Pensacola DUI Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A. has a history of successfully protecting the rights of motorcyclists who have been severely injured in DUI motorcycle accidents in Pensacola and throughout the Florida Panhandle. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have the knowledge, legal skills, and determination to hold the reckless driver who caused your suffering accountable. 

Motorcycle enthusiasts realize that their method of transportation and/or recreation involves an increased chance of personal injury, but the sense of freedom and exhilaration biking provides makes it worth the risk. Nonetheless, impaired motorists worsen biker odds considerably. 

Despite the efforts of government agencies, and organizations like MADD and SADD, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) still reports intoxicated drivers as a major factor in motorcycle accidents.

Why DUI Motorcycle Accidents Occur So Frequently

Drunk driving (with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or above) is a factor in almost all traffic fatalities. This is no surprise since excessive alcohol results in: 

  • Impaired vision, hearing, and other perception
  • Poor eye/hand/foot coordination 
  • Slow reaction time, poor muscle control
  • Slow involuntary reflexes
  • Impaired judgment, concentration, 
  • Sleepiness
  • Altered mood
  • Decreased eye/hand/foot coordination

Any one of these consequences of DUI make drivers more likely to: 

  1. Fail to notice a motorcycle on the road 
  2. Speed or otherwise drive recklessly
  3. Fall asleep at the wheel
  4. Take more time to brake or steer away from danger 

Severe Injuries Caused by DUI Motorcycle Accidents

At Staples, Ellis + Associates, we have seen too many life-altering injuries suffered by victims of DUI motorcycle accidents. Because of their increased vulnerability, motorcyclists can and do suffer a loss of limbs, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries involving partial or total paralysis, and organ damage or loss. 

Bikers are not only more likely to go through surgery and longer recovery periods than motorists, but have a greater chance of becoming permanently disabled or suffering a fatal injury. This is why having the talented DUI motorcycle accident attorneys of Staples, Ellis + Associates at your side is invaluable, whether you are the injured party or a family member who has lost a close relative to wrongful death.

DUI Motorcycle Accidents Require Excellent Legal Representation

As an injured victim in a DUI motorcycle accident, you are doubtless overwhelmed. While medical care is your most urgent need, you also require the services of a sharp attorney. Judges, juries, and insurance adjusters are often prejudiced against bikers, believing them to be reckless by nature. For this reason, you will need the clout of a persuasive negotiator whether or not a lawsuit becomes necessary.

As you are healing, our legal advocates will evaluate your case and begin to get the ball rolling by:

  • Handling all communications with insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys
  • Examining police records and medical data, making sure to check the other driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) and observations of possible impairment
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Consulting with medical, automotive, and accident reconstruction experts 
  • Checking the defendant’s history for any record of DUI arrests

    Our DUI motorcycle attorneys will provide effective, compassionate support. Aware that you are going through one of the most difficult times in your life as you cope with financial challenges as well as physical and emotional trauma, we won’t charge you any attorneys’ fees until we win your case.

    What happens if you were partly responsible?

    A great many traffic accidents are the result of mistakes made by both parties. Even if you were partially responsible for the collision in which you were seriously harmed, our savvy legal team may well be able to obtain compensation to help you pay expenses during recovery and in the future. Also, if you have suffered the anguish of losing a loved one in a DUI motorcycle crash, we will do everything possible to bring you damages as a measure of restitution and justice.

    State laws vary widely in regard to comparative fault. Florida law follows the principle of “pure comparative negligence.” This means that even if you too were under the influence or speeding at the time of the crash, our DUI motorcycle accident attorneys may still be able to obtain substantial damages for you.

    The way it works is this: the court will assign percentages of blame to both parties. When you are awarded compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering, the court will deduct the percentage of your fault from the amount you receive. So, if you are found to be 30 percent at fault and the court awards you $100,000, you will actually receive $70,000. In this context, the words “pure comparative negligence” mean that you can receive damages even if you bear more fault for the accident than the other driver.

    Damages

    Whether you have been severely injured or lost a close relative in a DUI motorcycle accident, you are legally entitled to fair compensation. Our accomplished lawyers will fight aggressively to bring your case to a successful conclusion. We will fight tirelessly to obtain damage for:

    • Medical costs
    • Lost income, present and future
    • Property damage
    • Long-term nursing care
    • Pain and suffering
    • Permanent disability
    • Scarring or other disfigurement
    • Loss of enjoyment of life

    If you have lost a close relation in a DUI motorcycle accident, we will work hard to obtain funds to cover your funeral costs and loss of financial and emotional support. In cases in which the motorist’s misconduct was especially heinous, we may also be able to persuade the court to award you punitive damages. 

    Contact Our Capable DUI Motorcycle Attorneys Today

    When you get in touch with Staples, Ellis + Associates, you will receive the fair treatment and respect you deserve. We know the accident has affected your whole family and want to minimize your stress and maximize the compensation you receive.

    The DUI Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Staples, Ellis & Associates serves clients in Pensacola County, Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, Okaloosa County, Walton County, and throughout Northwest Florida.