Joe Osborne & Greg Francis, Personal Injury Lawyers & Founders of Osborne & Francis

Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Legally Reviewed By
Greg Francis

When Do You Need a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

More than 50 years of combined experience fighting for victims' rights and winning substantial damages

Motorcycle riders often prefer fresh air and freedom over the confines of a car. Unfortunately, the openness of motorcycles leaves riders particularly vulnerable to injury and death. Riders can suffer debilitating and catastrophic injuries.

If you and your passenger have been hurt in a serious motorcycle crash, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side. Our highly skilled accident attorneys at the Osborne and Francis Law Firm PLLC have helped numerous victims recover their full compensation. We will develop a comprehensive legal strategy to identify all at-fault parties and pursue all avenues of recovery to ensure that you are able to achieve a successful resolution to your case.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our Florida motorcycle accident lawyers today by clicking here or calling (561) 293-2600.

Continue reading to learn how an attorney can help you with your car accident case.

Video Transcript

So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:

Number One: See a doctor immediately. 

A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.

A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care. 

Number Two: Write everything down.

Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain. 

You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered. 

Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.

Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them. 

So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.

What Damages Can a Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney Recover for My Case?

Motorcycle accidents can cause substantial damage to both person and property. At Osborne and Francis, our aggressive representation and dedicated work ethic have helped us recover our clients’ maximum compensation.

Some of the most common damages in a motorcycle accident claim include:

  • Full coverage of medical expenses, including hospital bills, costs of medication, ongoing therapy and rehabilitation expenses, and other costs
  • Lost wages if you are unable to work
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life damages
  • Possible punitive damages

Call and schedule an evaluation of your case today at (561) 293-2600 to discuss the damages your claim may qualify to recover.

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycles are notoriously difficult to see on the road. Automobile drivers are accustomed to watching for other cars and trucks but may forget to look for smaller vehicles. As a result, hundreds of motorcyclists are injured every year.

Most motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers engaging in conduct like:

  • Improper lane changes: Drivers who perform improper lane changes may strike a motorcyclist if they fail to check their blind spot.
  • Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react and avoid a potential motorcycle crash. Speeding can also be considered reckless driving depending on the severity of a collision.
  • Left-turn accidents: Intersections can be very treacherous. Some motorists watch the traffic lights to turn and fail to look for any other vehicles or motorcycles that may have the right-of-way.
  • Following too close: Motorists can fail to leave an adequate distance between a motorcycle and themselves. Misjudging the distance or aggressively following too close may result in a minor rear-end accident for larger vehicles. However, motorcyclists may suffer severe injuries or death.
  • Drunk drivers: Impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol or other substances have severely impacted judgment. A drunk driver may drive on the wrong side of the road, leading to a head-on collision, or not see a stopped motorcycle and collide at full speed.
  • Car doors: Parking lots and smaller roads with street parking can be hazardous to motorcyclists. Car and truck drivers may not see a motorcycle and open a door directly in their path. Motorcycle door crashes “tend to be severe,” according to a recent study funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
  • Inexperienced drivers: New drivers on the road are more likely to make unsafe moves that can compromise the safety of motorcycle riders. In many cases, inexperienced drivers may forget to look for motorcycles or check their blind spots.

Some motorcycle accidents are caused by factors other than negligent drivers, such as:

  • Defective motorcycle parts: A motorcycle will not be handled properly if a poorly designed or manufactured part breaks. Motorcyclists may lose control and crash.
  • Dangerous road conditions: When a city or town fails to maintain roads, street signs, or traffic lights, it can lead to devastating motorcycle accidents.

Our motorcycle wreck lawyers will investigate the details of your case and hold all liable parties accountable.

What Kinds of Injury Cases Can a Motorcycle Crash Lawyer Handle?

Florida is known for its sunny weather and pleasant temperatures that contributes to the large number of motorcyclists in the state. Particularly in our own area, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are among the top ten counties in the state for highest number of motorcycle fatalities.

Motorcycle accidents can cause traumatic and debilitation injuries. At the Osborne and Francis Law Firm PLLC, our motorcycle crash lawyers have successfully represented numerous victims. Some of the most frequent motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries, including brain damage
  • Severe road burns and abrasions
  • Loss of limbs and amputations
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Spinal cord damage that may result in paralysis or paraplegia
  • Internal organ damage or bleeding
  • Broken, dislocated, or fractured bones
  • Lacerations

In severe cases, motorcycle accident victims can suffer fatal injuries. If you have lost a loved one in a negligent accident, our compassionate legal team is here for you. Our wrongful death attorneys can help you hold negligent parties accountable for the damage they have caused you and your family.

Monetary compensation cannot ease the pain of your loss. However, having the negligent party answer for their responsibility in your loved one’s death may provide the closure your family needs to move on.

contact our office to speak to a lawyer.

do you still have questions?

CONTACT US TODAY

Do Florida Helmet Laws Affect Motorcycle Accidents?

There are a few laws motorcyclists need to be aware of in Florida. First, the law requires motorcyclists to successfully pass a Basic Rider Course offered by the Florida Rider Trainer Program before achieving motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Florida honors out-of-state endorsements from all states except Alabama.

Second, there are helmet restrictions in place:

  • Motorcycle riders and passengers aged 21 and older are not required to wear a helmet provided they have at least $10,000 in injury liability insurance coverage.
  • Riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet.

Third, all motorcycle riders are required to wear eye protection. Proper eyewear protection may be goggles, helmet visors, or specially designed motorcycle glasses.

It is important to note that your choice to wear a helmet or not will not take away your right to seek compensation in a negligent motorcycle accident. Consult an experienced motorcycle crash lawyer today to discuss the details of your unique circumstances.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?

While motorcycle accidents have steadily decreased over the years, passenger fatalities have increased. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Annual Traffic Crash Facts, in the last reporting year, there were more than 8,000 motorcycle accidents, a 9.56% decrease from the year before:

  • More than 500 motorcyclists suffered fatal injuries
  • Motorcycle passenger deaths rose over 20%, claiming 35 lives
  • Over 1,700 motorcyclists suffered incapacitating injuries
  • Nearly 150 motorcycle passengers suffered incapacitating injuries
  • Together, more than 5,000 riders and passengers suffered other injuries that required medical attention

Incapacitating or catastrophic injuries leave the victim unable to perform the same activities as they were before the motorcycle accident. Severe brain injuries and spinal cord damage can cause permanent cognitive and physical impairment. If you or a loved one have been left with catastrophic damage due to a motorcycle crash involving the negligence of another, call the Osborne and Francis Law Firm PLLC today.

Our experienced motorcycle wreck lawyers understand the impact of incapacitating injuries. Personal injury claims that involve life-changing damage often involve high financial stakes. You need highly skilled representation with the resources to fight for the compensation you need.


Proudly Representing Florida Residents Statewide

Boca Raton

Orlando

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West Palm Beach

What is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents?

T. Andrews

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“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”

E. Holland

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Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!

J. Davis

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“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”

Alfred

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Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.

Erica F.

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"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"

C. Smith

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“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”

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When Should I Contact a Florida Motorcycle Wreck Lawyer?

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident due to negligence, call the award-winning attorneys of Osborne and Francis Law Firm PLLC. Our boutique-style personal injury firm has gained national recognition. We are proud to provide zealous litigation for a wide range of complex accident and injury cases. We also employ creative legal strategies that have helped our clients obtain the justice they need.

When you sustain life-altering injuries, you need the knowledge and experience only real trial attorneys can provide. Call the Osborne and Francis Law Firm PLLC today — our motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to uphold your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you have questions about your options for recovery, call (561) 293-2600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can a Florida motorcycle accident law firm do for me?

What is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents?

The number one cause of motorcycle accidents is when other motorists fail to look or recognize them. Motorcycles are easy to miss unless drivers are actively looking for them. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles may be hidden by a glare or another vehicle. It is important for drivers to consistently be aware of their presence on the road.

What is lane-splitting?

Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rides between the lanes of traffic going in the same direction. Some motorcyclists take advantage of their smaller size and will ride between rows of stopped cars or slow-moving traffic. In the State of Florida, lane splitting is prohibited by the law.

How long does it take to resolve a Florida motorcycle accident legal claim?

A motorcycle accident legal claim may take six months to a year or longer to resolve. The length of a motorcycle accident claim heavily depends on whether the case can be settled out of court or must proceed to trial. Though most motorcycle accident claims settle, the case may take longer if there are complicating factors, like catastrophic injuries. It is best to speak to your motorcycle wreck lawyer to discuss the details of your case and how they will affect the possibility of litigation.

What can a motorcycle accident lawyer do for me?

A motorcycle accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive your full compensation. Experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation and determine who is at fault in the crash. Your attorney can then collect critical evidence to support your claim and seek damages for your injuries.

f you or a loved one have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, speak to our motorcycle accident lawyers today and schedule a free consultation by clicking here or calling (561) 293-2600.