When you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Between mounting medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain, you need an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer to fight for your rights. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, our dedicated attorneys understand the challenges of motorcycle accident cases in Hillsborough County. We work hard to secure maximum compensation for our clients.
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of other vehicles. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver, struck by someone who failed to yield, or injured in a collision caused by road hazards, you deserve experienced legal representation. Our Tampa office serves accident victims throughout Hillsborough County. We provide the personalized attention and aggressive advocacy you need during this difficult time.
Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today at (813) 605-1100 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.
Why Choose Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Your Tampa Motorcycle Accident Case
Motorcycle accident cases require attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the unique challenges these crashes present. Our Tampa legal team brings decades of combined experience handling motorcycle accident cases throughout Florida. We have successfully represented clients in cases involving distracted driving, failure to yield, and other common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Our firm has recovered over $250 million for clients nationwide, including significant settlements for motorcycle accident victims. We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, demonstrating our ability to secure substantial recoveries in complex cases. Our attorneys have earned recognition from Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, reflecting our proven track record of success in personal injury litigation.
What sets Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers apart is our commitment to injury victims. We exclusively represent plaintiffs—never insurance companies or other defendants. This means our interests align completely with yours. We understand the true value of motorcycle accident cases and work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Our Tampa office is conveniently located at 730 S Sterling Ave, Suite 305, Tampa, FL 33609-4524. We provide 24/7 availability for emergency consultations and offer bilingual services in Spanish. We handle every motorcycle accident case on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Tampa
Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents in the Tampa Bay area helps identify potentially liable parties. It also helps build stronger cases for our clients. Many motorcycle accidents result from other drivers’ negligence, including failing to see motorcycles or misjudging their speed and distance.
Distracted driving has become the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers texting, talking on phones, or adjusting navigation systems take their attention off the road. In Tampa’s heavy traffic conditions, even a momentary glance away can result in a devastating collision with a motorcycle rider. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving remains a critical safety concern on roadways nationwide.
Failure to yield the right of way causes many motorcycle accidents. Drivers turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles, pulling out from side streets without looking, or merging into motorcycle lanes create dangerous situations. These accidents happen frequently at intersections and on Tampa’s busy roadways, like Interstate 275 and Dale Mabry Highway. Understanding your rights after a failure-to-yield accident is critical to recovering full compensation.
Unsafe lane changes put motorcycle riders at serious risk. Drivers changing lanes without checking their mirrors or blind spots may not see a motorcycle. The sudden impact can throw a rider from their bike or cause a crash that results in catastrophic injuries. These types of accidents often involve complex liability questions that require experienced motorcycle accident attorneys to resolve.
Speeding and reckless driving significantly increase the severity of motorcycle accidents. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact. Aggressive drivers who weave through traffic or tailgate create dangerous conditions for all road users, especially vulnerable motorcycle riders. Reckless driving cases often result in higher damage awards due to the intentional nature of the conduct.
Road hazards and poor road conditions pose particular dangers for motorcycles. Potholes, debris, loose gravel, and uneven pavement that a car might navigate safely can cause a motorcycle to lose traction and crash. Tampa’s aging infrastructure and construction zones create additional hazards for riders. Property owners and municipalities may be liable for injuries caused by hazardous conditions on their premises.
Impaired driving remains a serious threat on Tampa roads. Drunk drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. They may drift into motorcycle lanes or fail to see riders, causing serious or fatal accidents. DUI-related motorcycle accidents often qualify for punitive damages due to the reckless nature of impaired driving.
Motorcycle-Specific Injuries and Damages
Motorcycle accidents cause more severe injuries than car accidents because riders lack the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, and safety systems. Understanding the types of injuries common in motorcycle crashes helps explain why these cases often result in substantial compensation. Head injuries, spinal cord damage, and road rash are among the most devastating consequences of motorcycle collisions.
Head injuries are among the most serious motorcycle accident injuries. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures. These injuries can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disability. Medical treatment for head injuries often requires extensive hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Brain injury cases typically involve significant economic and non-economic damages.
Road rash, or abrasion injuries, occurs when a rider’s skin scrapes against pavement during a crash. These injuries can be extremely painful and often require skin grafts or plastic surgery. Severe road rash can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement that affects a victim’s appearance and self-esteem. Disfigurement damages are a critical component of motorcycle accident settlements.
Fractures and broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents. Riders often suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones as they try to protect themselves during a crash. These injuries require surgery, casting, and extensive physical therapy. Some fractures result in permanent disability or chronic pain that affects earning capacity and quality of life.
Spinal cord injuries represent some of the most devastating motorcycle accident injuries. Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime care and assistance. These injuries dramatically impact quality of life and result in enormous medical expenses. Spinal cord injury cases often involve catastrophic injury claims with multi-million dollar settlements.
Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent after a motorcycle accident. Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and other internal trauma can be life-threatening. Prompt medical attention is essential to identify and treat these injuries. Delayed diagnosis of internal injuries can complicate liability and damage calculations.
Biker’s arm, or Erb’s palsy, occurs when the nerves controlling arm movement are damaged during a crash. This injury can result in permanent loss of arm function and requires specialized treatment and rehabilitation. Nerve damage injuries often require expert medical testimony to establish causation and damages.
Beyond physical injuries, motorcycle accident victims suffer economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and property damage to your motorcycle. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. Understanding how to calculate damages is essential to maximizing your settlement.
How Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers Handles Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Our approach to motorcycle accident cases combines thorough investigation, strategic negotiation, and aggressive litigation when necessary. We understand what it takes to build a strong case and secure maximum compensation for our clients. Our case handling process is designed to maximize your recovery at every stage.
We begin by conducting a comprehensive investigation of your accident. Our team gathers police reports, photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage documentation, and medical records. We interview witnesses while their memories are fresh and identify all potentially liable parties. We work with accident reconstruction experts to establish how the accident occurred and who bears responsibility. Accident reconstruction is often critical in determining fault in complex motorcycle collisions.
Evidence preservation is critical in motorcycle accident cases. We immediately take steps to preserve traffic camera footage, electronic data from vehicles, and other evidence that could be lost or destroyed. We also coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure your injuries are properly documented and treated. Proper evidence preservation can mean the difference between winning and losing your case.
We handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims and protect their company’s interests, not yours. Our attorneys protect you from recorded statements or admissions that could harm your case. We negotiate aggressively to maximize your settlement. Insurance companies often use tactics designed to pressure injured victims into accepting inadequate settlements.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach gives us maximum leverage in settlement negotiations. If insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to court and present your claim to a judge and jury. Trial preparation ensures we’re ready to fight for your rights in any forum.
Throughout your case, we provide regular updates and clear explanations of legal procedures and options. We answer your questions and provide honest assessments of your case’s strengths and potential outcomes. Our goal is to help you understand your legal situation and make informed decisions about your case. Transparent communication is fundamental to our client relationships.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Laws and Your Rights
Understanding Florida’s legal framework helps you know your rights after a motorcycle accident. Florida law has changed significantly in recent years, affecting how motorcycle accident claims are handled. Staying informed about current Florida motorcycle laws is essential to protecting your legal rights.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for your accident, provided you are not more than 50% at fault. If you are found to be 50% or less responsible, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you receive a $100,000 award but are found 25% at fault, you would receive $75,000. However, if you are found more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover any damages. Understanding comparative negligence is crucial to evaluating your case’s value.
Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, motorcycles are treated differently under Florida law. Motorcycle riders may have limited access to no-fault benefits and may be able to step outside the no-fault system more easily than car accident victims. Our attorneys understand these nuances and work to maximize your available compensation. The no-fault system creates unique opportunities and challenges in motorcycle accident cases.
The statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims is two years from the date of your accident. This deadline was reduced from four years, effective March 24, 2023, under House Bill 837. This shortened timeframe makes it essential to contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights and ensure all necessary legal actions are taken within the required deadlines. Missing the statute of limitations deadline can permanently bar your claim.
Florida’s serious injury threshold determines whether you can pursue a claim outside the no-fault system. If your injuries meet the threshold—including significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury, scarring or disfigurement, or death—you may be able to pursue a full personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Meeting the serious injury threshold opens access to full damages, including pain and suffering.
Helmet laws in Florida require riders under 16 to wear helmets. Riders 16 and older are not required to wear helmets, though doing so significantly reduces the risk of serious head injuries. Importantly, not wearing a helmet cannot be used to reduce your compensation in a motorcycle accident case. Florida law protects riders from helmet-related comparative negligence arguments. For more information on Florida motorcycle safety regulations, consult Florida Statute 316.2128.
Lane splitting—riding between lanes of traffic—is not legal in Florida. However, this does not prevent you from recovering compensation if another driver causes an accident with you. Understanding what conduct is legal versus illegal helps establish liability in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa Motorcycle Accidents
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Tampa?
The first priority after a motorcycle accident is seeking immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Head injuries and internal trauma may not show symptoms right away. After receiving medical care, contact law enforcement to file an official accident report. Document the scene with photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. Collect contact information from all parties involved and any witnesses. Avoid making statements about fault or accepting blame—insurance adjusters may use these statements against you later. Finally, contact an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence. Taking these steps immediately after your accident significantly improves your case.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?
Yes, under Florida’s modified comparative negligence laws, you can recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for your accident, provided you are not more than 50% at fault. If you are found to be 50% or less responsible for your injuries, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover any damages. This is why working with an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident attorney who can minimize allegations of contributory negligence is crucial to maximizing your compensation. Comparative negligence arguments often determine case outcomes.
How long does it take to settle a motorcycle accident case?
The timeline for settling a motorcycle accident case varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the insurance company is willing to offer fair compensation. Some cases settle within months, while others may take a year or longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Settlement timelines depend on numerous factors, including medical treatment completion and insurance company responsiveness.
What types of damages can I recover in a Tampa motorcycle accident case?
Motorcycle accident victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and property damage to your motorcycle. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct by the responsible party, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Understanding all available damage categories helps maximize your recovery.
Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, don’t wait to seek legal help. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Florida is two years for accidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023. However, evidence can disappear and witness memories can fade over time. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case becomes.
Our experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. During your free consultation, we will review the details of your accident, assess your injuries, and explain how Florida law applies to your situation. We’ll answer your questions and provide honest guidance about the strength of your case and potential compensation.
Contact our Tampa office today to schedule your free consultation:
Phone: (813) 605-1100
Address: 730 S Sterling Ave Suite 305, Tampa, FL 33609-4524
Available: 24/7 for emergency consultations
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case. We advance all case expenses, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work.
Our Tampa attorneys represent motorcycle accident victims throughout Hillsborough County, including:
- Tampa
- Plant City
- Temple Terrace
- Brandon
- Riverview
- Valrico
- And surrounding communities
Don’t let another driver’s negligence destroy your future. Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today to learn how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Our experienced Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
Remember, insurance companies often try to minimize motorcycle accident claims, hoping victims will accept inadequate settlements. With Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers on your side, you have experienced advocates who understand the true value of your case and will work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
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