Tampa Motorcycle Accident
Attorney
Helping Injured Riders in Tampa, FL
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and significant financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, FL, the experienced team at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
To schedule a free case evaluation, call (727) 591-3354 or contact us online today.
Florida Motorcycle Laws
Understanding Florida’s motorcycle laws is crucial for motorcyclists and other drivers on the road. Florida law requires all motorcycle operators to:
- Hold a valid motorcycle endorsement: Riders must complete an approved motorcycle safety course or hold the proper endorsement on their driver’s license.
- Wear helmets (for certain riders): Motorcyclists under 21, or those without at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage, are required to wear helmets.
- Follow traffic laws: Motorcyclists are subject to the same traffic rules as other vehicles, including speed limits, signaling, and DUI laws.
Being aware of these laws can help protect motorcyclists in the event of an accident and can play a critical role in insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, often due to negligence on the part of other drivers. Some of the most common causes include:
- Left-turn collisions: Cars turning left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle frequently cause severe accidents.
- Distracted driving: Drivers using phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice motorcycles on the road.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
- Lane splitting and unsafe passing: When vehicles fail to check blind spots, motorcyclists can be sideswiped or forced off the road.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, or debris can cause riders to lose control.
- Alcohol and drug impairment: Driving under the influence significantly increases the likelihood of an accident.
Even if you were partially at fault, Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you may still recover damages, though your compensation could be reduced based on your degree of fault.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in injuries that are more severe than those in car accidents, due to the lack of protective barriers. Common injuries include:
- Road rash: Severe abrasions and skin injuries from sliding on pavement.
- Head and brain injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures, especially when helmets are not worn.
- Spinal cord injuries: Can lead to partial or full paralysis.
- Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are frequently fractured in motorcycle collisions.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs from impact, which can be life-threatening.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and sometimes lifelong care, making legal representation crucial to obtaining fair compensation.
Compensation for Injured Motorcyclists
In Florida, injured motorcyclists may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time away from work, including future earning capacity if injuries prevent return to employment.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of motorcycles, helmets, and other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior, additional damages may be awarded.
Our Tampa motorcycle accident attorney at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers will carefully assess the circumstances of your accident and help ensure that you pursue every avenue for compensation.
Motorcycle Accident Claim FAQs
Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
A: Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally four years from the date of the accident. Property damage claims must typically be filed within four years as well.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which allows you to recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
Q: Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
A: You should never accept an initial settlement without consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies often undervalue claims, and experienced legal representation can secure a higher settlement.
Q: Do I need to go to court?
A: Many motorcycle accident claims are resolved through negotiation or mediation, but if necessary, Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers is prepared to take your case to trial to achieve the best outcome.
Contact a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accidents can turn lives upside down, leaving victims with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Our team team at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers is committed to guiding you through every step of the claims process, advocating fiercely for your rights, and helping you recover maximum compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, don’t wait. Contact us at (727) 591-3354 today for a free consultation.
We treat you like family.
If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
Representing Accident Victims in Tampa Bay since 1955
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“Friendly knowledgeable and kept me informed about my case. Any offer, bill or question was readily answered. Would definitely recommend and refer people to Bryan Caulfield and his team!!”- Betty B.
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“Mrs Bryant works her butt off to make sure you get what is do to you in medical and beyond! They won’t take your case if they don’t feel you haven’t been wronged.”- Christine R.
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“Working with Mark Perenich on my auto injury case was an absolute game-changer. From the very beginning, he brought a level of professionalism, expertise, and care that immediately put us at ease.”- Kerry B.
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“Lorrie and Allyson are phenomenal. I highly recommend them to anyone. It seemed like a never ending journey but I can’t thank them enough for diligently fighting my case with the greatest integrity, support and prayers.”- Former Client
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“Allyson has been so helpful with navigating the disability process for my husband!”- Kaitlyn S.
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“Very nice they worked with you. Never ignored me with my case. Always on top to work with you. Thank you so much for all that you have done to help me! Very highly recommend.”- Margarita O.
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“My appointed attorney was Jacqueline, Bryant. She is very compassionate about her client and work. When it comes to negotiation, she's a Beast and she gets the job done.”- Alaina J.
We’ve been proudly serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area for generations. As the first personal injury law firm in Clearwater, our dedicated legal team brings over 300 years of combined experience to each and every case. If you’ve been injured and need support, please reach outtoday for a free consultation, we are here to help you.
