St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Experienced St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorneys fighting for the rights of motorcyclists who have been injured by another driver’s negligence

Riding a motorcycle in Florida offers freedom on the road year-round thanks to the moderate climate and scenic routes. But with more riders out there, the risk of serious accidents also rises—especially when other drivers don’t stay alert. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights to compensation and whether or not Florida’s no-fault law impacts your claim.

At Palmer Lopez, we know that motorcycle accidents can alter lives in an instant. That’s why our dedicated St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorneys are here to answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Case results

Medical negligence $2.5 million

Medical negligence $2.4 million

Automobile accident $1.49 million

Automobile accident $1.118 million

Client reviews and testimonials

At Palmer Lopez, we pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our clients. We believe their testimonials reflect our commitment to personalized, dedicated legal representation.

What are the odds of getting in a motorcycle accident in Florida?

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2023, there were 9,542 motorcycle accidents in the state, including 585 in Hillsborough County. These crashes led to 8,183 injuries and 628 fatalities that year.

There are approximately 650,200 registered motorcyclists in Florida, so based on that data, the chance of getting in a motorcycle accident is about 1.5 in 100.

What makes motorcycle accident lawsuits more complicated?

Motorcycle accident victims in Florida face many unique challenges, beginning with societal biases that often portray motorcyclists as reckless or thrill-seeking. This perception can influence law enforcement reports, insurance assessments, and even jury decisions, potentially hindering fair compensation for injured riders.

Additionally, Florida’s adoption of a modified comparative negligence system in 2023 means that if a motorcyclist is found to be more than 50% at fault for an accident, they can’t recover any compensation. This legal framework, combined with inherent biases, can complicate the pursuit of justice for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle riders are also at a higher risk of fatalities and catastrophic injuries, like spinal cord paralysis and traumatic brain injuries, compared to vehicle drivers because motorcycles don’t have protective barriers to act as a buffer between them and the road. These injuries often require long-term medical treatment and may render an accident victim unable to work in the future, which adds significant financial stress to an already stressful situation.

Because of these factors, it’s essential that motorcyclists who have been injured by another driver’s negligence consult with a local St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney early on in the legal process to ensure their rights are protected.

Does Florida’s no-fault law apply to motorcycles?

No, Florida’s no-fault insurance law does not apply to motorcycles. While Florida requires drivers of cars, trucks, and other 4-wheeled vehicles to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover their own damages in an accident, this insurance mandate does not include motorcycles. 

This means that motorcyclists are not eligible for the no-fault benefits provided by PIP insurance, which typically covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault in an accident.

So, what are my options for compensation if I’m injured in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence?

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, you have several avenues to seek compensation:

• At-fault driver’s liability insurance. If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, their liability insurance should cover your damages, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. You may also be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage can help cover your damages. This optional coverage is crucial for motorcyclists, given the high risk of severe injuries.
• Personal injury lawsuit. If insurance coverage is insufficient or denied, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. A successful lawsuit can provide compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and the emotional impact of personal injuries. 

Regardless of which avenue you pursue, you will need to be able to show that the other driver’s negligence was the direct cause of your accident and injuries to be compensated.

Can I file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Florida if I didn’t suffer a permanent injury?

Yes, in Florida, you can file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident even if you didn’t suffer a permanent injury. Unlike car accident victims, motorcyclists aren’t bound by the state’s no-fault insurance laws, which typically require a permanent injury to pursue legal action. This means that injured motorcyclists have the right to seek compensation for their injuries through a personal injury lawsuit even if they don’t result in a lasting disability.

To succeed in your claim, you’ll need to establish that another party was negligent. This involves proving 4 key elements:

1. Duty of care. Demonstrating that the other party had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care to prevent harm.
2. Breach of duty. Showing that they failed to meet this obligation.
3. Causation. Linking their breach directly to the accident and your injuries.
4. Damages. Providing evidence of the losses you’ve suffered as a result (e.g., medical expenses, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.)

For example, if a driver was drunk, speeding, or texting while driving and caused the accident, these actions could be considered breaches of their duty of care. Gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and medical records will be crucial in building a strong case.

Can you get compensation if the accident was your fault in Florida?

Yes, in Florida, you may still be eligible for compensation even if you’re partially at fault for an accident, thanks to the state’s modified comparative negligence system. Under this system, as long as you’re found to be 50% or less responsible for the incident, you can recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. 

For instance, if you’re deemed 30% at fault, your total compensation would be reduced by 30%. It’s important to note that if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you’ll be barred from recovering any damages. 

The reality is that determining fault isn’t always straightforward and can be subject to interpretation. Insurance companies and opposing parties will often attempt to assign you a higher percentage of blame to minimize their payouts. 

Having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial to building a strong case and advocating for a fair assessment of fault so you can secure the compensation you deserve.

Why choose Palmer Lopez for your St. Petersburg motorcycle case?

Motorcycle accident expertise

At Palmer Lopez, we know the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road. With years of experience in motorcycle injury cases, we understand what it takes to get riders the compensation they deserve. When you work with us, you’re choosing a firm that truly “gets” the specific risks and biases bikers often encounter.

Personalized support

We’re not just here to handle your case; we’re here to stand by you every step of the way. From navigating insurance obstacles to securing maximum compensation, we tailor our approach to fit your needs and fight aggressively for your rights. Your recovery and peace of mind come first.

Communication without barriers

Direct communication is our promise. At Palmer Lopez, we want you to be able to reach your attorney when you need them without navigating layers of support staff. Our goal is to keep you informed and empowered through every stage of your case.

Proven results

Our team has achieved significant settlements and verdicts for injured motorcyclists across Florida. We don’t just settle for easy wins; we fight for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the long-term care often needed after these accidents.

Looking for the best St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney near you?

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or wrongful death in a motorcycle accident in St. Petersburg, it’s crucial to find the right attorney to help with your claim. At Palmer Lopez, our dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys are here to answer your questions, help you understand your legal options, and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

With over 35 years of experience helping Florida motorcycle accident victims, our skilled St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys have built a strong track record of success. But to us, the most important case is always the one we’re working on right now—yours. We’re committed to giving your case the time, attention, and effort it deserves to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Don’t let insurance companies dictate your outcome—contact Palmer Lopez today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.