us.
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Motorcycle Accident Statistics in St. Augustine
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported an average of 87 motorcycle crashes in St. Johns County per year between 2019 and 2021. These accidents resulted in an average of seven killed and 78 injured. These numbers were even higher in 2022, with 116 motorcycle crashes resulting in 98 injured and seven killed.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in the St. Augustine Area?
Deadly motorcycle accidents were reported at the following locations in St. Johns and Flagler Counties in 2023:
- State Road 207 and Morrison Road
- The Vilano Bridge in St. Augustine
- U.S. Highway 1 in St. Johns County
- State Road 100 in Flagler County
Interstate 95 is one of the most dangerous highways in the nation, known for heavy truck traffic and excessive speeds. Motorcycle riders face a high risk of death in the event of an accident in these conditions.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in St. Augustine
St. Augustine has many unique driving conditions that can be hazardous for motorcycles. While our brick streets have plenty of old-world charm, they can cause issues for drivers if they’re not maintained properly. Even a small irregularity, such as a loose brick or large pothole, can cause a rider to lose control of the motorcycle and experience a catastrophic accident.
Our city was designed more than 450 years ago, so it wasn’t planned with traffic congestion in mind. Many of our busiest streets are narrow, and three major roadways lead through the middle of town. These roads are State Road 16, State Road 207, and U.S. 1.
As if traffic congestion and poor design weren’t enough, the roadways are filled with millions of tourists unfamiliar with our area. This is especially dangerous for motorcycle riders, who are often overlooked even by local drivers who aren’t distracted by the scenery.
Lack of Motorcycle Awareness
Motorcycle awareness includes watching for motorcycles and driving correctly around them. Inattentional blindness happens when a driver appears to look right at a motorcycle but fails to see it. This commonly results in an accident when a motorcycle going straight collides with a vehicle turning left in front of it.
Left turns aren’t the only way a driver can fail to see a motorcycle. Drivers who don’t check their blind spots while switching lanes or merging onto I-95 or our other U.S. and state highways can hit motorcycles from the side.
After the Driver Sees the Motorcycle
Even after a driver sees a motorcycle, awareness of how motorcycles drive is required to best avoid an accident. Motorcycles often slow down without brake lights coming on due to engine braking capabilities, and they may have reasons to suddenly slow down or veer to avoid a hazard that wouldn’t necessarily be a threat to a car.
Motorcycle awareness means giving motorcycles enough space and paying enough attention to notice if the motorcycle slows down. Drivers who tailgate motorcycles are at fault when they rear-end motorcycles, but this is small comfort when you suffer severe injuries or your loved one dies from such a careless act.
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, one of the most important questions we will seek an answer to is whether the driver was motorcycle-aware. If not, this can help us establish that the driver was at fault. Call us today at (904) 549-6302 for a free case evaluation.
Failure to Yield
Drivers often become impatient in heavy traffic, causing them to hurry through a red light, run a stop sign, or turn in front of motorcycles. A tourist may also fail to yield when confused or paying attention to the views rather than the roads.
These types of accidents often happen at high speeds, increasing the impact and the potential for serious injury or death. No matter the reason for failing to yield, it is always inexcusable. In 2019, a sheriff’s deputy failed to yield to two motorcyclists and slammed into them during a U-Turn on State Road 16 in St. Augustine. Both riders were critically injured, changing their lives forever.
Speeding
While traffic often grinds to a halt in the historic downtown areas of St. Augustine, areas like Interstate 95 and State Road A1A typically have the opposite problem— dangerous speeds. Speeding includes exceeding the posted speed limits or driving too fast for the conditions, such as in heavy rain.
The higher the accident speed, the greater the potential for catastrophic harm. An increased speed of just 10 miles per hour increases the impact of a crash by 54 percent, and an increase of 15.9 miles per hour increases it by 95 percent, according to a study by the AAA Foundation.
The study, which covered accidents between passenger vehicles, showed dramatic surges in head and neck injuries from seemingly minor increases in speed. These effects would be even more pronounced in motorcycle riders who lack the benefit of seatbelts, airbags, or an enclosed vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Although most people associate cell phones with the concept of distracted driving, any activity that takes your eyes or mind off of the road is distracted driving and has the potential to cause a serious accident. In St. Augustine, we often have more tourist traffic than local traffic.
Cell phone use is a serious form of distracted driving, and texting is the most dangerous. Checking or answering a text message can take five seconds or more. Going 55 miles per hour for five seconds is enough time to drive the length of a football field.
If the driver happens to look up before hitting a motorcycle after texting, it can take the length of another football field to come to a complete stop, based on a speed of 50 miles per hour. Often, by the time the distracted driver does look up, it’s too late.
Evidence of distracted driving by the vehicle driver is one of the most important things our seasoned motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Augustine will look for when investigating your accident.
Drunk Drivers
Motorcycles are already vulnerable to being in an accident because of sober drivers failing to pay attention, speeding, or otherwise being careless around motorcycles. They face an even higher risk of accidents with drunk drivers on the road.
Drunk drivers have already displayed poor judgment by choosing to drive drunk, but it doesn’t end there. They are much more likely to drive carelessly and less likely to watch for motorcycles. They have slower reflexes, so even if they do try to stop or slow down, they are less likely to do it on time to avoid an accident.
If a drunk driver hits you, alcohol screening tests may serve as clear and convincing evidence of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Proof of such behavior would allow you to pursue punitive damages of up to $500,000 or three times the total of your other damages, whichever is greater. Contact our skilled St. Augustine motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads can make accidents unavoidable. Loose gravel, broken asphalt, potholes, and debris in the road can cause you to lose control of your motorcycle. If you are in heavy traffic, you may not have the option of steering clear of the hazard without striking a larger vehicle.
If a road condition played a role in your accident, the government agency responsible for road maintenance may be at fault.
What Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
Damages after a motorcycle accident may be available for your financial losses and the impacts on your life that are more difficult to measure in dollars. Compensation for financial losses is known as economic damages. Compensation for non-monetary damages is known as non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and motorcycle damage. They are calculated based on your current losses and those anticipated in the future.
The law does allow you to count future medical expenses to the extent you can prove them. We will meet this burden of proof for you with the help of our extensive network of medical experts, economists, and accountants.
Economic damages also cover lost wages, including missed work days, job benefits, lost business income, and lost future earnings. We will calculate this by comparing what you would have earned were it not for the accident with how much you can now earn after your injury.
Economic damages may also include the cost of services you can no longer provide yourself, such as housekeeping, child care, transportation, personal care, and other services.
Non-Economic Damages
For many of our clients, the most significant losses following a motorcycle accident are losses to their quality of life. These losses are commonly known as pain and suffering, but they encompass a wide range of intangible losses, including the following:
- Mental anguish
- Chronic pain
- Disability
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of bodily functions
- Loss of ability to enjoy life
You are entitled to recover financial compensation for these losses.
Damages for the Wrongful Death of a Family Member
If your family member dies from a motorcycle accident, our caring and supportive Florida wrongful death lawyers can help you pursue compensation.
Economic and non-economic damages can cover your family’s financial losses, your loved one’s final costs, and your family’s emotional losses.
Examples of economic damages include burial costs, your loved one’s lost lifetime earnings, and your loved one’s medical bills.
Non-economic damages in a wrongful death lawsuit may include loss of companionship, loss of comfort, loss of parental support, and more. You may also be able to pursue damages for your family member’s pain and suffering following the accident if death wasn’t immediate.
Where Does Compensation Come From After a Motorcycle Accident?
Florida is a no-fault state, but because motorcycles are more likely to sustain a serious injury, they are not part of the no-fault system. This means that when a careless driver hits you, you can hold that driver accountable. Motorcycle accident cases typically begin with a claim submitted to the driver’s insurer.
Florida requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 in property damage liability, but there is no requirement to carry bodily injury liability coverage. As a result, it is possible to be hit by an insured driver without having access to adequate coverage to repair your motorcycle and without any coverage for your injuries.
If you carry uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance, you can file a claim under that coverage. An uninsured or underinsured claim can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, up to your coverage limits. You can also file a lawsuit against the driver. If you purchased MedPay coverage, you can file a claim for medical costs.
Our resourceful motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Augustine can often find additional sources of compensation.
Additional Liable Parties
The primary purpose of our detailed forensic accident investigation is to identify who is at fault. In many cases, we find multiple contributing parties, opening the door to significant financial compensation as the available insurance coverage increases.
Corporate entities contributing to your accident tend to carry liability insurance with higher coverage limits. Corporations that may be liable for your accident include manufacturers of defective vehicle parts, employers, and trucking companies.
If a road condition contributed to your accident, we can help you pursue a claim against the state or local governmental agency responsible for maintaining the road where your accident occurred. Government agencies in Florida may be held liable for up to $200,000 in damages, and this amount may be higher in specific cases with legislative approval.
Insurance Policies You Own
We often surprise our clients when we inform them of insurance policies they didn’t know they had. These could be short-term or long-term disability policies you purchased through an employer, a death and dismemberment policy you or your loved one purchased through life insurance, or an umbrella policy you purchased through your insurer.
Our hard-working motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Augustine know where to look for unknown insurance policies, and we won’t stop until we’ve exhausted every avenue.
Social Security Disability
If your injuries have caused a disability expected to last a year or longer, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability. Our Florida Social Security Disability lawyers in St. Augustine will work closely with your team, assess your eligibility, and help you submit a successful Social Security Disability application.
How Much Time Does the Law Give Me To File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
The Florida statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is generally two years from the date of your accident, but don’t put off calling an experienced St. Augustine motorcycle accident lawyer.
The results of the forensic accident investigation are the cornerstone of success in your case. Your attorney must begin this investigation as soon as possible after your accident before eyewitnesses forget important details, skid marks fade, camera footage gets erased, and other important evidence is lost.
In addition, waiting too long to contact an attorney can deprive your attorney of the time needed to review your medical records, consult with experts, and calculate an accurate case value. All of this must be completed before your case is filed.
If you miss the filing deadline, you lose your right to file a claim. Don’t leave significant compensation on the table. Call our experienced St. Augustine motorcycle accident lawyers today at (904) 549-6302 for a free consultation.
How Do I File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
The most important step you can take to file your motorcycle accident lawsuit is to call one of our reputable motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Augustine at (904) 549-6302. We will get right to work and file your motorcycle accident claim with the appropriate insurance companies. If the insurance companies refuse to voluntarily pay fair and reasonable compensation, we’ll file a lawsuit.
Once your suit is filed, case discovery begins. During this process, defendants will have the right to review your medical records, and we will also have the right to request evidence from the at-fault parties.
You may be required to answer questions under oath during a deposition. We will spend significant time preparing you. This testimony is important because it can influence settlement negotiations and be used against you at trial.
Your case will go to trial if a settlement is not reached. Settlement negotiations typically begin after we have completed our accident investigation and calculated your case value. They can continue well after your lawsuit is filed and even after the trial has begun.
Motorcyclists’ Rights Under the Law in Florida
As a motorcycle rider, you have as much of a legal right to be on Florida roadways as any other motor vehicle. Drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care when driving around motorcycles. When a driver violates this duty and causes you harm, you have a right to hold the driver liable.
A driver violates the duty of care by doing any of the following and more:
- Speeding or violating other traffic laws
- Driving while drunk or otherwise impaired
- Failing to watch for motorcycles
- Following too closely
- Changing lanes or merging without checking blind spots
- Driving aggressively or recklessly
You have a right to expect roadways to be well-maintained and safe. You have a right to expect your motorcycle to be free of defects that could lead to accidents. You have a right to expect other vehicles on the roadways to be free of dangerous defects. If a party breaches their duty and harms you, you have a right to file an insurance claim and sue for damages.
You have a right to be treated fairly after an accident. You should never be presumed to be at fault because you are a biker. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in St. Augustine are passionate about confronting bias, protecting your dignity, and requiring insurance companies and other agencies to treat you fairly.
Contact Farah & Farah Today for a Free Consultation
At Farah & Farah, our St Augustine motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to helping those injured in motorcycle crashes. With compassion and skill, we are ready to fight for the results that you deserve. Call (904) 549-6302 today for your free, no-obligation case review.
Why Farah & Farah Is the Team You Want on Your Side in St. Augustine
What Our Nationally Recognized St. Augustine Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Do for You
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in St. Augustine
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in St. Augustine
What Compensation Can I Receive for My Motorcycle Accident?
Where Does Compensation Come From After a Motorcycle Accident?
How Much Time Does the Law Give Me To File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
How Do I File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
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