Motorcycle Accident

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Florida?

Florida’s no-fault insurance system works differently for motorcyclists than for car drivers. Unlike car accidents, motorcyclists are not covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, giving you more options to pursue compensation directly from at-fault parties. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer will fight to maximize your compensation, handle complex liability issues, and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of your vulnerable position. This becomes crucial when you’ve suffered serious injuries, when liability is disputed, or when insurance companies act in bad faith. Studies consistently show that accident victims with legal representation receive substantially higher settlements.

Our firm offers free consultations for motorcycle accident victims, and you pay absolutely nothing unless we win money for your case.

How Insurance Works for Florida Motorcyclists

Unlike car drivers, Florida motorcyclists are not required to carry PIP insurance and are not part of the no-fault system. This means motorcyclists can pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance without meeting a “serious injury threshold.” However, this also means you don’t have the guaranteed medical coverage that PIP provides to car drivers, making proper insurance coverage crucial. Our attorneys can help you navigate these complex insurance matters and identify all possible sources of compensation.

What Compensation Are You Entitled To After a Florida Motorcycle Accident?

As a motorcycle accident victim in Florida, you may be entitled to comprehensive compensation including all medical expenses (current and future), full lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering (which is often substantial in motorcycle accidents), emotional distress, motorcycle repairs or replacement, and more. Motorcycle accidents typically result in more severe injuries than car accidents, potentially leading to higher compensation amounts. Insurance companies often undervalue motorcycle claims, but our experienced lawyers know how to properly assess your damages and fight for maximum compensation.

How is Fault Determined in a Florida Motorcycle Accident?

Florida follows comparative negligence rules, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often try to exploit negative stereotypes about motorcyclists to shift blame unfairly. Our team combats this by conducting thorough accident investigations, consulting with accident reconstruction experts, analyzing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any available traffic camera footage. We build strong cases that accurately establish liability and protect you from unfair blame.

How Do I File an Insurance Claim After a Florida Motorcycle Accident?

After ensuring safety and contacting police, you should notify your insurance company promptly. You must also contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pursue a claim. However, be extremely cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters, as their goal is to minimize payouts. Before providing any statements, contact our office for free guidance. We can handle all insurance communications while you focus on recovery, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.

Dealing with Uninsured Drivers in Florida Motorcycle Accidents

With approximately 20% of Florida drivers lacking insurance, motorcyclists face significant risks. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, your options for compensation become more complicated. Our attorneys can explore all potential avenues, including your own uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it), identifying other liable parties (such as vehicle manufacturers or government entities responsible for road conditions), or pursuing the at-fault driver’s personal assets. Don’t assume you have no recourse – call us to explore all possible options.

What Insurance Should Florida Motorcyclists Carry?

While Florida only requires $10,000 in property damage liability coverage for motorcyclists, this minimal coverage leaves you extremely vulnerable. We strongly recommend motorcyclists carry:

• Bodily injury liability insurance
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Comprehensive and collision coverage
• Medical payments coverage

Without PIP protection, having robust insurance becomes even more critical for motorcyclists. Our attorneys can review your current coverage and recommend appropriate protection levels based on your specific circumstances.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Florida

According to 2022 data, Florida had 668 motorcycle fatalities, accounting for 11% of all motorcycle fatalities in the U.S.

These injuries commonly include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (despite helmet use in some cases)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Road rash and severe skin abrasions
• Broken bones and compound fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Facial fractures and disfigurement
• Lower extremity injuries (particularly leg and ankle)
• Nerve damage
• Amputation injuries
• Psychological trauma including PTSD

Motorcycle accidents typically result in more severe injuries than car accidents due to the lack of structural protection. Our team works with medical specialists to document all injuries and their long-term impacts on your life and finances.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida

1. Driver Failure to See Motorcycles: The most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Florida is car drivers failing to notice motorcyclists. This “look-but-fail-to-see” phenomenon accounts for a significant percentage of all motorcycle crashes, particularly at intersections.

2. Hazardous Road Conditions: Motorcycles are more vulnerable to road hazards than four-wheeled vehicles. Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and construction zones that pose minor issues for cars can cause catastrophic accidents for motorcyclists.

3. Lane Splitting and Unsafe Lane Changes: While lane splitting is illegal in Florida, both this practice and unsafe lane changes by car drivers contribute to numerous motorcycle accidents each year.

4. Impaired or Distracted Driving: Alcohol impairment and distracted driving remain major factors in Florida motorcycle accidents. In 2023, thousands of citations were issued for distracted driving, with a significant portion involving accidents with motorcycles.

5. Dooring Accidents: Urban areas see frequent “dooring” accidents, where vehicle occupants open doors without checking for approaching motorcyclists.

6. High-Speed Collisions on Major Highways: Florida’s extensive highway system sees many high-speed motorcycle accidents, which typically result in more severe injuries and fatalities than lower-speed crashes.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims

Since March 2023, Florida law provides just two years to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident, reduced from the previous four years. This deadline applies to all traffic injury cases occurring on or after March 24, 2023, while property damage-only claims still maintain a four-year limit. Special timelines include two years from the date of death for wrongful death cases and three years for claims against government entities.

Time is critical. Missing this deadline means permanently losing your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be. Seek immediate medical attention, gather evidence promptly, and contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and maximize your chances of fair compensation.