Florida Motorcycle Accidents: Your Legal Rights And Responsibilities

After a motorcycle accident, you may be at a loss with what you may or may not be responsible for. The state of Florida has several unique legal rights you need to be aware of before you take your next step.

Continue reading to learn about your responsibilities, Florida’s unique state laws, and why you should contact a personal injury lawyer soon.

Your Primary Responsibilities When Owning A Motorcycle In Florida

Being a responsible motorcycle owner means taking good care of your vehicle and adhering closely to state laws. If you’re recovering from an accident and unsure what you’re responsible for, you may find an answer below.

Your Motorcycle Must Be In Good Working Order

When’s the last time you had your motorcycle serviced by a professional? The state of Florida requires your motorcycle to have a functioning horn and a license plate that doesn’t shift out-of-place.

You also need to have properly working brakes. If your brakes are slow to react or make strange grinding noises when you use them, they may be failing.

You Need To Follow Florida’s Helmet Laws

Seventeen states require motorcyclists to wear a helmet regardless of age, but Florida is not one of them. You only have to wear a helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle if you’re under twenty-one.

If you’re over the age of twenty-one, you have two options. You can either wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Department Of Transportation or carry a form of insurance that pays out $10,000 or more in medical benefits in case of a motorcycle accident.

You Also Need Eye Protection While Operating A Motorcycle

Preventing motorcycle accidents in Florida involves purchasing the right equipment. Florida law is strict about wearing appropriate protection such as a face shield or snugly fitted goggles.

Not only does this law protect you from injuries, it will keep your vision clear on the road to spot potential hazards. A 2022 study found 73% of motorcycle accidents involved a rider with no eye protection.

You Need The Right Kind Of Insurance For A Motorcycle

You may have heard of automotive insurance called no-fault insurance. This type of insurance will financially compensate a driver no matter who was at fault for the crash, but only if the vehicle has four or more wheels.

Florida doesn’t require motorcyclists to have this type of coverage, but they do require financial responsibility insurance. This form of liability is essential to avoid scenarios such as a revoked license or fees.

Basic Safety Precautions While Driving Still Apply

Florida may have several unique state laws, but you still need to practice the same discretion as any other driver in the country. You need to stay within the speed limit, use turn signals, and avoid driving while under the influence.

Driving under the influence includes alcohol, chemical substances, and controlled substances.

Motorcycle Rights In The State Of Florida

While you may be wondering if you were at fault in the accident, it’s also possible responsibility lies elsewhere. If you’re considering seeking compensation for a motorcycle injury, it’s important you don’t fall into pitfalls such as sharing your story on social media or failing to gather evidence.

It’s also important to know your rights so you can start putting the pieces of the accident together. Below are motorcycle rights you should be aware of before contacting a Florida injury lawyer.

You Have Right To Full Use Of A Lane

Depending on Florida’s lane usage laws, you may already know where you stand legally. In this state, you’re allowed full use of a lane and to ride next to another motorcycle in the same lane.

On the other hand, you’re not allowed to pass any vehicle using the same lane as you.

You May Qualify For Comparative Negligence

If you believe you share responsibility, you may still receive damage recovery for motorcycle accidents in Florida. Florida law has a statute called comparative negligence that will reduce your financial liability by the percentage you’re at fault with.

For example, you could experience a motorcycle accident where the damages total $5,000. If you’re determined to be 50% responsible for the crash, you can recover $2,500.

What Are The Benefits Of Working With A Personal Injury Lawyer?

You may wonder if it’s worth the effort of meeting with a lawyer on your case. You'll gain several financial and emotional benefits from professional help.

You Can Receive Compensation For Property Damage

Your motorcycle might be too damaged to use without extensive repairs. If you’re not sure you can repair the costs on your own, an experienced attorney may help you receive compensation for your losses.

There’s Potential Support If You’re Unable To Work

If you’re recovering from an injury that prevents you from working, a lawyer may help you with medical compensation. This compensation can cover everything from lost wages to medical bills.

You’ll Reduce Stress As You Get Back On Your Feet

A seasoned lawyer will significantly reduce your stress as you navigate repairing your vehicle or recovering from your injuries. They can shoulder the burden of gathering evidence and filling out paperwork so you can focus on returning to your life again.

We’ll Walk You Through The Legal Process Of Your Motorcycle Accident In Florida

There are many complex details concerning your recent motorcycle accident that you may not know about. Without legal assistance, you run the risk of missing out on helpful information that could financially compensate you.

Instead of trying to navigate this difficult time by yourself, a Florida injury lawyer will walk you through every step.

At Loutos Law Firm, we share years of experience helping people like you with issues ranging from motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice in Florida. We’ll work with insurance companies, help you file paperwork, and represent you in court. Whether you need to recover from a physical injury or the emotional trauma of the incident, we’ll make sure you’re not alone.

We understand talking with a personal injury lawyer can be intimidating, so there’s no need to commit immediately. Give us a call at 772-617-0811 for a free consultation and share your story. We look forward to talking with you about your situation and helping you with your next steps.

References:

1. Motorcycle Accident Statistics in 2024, Maya Afilalo and Aliza Vigderman (2024) https://www.autoinsurance.com/motorcycle-accident-statistics/

2. Motorcycle-Associated Ocular Injuries: A Narrative Review (2022) Eric J Kim, Arjun Ganga, Chaerim Kang, William Elnemer, James Y Lee, Yasmyne C Ronquillo, Phillip C Hoopes, Majid Moshirfar https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9576601/

3. Florida DUI and Administrative Suspension Laws https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/dui-and-iid/florida-dui-administrative-suspension-laws