Pursuing Justice for Injured Riders

Why You Need a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle injuries often range from extremely serious to catastrophic. Without the benefit of a protective frame or seatbelt, motorcyclists usually take a direct strike during a crash. Worse, many drivers have an unfair bias against motorcyclists, which often leads to road rage collisions, traffic violations, and serious injuries.

Like many other places, motorcycle accidents in Florida can result from various factors. It’s important to note that multiple factors often contribute to a single accident. Motorcyclists are more than 25 times more likely to die in a car crash than someone riding in a passenger car.

As the victim of one of these accidents, it is important to ensure that you are represented by a skilled personal injury lawyer who can help you seek compensation for the damage incurred during a collision.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida Include:

  • Driver Inattention: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to notice motorcycles in their vicinity. This can be due to distractions, such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed is a significant contributor to accidents. Speed reduces the reaction time available to motorcyclists and other drivers, making it more difficult to avoid collisions.
  • Failure to Yield Right of Way: Accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcycles, intentionally or unintentionally. This can happen at intersections or during lane changes.
  • Lane Splitting: Although not illegal in Florida, lane splitting (riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic) can be dangerous, especially if other drivers are not aware or accommodating. However, Florida law does permit two motorcycles to share one lane. Passenger vehicles must stay to the rear of the two motorcycles and treat them like a single vehicle.
  • Impaired Driving: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant cause of accidents. Impaired judgment and slowed reaction times increase the risk of collisions.
  • Poor Weather Conditions: Florida experiences frequent rain, and wet roads can be slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Reduced visibility during rainstorms can also contribute to crashes.
  • Road Hazards: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, debris, and other hazards can be more dangerous for motorcycles than for larger vehicles. Motorcycles lack the stability and protection that cars provide.
  • Inexperienced Riders: Inexperienced motorcyclists may lack the skills and knowledge to handle various riding situations. Lack of training can contribute to accidents.
  • Left-Turning Vehicles: Collisions often occur when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The driver might misjudge the motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it.

Florida Motorcycle Laws and Rider Rights

Florida’s unique legal landscape includes several motorcycle-specific laws and issues that can affect your case:

  • Helmet Law: Riders over 21 are not required to wear a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical coverage. However, helmet usage can still be used by insurers to challenge injury severity.
  • Comparative Negligence: Florida uses a modified comparative fault system. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
  • No-Fault Insurance Does Not Apply: Unlike cars, motorcycles are excluded from Florida’s PIP (Personal Injury Protection). Riders must pursue damages directly from the at-fault party.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): We help riders explore UM/UIM options if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Common Injuries in Florida Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection riders have compared to passengers in vehicles. At Williams Law, P.A., we have experience handling cases involving a wide range of injuries, including:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer serious head injuries in an accident. TBIs can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and long-term disabilities.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a motorcycle crash can cause broken arms, legs, ribs, and other fractures that may require surgery and physical therapy.
  • Road Rash: When motorcyclists are thrown from their bikes, they can suffer severe abrasions, burns, and lacerations from sliding across the pavement. Road rash can also lead to infections and scarring.
  • Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, are common in high-speed motorcycle accidents. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
  • Amputations: In severe motorcycle accidents, riders may suffer traumatic amputations of limbs due to the impact of the crash.

How Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Build Strong Cases

At Williams Law, P.A., we take a meticulous and strategic approach to every motorcycle case. Our legal process includes:

  • Accident reconstruction analysis
  • Obtaining traffic camera footage and dashcam video
  • Securing black box data from vehicles involved
  • Working with medical and vocational experts
  • Interviewing witnesses and first responders
  • Investigating the at-fault driver’s history of violations

We present this evidence to negotiate a fair settlement or, if necessary, present a compelling case in court.

Why Choose Williams Law, P.A. Personal Injury Lawyers?

At Williams Law, P.A., we have extensive experience representing accident victims across Florida. Our team understands motorcyclists’ unique challenges and is dedicated to providing personalized, aggressive representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

  • Experience: We have years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and have a proven track record of success.
  • Client-Focused: We are committed to putting our clients first and providing the personalized attention they need.
  • No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we recover compensation.
  • Aggressive Representation: We fight tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and maximize compensation.

Serving Riders Throughout Florida

We represent motorcycle accident victims in:

  • Tampa
  • Orlando
  • Clearwater
  • Sebring
  • St. Petersburg
  • Jacksonville
  • Daytona
  • Sarasota
  • Wesley Chapel
  • Lakeland
  • Fort Myers
  • Palm Coast
  • Dade City

Contact Williams Law, P.A. Florida Motorcycle Accident Claim Lawyers

At Williams Law, P.A., our motorcycle accident lawyers will investigate the cause of your accident and determine who is responsible for your injuries. We will gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction expert testimony, to build a strong case on your behalf.

If you’ve been injured and need legal assistance, contact Williams Law, P.A. today to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need. Call us at 1-800-451-6786 or fill out our online contact form.