Serving Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida
Navigating a motorcycle crash claim in South Florida requires immediate, targeted legal action. Because Florida law exempts motorcycles from mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) no fault benefits, injured riders face significant financial gaps for emergency care and rehabilitation.
Under Florida’s House Bill 837, personal injury claims are also subject to a strict two year statute of limitations and a modified comparative fault rule that bars recovery if a rider is found over 50% at fault.
At Reinfeld Cabrera Tison, lead trial attorney Devin P. Tison and our personal injury division fight aggressively to overcome insurance bias, establish driver liability, and recover full compensation. Whether your crash occurred on University Drive, Sample Road, or the Sawgrass Expressway, our Coral Springs and Fort Lauderdale trial lawyers are available 24/7 to protect your rights.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Unique Under Florida Law
Navigating a motorcycle accident claim in Florida involves a distinct set of legal rules that differ significantly from standard automobile collisions.
1. The PIP Exemption for Florida Motorcyclists
Under Florida Statute § 627.736, standard four-wheel motor vehicles are required to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) “no-fault” insurance. However, motorcycles are explicitly exempt from Florida’s PIP requirements.
This creates a critical financial gap for injured riders:
- Motorcyclists cannot rely on no-fault PIP coverage to pay their initial medical bills after a crash.
- Bikers are not subject to the “serious injury threshold” required to sue an at-fault driver for pain and suffering.
- Riders must seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance, their own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage, or private health insurance.
2. Florida Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
While motorcyclists are not required to buy PIP, Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law requires riders to demonstrate financial coverage for potential damages. To ride legally without helmet requirements (for riders over 21), Florida law mandates carrying at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage for injuries sustained in a crash.
Impact of Recent Florida Legal Changes on Motorcycle Claims
Following statutory revisions under House Bill 837, pursuing personal injury compensation in Florida requires immediate action:
- Strict 2-Year Statute of Limitations: Florida has reduced the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit from four years to two (2) years from the date of the accident. Missing this window permanently forfeits your right to financial recovery.
- Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar): Under Florida Statute § 768.81, if an injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault for a crash, they are completely barred from recovering any compensation from the other driver. Insurance adjusters frequently attempt to assign disproportionate fault to motorcyclists; having a trial firm gather physical evidence early is essential to protecting your claim.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in South Florida
Motorcycle accidents rarely stem from rider error. Most multi-vehicle collisions involving motorcycles occur because drivers of passenger cars and commercial vehicles fail to share the road safely.
Common causes of motorcycle collisions across Broward County include:
- Left-Turn Collisions: Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to an oncoming motorcycle when turning left at intersections.
- Blind Spot Disappearances: Motorists changing lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots on multi-lane highways.
- Distracted & Impaired Driving: Texting, using mobile devices, or operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Dooring Accidents: Drivers opening vehicle doors into oncoming traffic lanes without looking.
- Unsafe Following Distances: Tailgating motorcycles, leading to rear-end collisions when traffic slows suddenly.
Compensation Available in a Florida Motorcycle Accident Claim
Our legal team works closely with medical specialists, accident reconstruction experts, and financial analysts to calculate the full lifetime value of your damages. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Economic Damages: Emergency medical transportation, hospital bills, surgical costs, prescription medications, physical therapy, future medical care, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
- Property Damage: Full repair or fair market replacement value for your motorcycle, helmet, and protective riding gear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coral Springs Motorcycle Accidents
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle crash in Broward County?
Call 911 immediately to ensure law enforcement and emergency medical technicians respond. Seek medical evaluation right away, even if you feel fine, as internal injuries or concussions may not show symptoms immediately. Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle positioning, property damage, and visible injuries. Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters until you speak with an attorney.
Can I still recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?
Yes. Under Florida Statute § 316.211, riders over 21 years of age are legally permitted to ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits insurance. While insurance defense lawyers may argue that failing to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries, it does not bar you from seeking recovery for injuries caused by a negligent driver.
What if the driver who hit me does not have enough insurance?
Because Florida does not require private passenger vehicle owners to carry Bodily Injury Liability coverage, many drivers operate vehicles with insufficient insurance. If the at-fault driver has no coverage or inadequate policy limits, our attorneys will investigate whether you can claim benefits under your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) policy or pursue secondary liable parties.
Speak with a Coral Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 24/7
If you or a family member was injured in a motorcycle collision in Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere in South Florida, do not navigate insurance negotiations alone.
Contact Reinfeld Cabrera Tison today for a free, confidential case evaluation:
- Direct Office Line: 954 866 HURT (954 866 4878)
- Main Intake: 954 866 4878
- Availability: 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
