Fort Lauderdale
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

South Florida offers riders beautiful weather, scenic coastal routes, and a thriving riding culture year-round. But the roads of Fort Lauderdale present unique dangers for motorcyclists: Increased tourism, heavy commuter traffic, and unpredictable drivers significantly elevate the risk of a collision.

When a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle collide, the rider inevitably bears the brunt of the impact. And unlike car occupants who are shielded by steel frames, seat belts, and airbags, motorcyclists are fully exposed to the road and surrounding vehicles.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Barnett Fenton Injury Law, P.A., can help.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
in Fort Lauderdale

Left-Hand Turns by Passenger Vehicles: One of the most dangerous situations for a motorcyclist is a car making a left-hand turn at an intersection. Often, drivers misjudge the speed of an approaching motorcycle or fail to see it entirely, turning directly into the rider's path and causing a high-speed, head-on collision.
Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting a navigation system, or speaking to passengers takes a driver's attention away from the road. A driver looking down at their phone for just a few seconds can easily drift into a motorcyclist's lane or fail to stop in time at a red light.
Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or use their turn signals before changing lanes can easily sideswipe a motorcycle.
Rear-End Collisions: A low-speed rear-end collision might just result in a minor fender-bender for two cars. However, if a car rear-ends a motorcycle, the impact can launch the rider from the bike, leading to catastrophic physical trauma.
Road Hazards: Motorcycles are much more susceptible to poor road conditions than passenger vehicles are. Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, grass clippings, and debris can cause a rider to lose control and crash without ever making contact with another vehicle.

Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

The forces exerted on the human body during a motorcycle crash are extreme, as riders can be thrown from their bikes, crushed underneath vehicles, or dragged across the abrasive pavement. Common injuries include the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Concussions, skull fractures, and severe brain bleeding can occur, even if the rider was wearing an approved helmet. TBIs often lead to long-term cognitive impairment and motor skill deficits.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Trauma to the neck or back can result in partial or total paralysis.

Road Rash

When a rider slides across the asphalt, the friction can tear away layers of skin, fat, and muscle. Severe road rash is incredibly painful, highly prone to infection, and often requires extensive skin grafting surgeries.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Riders often suffer shattered legs, arms, ribs, and pelvises upon impact with the ground or a steel vehicle frame.

Internal Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma to the chest or abdomen can rupture vital organs.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

In March 2023, the state enacted significant tort reform, which shortened Florida’s statute of limitations for general negligence claims to two years.

In other words, you generally have two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to initiate formal legal proceedings against the at-fault party. Failing to file within this window will likely result in the court permanently dismissing your case.

What to do after a Motorcycle Accident

The moments following a crash are chaotic, painful, and deeply stressful. Take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health is the absolute top priority. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, the surge of adrenaline can mask severe internal trauma. Get a comprehensive medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Contact Law Enforcement

Call 911 to report the crash. An official police report provides an objective record of the scene, the parties involved, and initial assessments of fault.

Document the Scene

If you are physically able, take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, skid marks, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs. Collect the names and contact information of any bystanders who witnessed the crash.

Do Not Admit Fault

Be cooperative with the police, but do not apologize or speculate about what happened. Simply state the facts as you know them without assigning blame to yourself.

Avoid Speaking to the Insurance Adjuster Alone

Insurance companies often attempt to quickly settle claims for far less than they are realistically worth. They may also use your recorded statements against you to minimize your payout.

Understanding Modified Comparative Negligence

Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your financial recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all.

Insurance companies frequently exploit this law by unfairly blaming the motorcyclist to protect their profit margins. Having a strong legal advocate is vital to dispute these allegations and ensure liability is placed squarely where it belongs.