Let Us Fight for
Your Rights!
Your Rights!
Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Florida consistently ranks as one of the deadliest states in America for motorcyclists. With an estimated 9,400 crashes and nearly 600 fatalities recorded annually, the Sunshine State is a high-risk environment for riders. Negligent drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the motorcycle, but that excuse doesn’t excuse the life-altering injuries and financial ruin they leave behind. Our Florida motorcycle accident lawyers have handled several injury claims for riders and wrongful death claims for families of those killed while riding a motorcycle.
If you or a loved one were injured in a crash, you may need more than just a lawyer; you may need an aggressive litigation team that understands the specific “traps” Florida law sets for motorcyclists. At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we have handled many motorcycle claims and over 6,500 injury cases. We can fight to ensure your family isn’t left paying for someone else’s mistake.
👉 Call (800) 337-7755 today or use our live chat for a free, confidential consultation. You won’t pay any fees or costs unless we win or settle your case.
The Florida “PIP Trap”: Why Riders are Vulnerable
Most Florida drivers rely on $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to cover their medical bills after an accident. However, Florida law specifically exempts motorcycles from the PIP requirement. This means if you are injured, you generally cannot access “no-fault” benefits even if you have a PIP policy on your personal car. You could, however, purchase it on your motorcycle insurance policy.
Because there is often no “safety net” for medical bills, our firm focuses on pursuing:
- Bodily Injury (BI) Claims: Recovering damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy for your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: A vital protection for riders, as many Florida drivers carry little to no insurance. We can fight to maximize your recovery from your own UM policy if the other driver is underinsured.
- Medical Payments (MedPay): Pursuing supplemental benefits that can help cover the 20% gap left by other insurance types.
New Florida Law: The 51% Fault Bar (HB 837)
Under the sweeping 2023 tort reform (House Bill 837), Florida shifted from “pure” to “modified” comparative negligence. This is a critical change for motorcyclists. If a jury finds that you were more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may now be barred from recovering any compensation.
Insurance companies are already using this “51% Rule” to try and blame riders for their own injuries, citing lane splitting, speed, or lack of a helmet. Our investigators can work to prove the other driver’s negligence early, helping to try and ensure that the blame stays exactly where it belongs.
Urgent Deadline: The 2-Year Statute of Limitations
The time to file a motorcycle injury claim has been cut in half. For accidents occurring after March 2023, the statute of limitations for negligence is now only two years from the date of the crash. Waiting even a few months can make it impossible to secure witness statements, download vehicle data, or file a lawsuit. If you’ve been injured, the time to act is often now.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Our firm can independently investigate accidents on Florida’s most dangerous routes, including I-95, I-4, and US-1. We can handle cases involving:
- Left-Turn Collisions: Accounting for an estimated 36% of all motorcycle fatalities, these happen when a car turns left across the rider’s path at an intersection.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers looking at phones instead of the road are the leading cause of “blind spot” collisions with motorcyclists.
- Dooring Accidents: Common in urban areas like Miami and Orlando, where occupants open car doors into the path of an oncoming rider.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, unsecured construction debris, and metal bridge plates that would not bother a car but are deadly for a bike.
- Uber Accidents and Lyft Accidents: Rideshare drivers often drive while tired or distracted, which could lead to them striking a motorcyclist.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason Turchin?
When you are recovering from a catastrophic injury, you may need a law firm with the resources and reputation to take on the biggest insurance companies in the state. Choosing us means you can benefit from:
- AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell: The highest possible peer review rating for legal ability and ethics.
- Over 6,500 Cases Handled: Decades of experience in Florida courts against GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive, and many other insurance companies.
- Probate Help: If a family member was tragically killed, we can work with probate lawyers to immediately open the estate to begin the wrongful death process.
- A+ Rating with the BBB: An unwavering commitment to client communication and trust.
Call us 24/7 at (800) 337-7755 for your free consultation. No fees or costs unless we win.
Florida Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Florida?
Under Florida Statute § 316.211, riders over the age of 21 are exempt from wearing a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance. However, riders under 21 must wear a helmet at all times. All riders, regardless of age, must wear protective eye gear.
Can I still recover money if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during my crash?
Yes. Not wearing a helmet does not prevent you from filing a claim. However, the insurance company may try to argue “comparative negligence” if you suffered a head injury. We work to prove that the other driver’s actions were the primary cause of the accident to protect your settlement.
What is the “PIP Trap” for Florida motorcyclists?
Florida is a no-fault state, but these rules generally do not typically apply to motorcycles. Motorcyclists do not often have PIP insurance for their bikes. This means you must rely on the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage to pay for your medical bills.
How much time do I have to sue for a motorcycle accident in Florida?
For accidents occurring after March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations is only two years from the date of the crash. If you miss this deadline, you will likely be permanently barred from recovering any compensation.
What if I am found partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?
Under Florida’s new “modified comparative negligence” rule, you can still recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault. If a jury finds you are 51% or more at fault, you will likely receive zero compensation, regardless of your injuries.
