Motorcycle Accidents

A destroyed motorcycle after a brutal accident

Broward County
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle riders injured in Broward County have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when another driver’s negligence caused the crash. Florida law allows injured riders to file claims against at-fault drivers, and the value of those claims can be significant. Serious injuries, high medical costs, and lost income all factor into what a rider may recover. Acting quickly after a motorcycle accident preserves key evidence and protects the right to file.

Our Broward County motorcycle accident lawyers at Barnett Fenton Injury Law, P.A., represent riders and families throughout the Fort Lauderdale area who have been hurt because of someone else’s carelessness. We handle cases involving damages such as broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. If you are wondering if you should contact a lawyer, this discussion will be helpful.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Crash in Broward County?

Most injured riders benefit from legal representation, particularly when their injuries are serious. Insurance companies often move quickly to offer settlements that fall far short of covering long-term medical costs and lost income. An attorney reviews the full value of the claim, gathers evidence, and negotiates on the rider’s behalf, which typically leads to a better outcome than handling the process alone.

How Does Florida Law Treat Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under Florida Statute Section 768.81, as amended in 2023. An injured rider can still recover money when partly at fault, as long as their share of fault does not exceed 51%. Florida also excludes motorcycles from its no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) system, so riders must pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance rather than their own PIP coverage.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Broward County?

Motorcycle crashes in Broward County are often caused by driver error:

  • Drivers making left turns without seeing an oncoming motorcycle
  • Distracted driving, including texting behind the wheel
  • Speeding or tailgating in heavy traffic
  • Drivers failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
  • Running red lights or stop signs at intersections
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Each of these situations can support a legal claim when evidence shows another party was at fault.

How Do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Prove Fault?

Proving fault after a motorcycle crash requires building a clear picture of what happened and why. Our Broward County motorcycle accident lawyers use evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to establish that another driver caused the accident. For example, if a driver turned left in front of a rider at an intersection, surveillance footage can show the driver was distracted at the moment of impact.

What Compensation Is Available After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?

Our Broward County motorcycle accident lawyers help clients recover money for a wide range of losses, including:

  • Current and future medical bills, including surgery and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages during recovery and reduced future earning capacity
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
  • In-home care or long-term assistance needs
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and daily activities

The total value depends on injury severity, length of recovery, and how the crash affects the rider’s ability to work and live normally.

What Injuries Are Most Common in Broward County Motorcycle Crashes?

Riders have almost no physical protection in a crash, which means that their injuries tend to be far more serious than those suffered by car occupants. To start, traumatic brain injuries are common even when a rider wears a helmet. Spinal cord damage can lead to partial or full paralysis, while road rash causes deep tissue damage, scarring, or infection. Broken bones, internal organ damage, and amputations are also seen in serious crashes. These injuries often require multiple surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and life adjustments that carry significant financial and personal costs.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

Florida law sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under Florida Statute Section 95.11(3)(a), as amended in 2023. This means that an injured rider generally has two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Missing that deadline typically eliminates the right to seek any compensation, which is why speaking with our Broward County motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible after a crash matters.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Barnett Fenton Injury Law, P.A.?

Our legal team handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that no upfront costs are required. We receive a fee only if the case results in a recovery, and that fee is a percentage of the final settlement or court award. The percentage is explained clearly at the start of the case, so there are no financial surprises.

Does Florida Require Motorcycle Riders to Wear a Helmet?

Florida law requires helmet use for riders under 21 under Florida Statute Section 316.211. Riders who are 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage. Under Florida’s comparative fault rules, going without a helmet can be used by the opposing party to argue that your injuries were worsened, which may ultimately reduce your compensation.

What if the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Insurance?

Uninsured motorist coverage on the rider’s own policy may cover losses when the at-fault driver carries no insurance. Florida does not require all drivers to carry bodily injury liability coverage, which makes uninsured motorist coverage especially valuable for riders throughout Broward County.

Can a Family File a Claim if a Rider Was Killed in a Crash?

Yes. Florida law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim under Florida Statute Section 768.19. These claims can recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional loss the family suffered because of the rider’s death.

Broward County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Barnett Fenton Injury Law, P.A., Will Fight for Fair Compensation

After your accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. To learn more, contact the Broward County motorcycle accident lawyers at Barnett Fenton Injury Law, P.A. Our experienced legal team will review your case and fight to secure justice. Call us at 954-736-3070 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Fort Lauderdale, we serve clients across Florida.