Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Tampa

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Tampa, Florida?

  Dial (813) 231-6130 for non-emergencies.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Tampa, Florida?

  Only qualified persons can obtain copies within 60 days from the date the reports were filed. These reports can be requested along with proper documentation on the Tampa government website.

  Reports dated before January 1, 2007, can be requested to the FLHSMV at 850-617-3416.

  Reports dated after January 1, 2007, but later than 60 days from when they were filed can be obtained on the Tampa government website.

  In-person requests are accommodated at the police station located at 411 N. Franklin St.

• What are some helmet laws that bikers in Tampa should know?

  If you are a commuter, local biker, or visitor of the Daytona Bike Week and Biketoberfest, take note of the helmet laws such as:

  • All bikers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet
  • Bikers above 21 must wear a helmet unless they carry an insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $10,000 for damages
  • Protective eyewear such as goggles, visors, and special eyeglasses are required

• Should a motorcyclist involved in an accident in Tampa accept a settlement from the insurance company?

  No, it is not a good idea to accept a settlement for a motorcycle accident in Tampa without consulting with a lawyer. Injuries from motorcycle accidents sometimes result in future complications such as brain damage and once a motorcyclist accepts a settlement offer, he or she can no longer obtain compensation for medical expenses that occur post-settlement.

• What types of compensation can be recovered in a Tampa motorcycle accident?

  A victim of a motorcycle accident in Tampa may be able to recover financial compensation for the following losses:

  • Disability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Bodily injuries
  • Past and future medical costs
  • Property damage to motorcycles and personal items
  • Disfigurement
  • Past and future lost income
  • Mental suffering
  • loss of enjoyment in life

• How many motorcycle accidents happened in the Tampa area from 2021 to 2022?

  Data pulled online from the FLHSMV's traffic crash dashboard showed that in the year 2021 alone there were a total of 584 motorcycle crashes in the Tampa metro and Hillsborough county. Of these crashes, there were 37 fatalities and 514 injuries. Similarly, in 2022 the numbers increased to 601 motorcycle crashes, 47 fatalities, and 519 injuries.

• Are motorcycle accidents in Tampa covered under no-fault insurance law?

  No. Motorcyclists are excluded from recovering compensation for lost wages and medical expenses under the state's no-fault insurance law. If a motorcyclist gets injured in an accident in Tampa, he/she will not be able to file a claim for personal injury protection (PIP) insurance unless there is a UIM/UM or MedPay policy coverage.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.