Florida Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer

March 13, 2023 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman

Did you get into a Florida motorcycle accident? If so, you need an experienced Florida motorcycle accidents lawyer to fight for you and your rights to compensation.

After a motorcycle accident, the insurance companies are NOT on your side, but WE are.

At the Dolman Law Group, our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys have significant experience representing motorcyclists who have sustained severe crash injuries.

Many accidents occur because other drivers or parties act in negligent ways that put motorcyclists at risk. Our professional attorneys can assist you in holding negligent parties liable in several different ways.

For example, you may file a claim with that party's insurance company, or you may need to file a personal injury claim against them in court. However, the process for seeking compensation from a government entity is precise and set out by Florida law. Therefore, you always need the guidance of an experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer who can identify the best method of seeking the compensation you deserve.

Choose Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

When you suffer a serious injury in a motorcycle accident, you need a law firm on your side that you can trust. But how do you find the best Florida motorcycle accident attorney near you? Choosing the right attorney for your case is a personal decision and one that you should not take lightly.

The best attorney should have extensive experience representing motorcycle accident victims in Florida. They should also know the complications and issues motorcyclists face when trying to collect maximum compensation.

At Dolman Law Group, we would love the opportunity to show you why injured Florida motorcyclists choose us to represent them following a serious accident. Unfortunately, insurance companies have biases against motorcyclists; however, we fight these biases aggressively.

Our lawyers have the experience and resources needed to tackle these complex cases and win. We are not only seasoned negotiators but also litigators. This means that if your case proceeds to trial, you can rest easy knowing you have a team of motorcycle accident lawyers in your corner with extensive courtroom experience.

Our success track record speaks for itself. We are experienced litigators and negotiators, and there is a reason why so many injured Florida motorcyclists choose our law firm to represent them after a serious accident. We have successfully helped our injured clients obtain millions in awards and settlements.

Here are some of our most notable motorcycle accident cases:

  • $1.4 million for an injured motorcyclist in Florida with multiple injuries
  • $1 million for an injured Florida motorcyclist with TBI
  • $750,000 for an injured Florida motorcyclist with a subdural hematoma and torn rotator cuff injury
  • $415,000 for a Florida motorcyclist who suffered a spinal injury

While past success never guarantees future results, you can rest easier knowing you have an experienced team of aggressive attorneys in your corner from the very start.

We are a local law firm first with strong ties to Florida. We live and work here, and it shows. We know the roads and intersections in Florida where motorcycle accidents frequently occur, such as I-95 in Miami, Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville, and Cortez Road in Bradenton.

If you were an injured rider in Florida, an experienced Florida personal injury attorney will be there quickly wherever you need us, in your home, hospital room, or office. To make things even easier, we offer FREE initial consultations and reviews, so you can seek justice no matter who you are.

Our law firm has locations across Florida to make it even easier for you to reach us after a severe motorcycle accident. We have offices in:

 

Call Dolman Law Group today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers.

How Can Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help You?

After an injury accident, motorcyclists may face a long uphill battle toward recovery. As an injured motorcyclist, your time and energy are better spent on your treatment plan and rebuilding your life. You should not have to deal with the hassle of negotiating motorcycle accident settlements with insurance companies.

Let a dedicated Florida motorcycle accidents lawyer from Dolman Law Group take the legal burdens off of you during this difficult time.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers know that insurance companies often have unfair biases against motorcyclists. These biases can directly affect the claim for compensation you can receive. Our law firm knows how to expose unfair biases, so you get the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages you suffered.

When you work with our seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys, we use our decades of experience to benefit you. Our legal knowledge becomes a part of your case. So if you have a question about what is going on or what you should expect, you have someone you can trust to answer your questions.

Our attorneys also work with industry experts in Florida on an as-needed basis to help you pursue the fair compensation you deserve. We can also bring in auto manufacturers and mechanical professionals to help prove your case.

Why File a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

There are many reasons to file a Florida motorcycle accident lawsuit. Mainly, you need money to pay for the damages you suffered. When someone else's negligence causes you harm, you have a right to seek compensation.

Our attorneys can help you do just that. We know how to collect maximum compensation for our injured clients. We can help you recover the money you need to pay for:

  • Medical costs including hospital stays
  • Future medical bills
  • Rehabilitation
  • Long-term care
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering

Many injured motorcyclists are unaware of how serious their injuries are and how expensive treatment may be. As a result, as an injured motorist, you can quickly rack up tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid medical bills in the first month alone.

If you suffer complications or your injuries are particularly severe, you may need even more money to recover or rebuild your life. In some cases, you may even live with a permanent disability that makes it impossible to work or provide for your family.

Our lawyers know that a fair settlement should reflect all of the expenses you may face—both now and in the future. Without enough compensation, you could be left paying for your motorcycle accident medical care and bills on your own.

Who Can File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?

Your legal options and rights after a Florida motorcycle accident will differ based on the circumstances of the crash. Unlike drivers of cars, Florida law does not require operators of two-wheeled vehicles to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance.

Even when motorcyclists have PIP coverage because they also own cars, those policies will not cover injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents.

Fortunately, if another party was negligent and caused your motorcycle accident, the law gives you the right to hold that party financially responsible for the injuries and losses they caused. Such parties may include manufacturers that sold faulty motorcycle parts, unsafe drivers, or government entities that failed to maintain or repair roadways.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida

Florida has the second-highest number of registered motorcyclists of all U.S. states. Unfortunately, Florida also leads the country in the number of fatal motorcycle accidents each year.
While the state has a lot to offer people who ride motorcycles, you should always stay aware of the risks of injuries and know what actions to take should an accident occur.

Some motorcyclists crash due to operational errors. However, in many cases, the motorcycle rider is not the at-fault driver in the accident. Others may cause motorcycle crashes, including:

  • Distracted drivers: Motorcycles are already more difficult to see on the road than larger vehicles. Therefore, drivers who don't pay sufficient attention to the surrounding traffic may miss motorcyclists around them. This may lead to failing to check blind spots, unsafe lane changes, running a motorcyclist off the road, or rear-ending a motorcycle.
  • Drunk drivers: Drunk drivers are a danger to everyone on the road, and motorcyclists are no different. Like distracted drivers, impaired people may not focus on the road well enough to notice motorcyclists in their paths—and may crash into those bikes.
  • Aggressive drivers: Occasionally, a motorist may become frustrated with traffic and become aggressive with the vehicles around them. When a belligerent driver endangers a motorcycle, serious crashes can occur.
  • Traffic violations: Drivers of all vehicle types must obey traffic regulations and lane changing procedures, including speed limits, yield rules, and more. When drivers violate the law, they can crash into motorcyclists.
  • Defective motorcycle parts: Some motorcycle accidents are not the fault of another driver but the company that manufactured the motorcycle or its parts. When an essential part of a motorcycle is defective, a motorcyclist may quickly lose control and crash.
  • Road hazards: Hazardous road conditions are especially perilous for motorcyclists because they cannot navigate through large cracks, gravel, uneven pavement potholes, or other larger vehicles. A motorcyclist can lose control after hitting a sudden hazard.

The above are only some examples of how negligent parties cause motorcycle accidents that can change motorcyclists' lives. Make sure to identify any possible negligence that occurred to protect your legal rights to financial compensation.

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we can help you determine which parties you may hold responsible for your accidents and injuries.

Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help Injured Motorcyclists Like You

Motorcycle accidents are so serious because motorcyclists have little to no protection from injuries. Florida does not require that all motorcyclists wear helmets, and some people choose not to do so. Yet, motorcyclists can sustain life-altering injuries, even with a helmet.

Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal hemorrhaging
  • Road rash
  • Fractured ribs
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Spine injuries
  • Skull fractures
  • Brain damage
  • Loss of limbs
  • Fractured collarbones
  • Broken arms, wrists, or hands
  • Broken jaws, noses, or cheekbones
  • Leg fractures and leg injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • A neck, back, or head injury
  • Soft tissue tears, sprains, and strains
  • Internal injuries including organ damage
  • Arm injuries including dislocations

These wounds and others can necessitate emergency medical attention, including a trip to the emergency department. In addition, some victims may need immediate surgery and other treatments to stabilize their injuries and hospitalization for some time for monitoring.

Other common medical treatments can include pain medication, physical and rehabilitative therapy, medical equipment, and home health assistance.

Motorcycle crash victims not only will incur medical bills for all of the treatment they need, but they also regularly lose out on income from missing work while they recover from their injuries.
These financial losses can be devastating and can damage many areas of an accident victim's life. Because the losses can be so substantial, knowing your rights and the types of damages you are entitled to as an accident victim is critical.

Florida Motorcycle Accident FAQ

Are People on Motorcycles More at Risk Than People in Cars?

Because anything can happen when it comes to an accident, someone in a car could end up in more danger than someone on a motorcycle.

In general, people on Florida motorcycles face more risk on the road than people in cars.

Motorcyclists and their passengers do not have some protections that drivers and car passengers enjoy. For example, they are less likely to be seen by motorists while driving.

Do You Have to Wear a Helmet on a Motorcycle in Florida?

Not always. You do have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle in Florida in the following situations:

  • If you are under 21
  • If you have less than ten thousand dollars worth of medical insurance coverage

General advice still dictates that you wear a helmet on a motorcycle regardless. It is always better to keep yourself safe.

I Was Not Wearing a Helmet in My Florida Motorcycle Accident. Does It Matter?

Yes and no.

As long as you are following helmet laws, you will not likely face legal ramifications for lack of a helmet. Still, motorcyclists wear helmets at all times to protect themselves. If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident, be careful with what you say to anyone. Ask your personal injury attorney for more information.

When Do Motorcycle Headlights Need to Be Turned On?

A motorcycle's headlights must be on at all times during operation. This includes daylight hours.

What Are Florida's Motorcycle Laws?

  • Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane.
  • No motor vehicle is permitted to be driven in a way that would deprive a motorcycle of full use of a lane.
  • Two motorcycles can travel side-by-side in one lane.

Who Investigates Motorcycle Accidents in Florida?

The local police departments or the Florida Highway Patrol will investigate motorcycle accidents in Florida. It can be crucial to have a legal professional you can trust and work with, regardless of which law enforcement agency is handling your investigation.

Why Is it Easy to Be Injured on a Motorcycle?

Motorcycles do not have some of the safety features that cars do. For example, cars use airbags to absorb the shock caused by a car crash.

You should also consider that many people injured in car accidents remain in their vehicles during the crash. Sometimes this is to their detriment, but it usually keeps them safe from flying out into roadways or colliding with other objects. Unfortunately, motorcyclists do not have anything to help contain them in their vehicles.

Motorcycles can be dangerous because:

  • They have no seatbelts
  • They have no airbags
  • They do not have exterior doors or walls
  • They are smaller than almost any vehicle that could hit them
  • They are difficult to see, especially at night or in busy places
  • Other drivers usually overlook or forget to watch for motorcyclists
  • Other drivers are known to underestimate motorcycle's speed and have a poor understanding of how they maneuver
  • Some drivers do not show respect to motorcyclists on the road

What Should I Do if I Am in a Florida Motorcycle Accident?

The first thing that you should do after a motorcycle accident is to make sure that you and anyone else involved in the crash are safe:

  • Check yourself and others for injuries: It is vital to ensure your immediate safety; if anyone else is with you, make sure that they are safe. For example, you should prevent anybody with neck or back pain from moving until first responders arrive.
  • Move yourself and your vehicle to a safe place and stop: If possible, move out of the traffic flow; try to find somewhere with enough space for first responders to access you.
  • Check on anybody else involved in the accident: You should check anyone else who was involved in your accident for injuries.
  • Call 911: Whether your accident was "minor” or caused severe injuries, you should call local authorities. You could get emergency medical help for a serious motorcycle crash and file a police report more efficiently regardless of the severity.
  • Stay with anybody who needs your attention
  • Most importantly, keep yourself safe; if you were injured and you can do so, take pictures of your injuries.

If everybody involved in your accident is safe, and there is no immediate danger present, you can pay attention to the accident scene.

  • Take photos and videos of the accident and any damage
  • Exchange information with other drivers: Take a picture of their driver's licenses, registration information, insurance documents, etc. Exchange names and phone numbers, and vehicle information.
  • Collect witness information: If there were witnesses to your accident, you could collect their basic contact info. Then, share this with the police, or pass it on to an attorney later.

What Can I Do if I Am in a Hit-and-Run Florida Motorcycle Accident?

The first thing to do after any hit-and-run is to ensure your safety. If you have any opportunity at all, try to record information about:

  • The car manufacturer
  • The color of the car
  • The car's license plate
  • Details about the driver

Contact the police as soon as possible to report the incident. If any witnesses saw the hit-and-run, collect their names and phone numbers. Seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

I Was in a Minor Florida Motorcycle Accident. Should I Still See a Doctor?

Yes. Even if you "only" walked away from your accident with bruises or minor cuts, you should still see your doctor. It is important to let a medical professional observe you in case there are any delayed symptoms from injuries you might not know about. You could also underestimate your injuries.

Should I Still Talk To a Lawyer After a Minor Florida Motorcycle Accident?

It can help to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney after any motorcycle accident.

Consulting with a motorcycle accidents lawyer does not mean that you will open a case or pursue any kind of legal action at all. It is just a way to speak with a knowledgeable legal professional. They can tell you about your rights and help you decide whether you would like to pursue legal action.

What Compensation Could I Get After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?

After you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may receive compensation for damages like:

  • Medical bills: This includes past, present, and even potential future medical bills associated with the accident; you could work with a lawyer to pursue compensation for surgeries, emergency medical transport, therapies, and more.
  • Property damage: Most accidents will result in some property damage; you may recover compensation for that damage.
  • Lost wages or reduced earning capacity: Sometimes, a motorcycle accident puts you out of work for a while, and you miss out on wages. In other situations, a motorcycle accident victim may have their ability to earn money permanently altered. If this is the case for you, you could likely pursue compensation for these damages.

Should I Talk To Other Drivers' Insurance Companies After a Florida Motorcycle Accident?

Refrain from speaking with an at-fault party's insurance company after a motorcycle accident.

You might have already spoken to the insurance company; as long as you have not verbally agreed to anything or signed a statement, your case would likely remain unaffected.

Many insurance companies purely focus on paying out as little as possible after an accident. The person you speak to on the phone might be nice, but they do not necessarily want to help you. Instead, they need to help their employer.

The best step you can take is to retain a trustworthy motorcycle accidents lawyer. They can help represent you and deal with insurance companies' calls for you.

Should I Talk To My Insurance Company After a Florida Motorcycle Accident?

Yes. Keep your correspondence brief, but get in touch with them to let them know what happened. Your own insurance company will not be as interested in getting you involved with a bad deal as other insurance companies, but you should still work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help protect your best interests.

How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?

Different states have different guidelines that dictate how long after an accident you can file a personal injury lawsuit. These guidelines are known as a statute of limitations.

In Florida, our statute of limitations gives motorcycle accident survivors four years from the date of the accident to file a claim.

What if a Florida Motorcycle Accident Killed Someone I Love?

You may be eligible to pursue a Florida wrongful death lawsuit. Many attorneys who help people after motorcycle accidents also offer services for wrongful death lawsuits.

  • A wrongful death lawsuit may cover the future decedent's income, funeral expenses, loss of benefits, etc.
  • Some survivors are entitled to compensation for the loss itself.

Some plaintiffs find it challenging to pursue wrongful death lawsuits because they feel guilty for profiting from a loved one's death. However, this is not what a wrongful death lawsuit achieves. Instead, it helps provide some support you deserve after someone you love is killed prematurely.

Discuss Your Situation With a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Our legal team at Dolman Law Group represents victims in Florida motorcycle accidents who have sustained catastrophic injuries and losses.

The sooner you call our office, the sooner we can evaluate your situation and begin protecting your rights as an accident victim. So please call our Florida motorcycle accident lawyers or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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