Major roadways like I-95 or US-1 can get especially congested — and therefore dangerous — during peak hours. More people on the road means more opportunities for motorcycle accidents to happen. In these instances, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the roads. The lack of external protection and the size disparity between motorcycles and larger vehicles can result in catastrophic physical injuries and/or emotional trauma.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash, expert legal guidance is essential to receive compensation for these injuries. The skilled motorcycle accident lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner in West Palm Beach possess in-depth knowledge of relevant laws and understand the specific challenges motorcycle riders face in accidents face in motorcycle accidents compared to other types of cases.
A proficient MVP accident attorney can:
- Investigate the incident thoroughly
- Collect and analyze evidence
- Pursue claims against negligent parties
- Seek compensation for injuries, damages, and suffering
- Handle negotiations with insurance providers
- Provide courtroom representation if needed
While accidents involving motorcycles can have profound consequences, partnering with the right legal team can significantly improve your chances of securing the financial support — and the justice — necessary for a full recovery.
Everything You Should Know About Motorcycle Accidents
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 451 motorcycle accidents in Palm Beach County in 2023. Of those 451 accidents, 18 were fatal.
As these statistics demonstrate, motorcycle accidents can be particularly severe. This is because motorcyclists face unique challenges on the road compared to those in passenger vehicles. They are particularly vulnerable in situations where severe weather creates poor visibility or hazardous road conditions.
Because motorcyclists are more exposed to the road than those in passenger vehicles, they’re also at greater risk of suffering serious injuries in an accident.
Some of the most common types of injuries resulting from accidents involving motorcycles include:
- Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Amputations
Legal Rights of Motorcyclists in Florida
PIP coverage
Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, this coverage does not extend to motorcycle crashes. Instead, injured motorcyclists must pursue compensation through fault-based personal injury claims, potentially leaving them with inadequate coverage for medical expenses and long-term care needs. This situation is particularly problematic given motorcyclists’ increased susceptibility to severe injuries.
While PIP coverage does not apply to motorcyclists, they can protect themselves by purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This type of insurance can be critical for motorcyclists because it provides additional protection if they are injured by a driver who has little or no insurance coverage
Bias in Fault Determination
To make matters worse, biases against riders can complicate the process of establishing fault in motorcycle accident cases. These biases can affect fault determinations with insurance adjusters, potentially resulting in reduced compensation or claim denials. Additionally, the differing treatment of motorcyclists compared to other motorists under the no-fault system subjects them to a more complex legal process when seeking compensation for injuries.
Florida Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Florida after a motorcycle accident is two years as of 2023. This means that an injured motorcyclist must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident to seek compensation. Missing this deadline typically results in the loss of the right to pursue damages.
Comparative Negligence
Florida follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. If a motorcyclist is found to be more than 51% at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovering any damages. If they are 50% or less at fault, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Florida Helmet Law
In Florida, motorcyclists under the age of 21 are required by law to wear a helmet while riding. Riders over 21 are not required to wear a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for injuries sustained in a crash. This law can impact the outcome of a personal injury claim, as failure to wear a helmet might be used against the rider in court to reduce the compensation received under comparative negligence rules.
Given these challenges, motorcycle accident victims in West Palm Beach should seek representation from experienced motorcycle crash lawyers. The legal professionals at Steinger, Greene & Feiner know how to navigate the complexities of the state’s insurance system and address any biases that may arise during the claims process, ensuring that persons injured in an accident receive appropriate treatment and fair compensation.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Safety should be your priority following a truck accident.
- Move away from the road to a safe location and call 911 or the West Palm Beach Police Department to report the accident and receive prompt medical care. No matter how insignificant your injuries may seem at the time, a medical report initiates a paper trail documenting your injuries which may later prove useful in your claim.
- Next, collect evidence. Gather eyewitness accounts and take down the contact information of the other drivers involved. Document your injuries and take photographs and video recordings of the accident scene, your motorcycle, the road conditions, and the other vehicle(s) involved. This evidence, along with eyewitness statements, will serve as evidence for your version of the events and improve your chances of success with the claim.
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident, but avoid giving them a recorded statement until you’ve consulted with a personal injury lawyer. Insurers’ first offers are notoriously low, and accepting them forfeits your opportunity for a better, more fair amount.
To better your chances of receiving fair compensation, you should contact a motorcycle injury attorney as soon as you can following the accident. They will help you preserve the evidence you’ve collected, broker communications between you and your insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process. Working with a lawyer will also reduce the risk of failing to meet critical legal deadlines and increase your chances of receiving maximum compensation for your injuries.
The Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Accidents on motorcycles are often caused by a combination of factors that create hazardous conditions on the road.
- Distracted Driving: Many motorbike accidents occur because drivers of other vehicles fail to notice motorcycles on the road, often due to distractions like texting, eating, or using in-car technology.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Speeding is a significant factor in many accidents, both for the motorcyclist and other drivers.
- Left-Hand Turns: A common cause of accidents occurs when a vehicle makes a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. This often happens because the driver misjudges the speed of the motorcycle or fails to see it at all.
- Lane Changing: Motorcyclists are often involved in accidents when drivers change lanes without checking their blind spots or signaling. The smaller size of motorcycles makes them less visible in these situations.
- Road Hazards: Motorcycles are more vulnerable to road hazards like potholes, debris, and uneven pavement, which can cause a rider to lose control more easily than a car might.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair the judgment and reaction time of both motorcyclists and drivers of other vehicles, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and slippery roads can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the risk of motorcycle crashes. Motorcycles are particularly susceptible to these conditions because they have less stability than four-wheeled vehicles.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents
Lane-Changing Accidents
Lane-changing accidents occur when vehicle drivers fail to notice motorcyclists, often due to limited visibility. Abrupt lane changes can force riders to take evasive action.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions typically happen at intersections or crosswalks when vehicles fail to maintain adequate stopping distance, potentially ejecting the rider or causing severe injuries, especially with larger vehicles.
Left-Hand Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents frequently occur when vehicles fail to yield to oncoming motorcycles, partly due to the bikes’ smaller size affecting drivers’ perception of distance and speed.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions, often resulting from improper passing or wrong-way driving, pose the highest fatality risk for motorcyclists.
Door Accidents
Dooring accidents happen when parked vehicle occupants open doors into a motorcyclist’s path without checking for approaching traffic.
All these scenarios underscore the importance of heightened awareness and defensive riding techniques for motorcyclists. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we understand that you take risks every time you get on the seat of a motorcycle. When those risks heighten into your worst fears — like an accident or an injury — our team of West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyers are here for you.
Proving Fault in Motorcycle Accidents
Proving fault in motorcycle accidents hinges on the concept of negligence — or, a failure to act with a reasonable duty of care resulting in harm. Holding negligent parties accountable in court not only upholds justice; it makes West Palm Beach a safer place by deterring similar offenses in the future. It also compensates you for losses related to medical expenses, damage, and pain/suffering. We have your back at every step of this process, from trial preparation to representation in court.
Even if you are partially at fault, as a motorcyclist in the state of Florida you can still claim compensation after an accident. This law is known as the comparative negligence rule, and the compensation received will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault.
Potential Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcycle accidents often leave victims with emotional trauma, injuries, and significant financial burden. Thankfully, the West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner know how to award you fair compensation to cover some of these burdens.
Some of the types of compensation available to accident victims include:
- Medical expenses. This compensation may cover all past, present, and future medical treatment expenses as a result of the accident. It may cover surgeries, rehabilitation, hospital bills, and medication.
- Lost wages. This compensation covers any income the accident victim may have lost while they were unable to work as a result of the accident. The compensation may include future wages if the injuries led to any long-term or permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering. This compensation will cover any physical pain, emotional distress, and reduction in quality of life due to the motorcycle accident.
- Property damage. The compensation focuses on getting reimbursement for any money spent on repairs or replacing the motorcycle or any other personal property lost or damaged due to the accident.
- Punitive damages. In certain cases, motorcycle accident victims can also claim punitive damages. Punitive damages don’t seek compensation for losses but instead are awarded to discourage future wrongdoing by the defendant. To qualify for punitive damages, your lawyer must provide convincing evidence of the defendant’s gross, wilful misconduct.
How We Can Help
The motorcycle wreck lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner take a professional approach when counseling motorcycle victims in West Palm Beach.
The process starts with a free consultation in which we take time to learn about you and the circumstances of your motorcycle accident. Our conversation will inform the scope of your accident injury claim, which we will then help you file with your insurance company. While claim values vary based on the severity and circumstances of the accident, we fight to maximize your compensation for complete financial recovery.
Next, we conduct a thorough investigation, gathering key evidence like police and medical reports, photos/videos, eyewitness statements, crash reconstruction specialist testimony, and interviews with your family. This evidence is the foundation of your claim and will later be used as leverage during negotiations with your insurance company. Depending on the outcome of those negotiations, as well as other circumstances of your injury case, we will advise if you should file a lawsuit to prove your offender’s negligence in court where we will litigate on your behalf. Contact Steinger, Greene & Feiner today, and take the first step towards justice.
Why Choose Steinger, Greene & Feiner?
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our services are available 24/7 with no upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case, making quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation. Our client-centered approach, proven track record, and team-based strategy have helped us recover over $2 billion for our clients over the years.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in West Palm Beach, you don’t have to face the legal system — or your recovery process — alone. Contact Steinger, Greene & Feiner today for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.Drivers are required to pay these costs in order to make accident victims “whole” for the harm they have endured.
See why others choose Steinger, Greene, & Feiner:
Client Testimonials
1645 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard #900, West Palm Beach
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Every is on Point. I really enjoyed this Law Firm . I have gotten good feedback and Instructions from my Lawyer. He toke the time to give me a phone call. Which made me feel valued and showed he cared and gave me gave me instructions which … More made me feel valued. Ms Edwards has given me valuable instruction which can can improve my case. Thank you! Thank you! You guy are really hard workers. Steiner Greene and Feinger is a GREAT agency -
I have been a client of Gavin‘s for over a year now. Gavin had his work cut out when it came to my lawsuit. I wasn’t the norm. Who just had five doctors. I had 47 doctors and a lot of other things that needed to be taken care of. I must … More say Gavin‘s team was amazing. At times I got frustrated. When those times happened Gavin was always there to pick up my pieces and let me believe everything was going to be OK. Yes everything was OK. I am thrilled with my choice of attorneys the whole staff thank you Gavin again for going that extra extra yard. Anybody looking for an excellent team of attorneys this is the place to go. Of course I’m a little prejudice when it comes to Gavin because of all the unbelievable work he did for myself and my family. Thank you again Gavin Wendy Ludwigson.
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Neil Anthony and his team Eileen and Aimee are the best. I am very satisfied with the outcome of my case. Great results, excellent people can't say enough about how grateful I am to have had such a truly awesome outcome.
Get in Touch for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about navigating Florida’s legal system. The experienced motorcycle injury attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner will make sure that you get to focus on what matters most: your recovery.
The sooner you consult legal experts following a motorcycle accident in West Palm Beach, the sooner you’ll receive reimbursement for your losses.
Steps to Take:
—Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 immediately.
—Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get medical help right away to document injuries.
—Gather Evidence: Take photos, collect witness information, and obtain a copy of the police report.
—Contact a Lawyer: Before speaking with insurance companies, consult an accident injury lawyer to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation.
Yes, you can file a lawsuit even if you do not have motorcycle insurance. Laws in West Palm Beach do not require motorcyclists to have insurance, but not having it could complicate your ability to recover certain types of damages. You would pursue a claim based on the at-fault party’s negligence.
Fault in motorcycle-car crashes is often determined by the specific circumstances of the accident. However, studies show that in many cases, drivers of other vehicles are at fault, often due to failing to see the motorcyclist, especially in situations involving left-hand turns or lane changes.
Look for lawyers specializing in personal injury and motorcycle accidents by researching online, checking reviews, and seeking recommendations from trusted sources. Consider their experience, success rate, and willingness to offer a free initial consultation.
The duration of a motorbike accident lawsuit can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial. Generally, it could take anywhere from a few months to several years to resolve.
Average payouts can range significantly based on factors such as the severity of injuries, fault determination, and available insurance coverage. Settlements often range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, with severe cases potentially reaching over a million.