Unique Considerations After Florida Motorcycle Accidents

Unlike car accidents, motorcycle crashes come with unique legal and insurance considerations, particularly in Florida, where state laws treat motorcycles differently than other vehicles. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, talk to a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer in order to understand these differences, protect your rights, and secure fair compensation.

Differences Between Motorcycle and Car Accident Recovery

Florida has specific laws that apply to motorcycles, setting them apart from passenger vehicles in key ways. These distinctions can significantly impact insurance claims after an accident. For example, Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning that drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault.

PIP rules do not extend to motorcycles, so if a motorcyclist is injured, they must rely on other recovery options. This could include their health insurance, the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage, or legal action. Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party could be an appropriate legal action, for instance.

The lack of automatic PIP medical coverage can put motorcyclists at greater financial risk after an accident. Because of this, while motorcycle insurance is not mandatory it can provide financial relief should a collision occur. If a rider is at fault in an accident and lacks insurance, they could face severe financial and legal consequences. Personal liability for injuries and damages to others is possible, along with potential loss of their driver’s license and motorcycle registration if they can’t cover damages.

Helmet Laws and Partiality

According to Florida law, motorcyclists over the age of 21 can ride without a helmet, but only if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. While this gives riders a choice, it can also impact injury claims. So, if a motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and suffered a head injury, the insurance company may argue that they contributed to their injuries, potentially reducing their compensation under Florida’s comparative negligence rules.

It is also an unfortunate reality that motorcyclists often face unfair bias from insurance companies and juries. Adjusters may argue that bikers engage in risky behavior, even if they were following the law. To counteract this bias, strong evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, is critical in proving fault and securing fair compensation.

Given these complexities, having a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer on your side is essential. A talented attorney will fight against any bias that may impact your settlement and negotiate with insurance companies to prevent unfair claim denials. If you or a loved one has been injured in a FL motorcycle accident, legal professionals are available to pursue the full compensation you need.

Were you hurt in a motorcycle accident? You don’t have to navigate the challenges of a motorcycle claim alone. Contact an injury lawyer after sustaining an injury in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach. The attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez have the skills to fight for your rights. Call 561-660-9421 today.