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Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

When you’re injured on a motorcycle, the stakes are higher. The injuries are often severe, the bias against riders is real, and one wrong move early on can cost you your case. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our experienced Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers step in immediately to protect you, handle the insurers, and give you the space to focus on healing.

Before you say a word to the insurance company, talk to us. We have:

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Lauderdale

A motorcycle crash can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure what to do next, especially when insurance companies start calling right away. The steps you take in the first hours and days can make a real difference for your health and your ability to recover compensation.

  1. Get to safety (if you can). Move out of traffic and away from further impact risks. Call 911.
  2. Get medical care immediately. Even if you feel “mostly okay,” motorcycle injuries can show up hours later. A prompt medical visit protects your health and documents your injuries.
  3. Let the police document the crash. Ask for the report number and the responding agency. This becomes a key piece of evidence.
  4. Take quick photos and videos. Capture vehicle positions, skid marks, debris, road hazards, weather/lighting, and visible injuries. If you can, record a short video walk-through.
  5. Collect the right info (and keep it simple). Get names, phone numbers, driver/insurance details, and witness contacts. Don’t argue about fault at the scene.
  6. Watch what you say, especially to insurance. Don’t give a recorded statement, don’t sign anything, and don’t accept a quick settlement before you know the full medical picture.
  7. Save your gear and records. Keep your helmet, jacket, gloves, and damaged items. Don’t repair the bike yet. Save receipts, discharge papers, and follow-up instructions.
  8. Call a personal injury lawyer who handles motorcycle accidents. Once you reach out, we can step in fast, preserve evidence, deal with the insurance company, and protect your claim while you focus on healing.

How Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

Motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale occur with unsettling frequency, reflecting the challenges riders face on our roads. In Broward County alone, there were 761 motorcycle crashes, leading to 624 injuries and a tragic 41 fatalities in 2023 according to FLHSMV.

Motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons. Some of the top causes include:

  • drivers who fail to yield to motorcyclists
  • drivers who make unsafe left turns and strike motorcycle riders
  • drivers who change lanes without seeing a motorcycle rider and/or without signaling
  • drivers who tailgate or follow motorcyclists too closely
  • drivers who are unable to accurately judge a motorcycle rider’s distance or speed
  • drivers who are drunk, drowsy or distracted

In all of these situations, the driver has either broken a safety rule or behaved in an unreasonably careless way that put the motorcycle rider at risk of a crash. If it is determined that the driver was negligent and that this negligence was the direct cause of the motorcycle accident, then the motorist is liable for losses and damage that result.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

Riding a motorcycle in Fort Lauderdale offers breathtaking views and a sense of freedom, but it also comes with unique risks specific to our vibrant city. Understanding the common types of motorcycle accidents here can shed light on how your own accident occurred and who may be responsible.

  • Left-turn collisions: Drivers turning left at intersections often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it at all.
  • Unsafe lane changes: On roads like I-95 and US-1, drivers who don’t check blind spots or signal can sideswipe or cut off riders.
  • Rear-end crashes: In stop-and-go traffic near downtown or the beach, distracted drivers may strike motorcyclists from behind.
  • Dooring accidents: Parked drivers opening doors into traffic can leave riders with no time to react.
  • High-speed collisions: Speeding on roads like A1A increases impact force and injury severity.
  • Impaired driving: Alcohol- or drug-impaired drivers pose a serious risk, particularly at night.
  • Weather-related crashes: Sudden rain and slick roads reduce visibility and traction, increasing the chance of loss of control or collisions.

Each type of motorcycle accident raises different liability issues. Identifying what caused the crash and proving it plays a major role in recovering compensation.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Fort Lauderdale

Motorcycle crashes often cause serious, high-value injuries because riders have little physical protection. These injuries matter not only for your recovery but also for how compensation is calculated in a Florida motorcycle accident claim. Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or more severe brain trauma that affects memory, concentration, and long-term earning ability.
  • Spinal cord and back injuries: These can lead to permanent mobility limitations, paralysis, and the need for ongoing medical care.
  • Broken bones and fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvic fractures often require surgery, hardware, and months of rehabilitation, keeping riders out of work.
  • Road rash and soft-tissue injuries: Severe abrasions can lead to infections, scarring, or skin grafts, especially when protective gear is limited.
  • Internal injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding may not be obvious at first but can be life-threatening.
  • Psychological injuries: Anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorders are common and may be compensable when properly documented.

These injuries often result in substantial damages, including medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The more severe and long-lasting the injury, the more important it is to document it correctly and connect it to the crash.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists and passengers aboard a motorcycle who get hurt due to another driver can pursue compensation by negotiating an out-of-court settlement with the driver’s insurance company. Motorcyclists may also pursue a damage claim by filing a personal injury lawsuit in court. Both those who have been seriously injured in motorcycle wrecks and family members of those who are killed are entitled to make a damage claim. Motorcyclists who were hurt should be compensated for all economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income/wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

If a motorcyclist was killed in a wreck, on the other hand, then the family members left behind can pursue a claim for wrongful death damages, including:

  • EMS, ambulance and medical bills
  • Funeral costs and expenses
  • Lost lifetime income that the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of companionship

A Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer at our personal injury law firm can help with both wrongful death cases and standard motorcycle injury claims. We help injured motorcyclists in Fort Lauderdale build claims that fully account for both immediate losses and long-term consequences, so the compensation reflects the real impact of the accident, not just the initial medical bills.

Florida’s Motorcycle Laws

Florida motorcycle accident claims are shaped by a few key laws that don’t apply to regular car crashes.

No-Fault Law Does Not Protect Motorcyclists

Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists in Florida are not covered by the state’s no-fault (PIP) system. That means you cannot rely on PIP benefits for medical bills and must pursue compensation through a fault-based claim against the at-fault party or their insurer, making early evidence and liability proof especially important.

Helmet Laws

In Florida, helmet use isn’t just about safety, but also about your legal rights. If you’re under 21, wearing a helmet is mandatory every time you ride. Riders aged 21 and over can choose to ride without a helmet, but only if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. Not wearing a helmet or lacking the required insurance can significantly impact your ability to claim compensation after an accident. Insurance companies and opposing parties may argue that you contributed to your injuries, potentially reducing or denying your compensation.

Insurance Requirements

While Florida doesn’t require motorcyclists to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance like car drivers, having adequate insurance coverage is crucial. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is highly recommended. With a high number of uninsured drivers on Florida roads, this coverage can provide essential financial protection if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident with someone who lacks sufficient insurance.

Comparative Negligence

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from receiving any compensation. Establishing the other party’s negligence is critical. Gathering strong evidence and having experienced legal representation can make all the difference in proving your case and securing the compensation you deserve.

Statute of Limitations

Time is of the essence when pursuing a personal injury claim. As of March 2023, Florida reduced the statute of limitations for general negligence cases from four years to two years. This means you have a two-year window from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Acting promptly is essential to protect your rights. Waiting too long can forfeit your chance to seek justice and recover damages for your injuries.

These laws can significantly influence the outcome of your case. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, understanding these regulations is vital. Our dedicated motorbike accident attorneys are here to navigate these complexities on your behalf. We stay up-to-date with all legislative changes to provide you with the most effective representation possible. Your focus should be on healing, and we’ll handle the rest.

How We Take Over Your Accident Case

Insurance companies don’t start from what’s fair—they start from what saves them money. After a motorcycle crash, that often means quick calls, pressure to settle early, and attempts to shift blame onto the rider. Our role is to step in early and change that dynamic.

  1. We talk today free and no pressure
    We listen to what happened, explain where you stand under Florida law, and outline next steps before you commit to anything.
  2. We stop the insurance company from controlling the injury case
    Once we’re involved, insurers direct their calls to us. We handle recorded statements, paperwork, and negotiations so you don’t risk saying something that can be used against you.
  3. We build the claim the right way
    Our team gathers medical records, crash reports, witness statements, and other evidence needed to show the full extent of your injuries and losses, not just the initial bills.
  4. We push for full value
    Whether through settlement negotiations or litigation, we pursue compensation that reflects medical costs, lost income, future care, and the long-term impact of the crash (after we evaluate it).

Motorcycle accident victims choose us because we remove the financial risk and take on the insurance company from day one, with no fees unless we recover compensation and personal injury law firm has been fighting for injured Floridians since 1997. Hear directly from riders and families who trusted us to protect their claims and guide them through one of the hardest moments of their lives.

Client Testimonials

4.9 2,117 reviews

  • Avatar Nicole Arias ★★★★★ a week ago
    I had the best experience with this firm. Cindy was my attorney and she helped me every step of the way. Her communication was always quick, and she truly went above and beyond for my case. She didn’t just fight for me once, but twice — … More and even found another policy along the way that made a huge difference.Really amazing experience overall. Highly recommend!
  • Avatar Carolyn Joyles ★★★★★ a month ago
    I had the best experience with this firm. My attorney was Handel along with his team Monique and Samantha were all wonderful to work with. I always get a response to any questions within a timely manner and they provided fantastic directions … More with each step. My attorney fought for me to get the maximum compensation. Great customer service! Great team work. I highly recommend.
  • Avatar Joshua Galarza ★★★★★ 4 weeks ago
    Roxanne did a great job helping me with the closing process will def use them again if I need help with another accident , thank you !

Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Today

A motorcycle accident case can quickly become overwhelming, especially when insurance companies start pressuring you or questioning fault. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can step in, protect your claim, and handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.

Call now or request a free case review, or visit us at the office at the address: 2727 NW 62nd St, Fort Lauderdale. There are no upfront costs. You don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.