Motorcyclists face a level of risk on the road that other drivers simply don’t. Without the protection of a car’s frame, seatbelt, or airbags, even a relatively minor collision can leave a rider with serious, life-altering injuries. Making matters worse, riders are often unfairly blamed for accidents that weren’t their fault, simply because of the vehicle they were riding.
At Medina Law Firm, we represent motorcyclists throughout the Tampa Bay area who have been injured due to another driver’s negligence. We know how to investigate a motorcycle accident properly, push back against unfair assumptions, and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
Motorcycle accidents are frequently caused by the negligence of other drivers on the road, including:
Road hazards — potholes, uneven pavement, and debris — and defective motorcycle parts can also cause or contribute to serious crashes.
Because riders have so little physical protection, motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than typical car accidents, including:
Florida law allows riders 21 and older to ride without a helmet if they carry a minimum level of medical insurance coverage; riders under 21 are required to wear a helmet at all times. It’s worth knowing, too, that motorcycles are excluded from Florida’s standard no-fault (PIP) insurance requirements that apply to cars — which changes how a motorcycle accident claim is typically pursued. An attorney can walk you through how these rules apply to your specific situation.
If you’re able to safely do so after a crash:
Injured riders may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage to their motorcycle. If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, surviving family members may also be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Motorcycle accident cases often come with an uphill battle: insurance companies and even juries can carry biases against riders before the facts are ever heard. Medina Law Firm brings decades of trial experience to push back against that bias and build the strongest possible case on a rider’s behalf — with clients working directly with their attorney at every step.
I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Does that mean I can’t recover compensation?
Not necessarily. Whether or not you were wearing a helmet, you may still have a valid claim against a negligent driver. An attorney can explain how it may factor into your case.
The insurance company says I was speeding. What should I do?
Don’t accept an insurance company’s version of events at face value. Speak with an attorney before making any statements or agreeing to a settlement — early assumptions about fault are often wrong or incomplete.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Florida?
Deadlines vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Because these time limits can be strict, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t let unfair assumptions stand in the way of the compensation you deserve. Contact Medina Law Firm today for a consultation.
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