Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Tampa Motorcycle Accident Attorney

With the significant amount of motorcycle accidents that happen every year, you may want to consider having a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer by your side if you are a motorcycle owner, especially if you get into an accident. Hiring a lawyer may prove invaluable for securing compensation rather than trying to fight your case alone.

Tampa is a sunny city located on the Gulf Coast in Florida. It is appealing for many people to ride a motorcycle to enjoy the tropical weather; however, this comes with risks. Although motorcyclists must abide by the same laws as all other vehicles, not everyone knows how to share the road with them. When an accident occurs, the lawyers at The Frank Santini Law Firm are there to help you secure the personal injury settlement you deserve.

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813-750-0422

7269 Bucks Ford Dr.
Riverview, FL 33578

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Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Tampa, Florida

According to a report published on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle website, there were 9,431 motorcycle accidents in 2024. There are many causes of motorcycle accidents, which can occur in residential neighborhoods and on busy highways.

In November 2024, a school bus and motorcycle accident occurred on U.S. 301, claiming the life of the motorcyclist. The bus turned at a blinking yellow light when it was struck by a motorcycle, and the motorcycle continued into oncoming traffic. This incident demonstrates the dangers motorcyclists can face on the road.

It is possible that the motorcyclist was overlooked, and an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to investigate the situation to determine who caused it. This is just one scenario. Other causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Speeding – If a car is speeding and collides with a motorcycle, serious injuries may ensue. Speeding is one of the main causes of many accidents, but when a motorcycle is struck by a speeding vehicle, it can be more damaging because motorcyclists do not have a barrier between themselves and other vehicles.
• Driver error – All drivers have a responsibility to drive safely and follow all traffic laws. When a driver chooses to drive recklessly, while distracted, or under the influence, they put everyone on the road at risk. If a motorcyclist is hit, they can be at risk of sustaining serious and life-threatening injuries.
• Dangerous road conditions – Because motorcycles are relatively small compared to other vehicles and generally have two wheels, they are more vulnerable to dangerous road conditions caused by poor road maintenance or weather.
• Manufacturing error – In some cases, the motorcycle manufacturer may be at fault if it is found that an integral part of the motorcycle was defective and led to the accident. If you are riding your motorcycle and it unexpectedly malfunctions and rides into a tree or crashes into another vehicle, the manufacturer could be to blame.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcyclist is prone to sustaining serious injuries if they are involved in an accident, especially if they are not wearing a helmet. Motorcycle accidents can also be deadly because they lack the physical protection other vehicles may have. The following list outlines some of the many injuries motorcyclists may sustain in an accident:

• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Road rash
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue damage

Proving Fault in a Motorcycle Accident in Tampa

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, it is up to you as the claimant or plaintiff to prove fault. Unlike criminal cases that require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, personal injury cases are under civil law, which only requires a preponderance of the evidence, a lower standard of proof. To prove fault in this type of personal injury case, as the plaintiff, you must prove the following:

• The defendant in the case had a duty of care
• The defendant breached that duty by acting negligently
• The defendant’s breach directly caused injuries
• The injuries resulted in significant damages

It should also be noted that Florida operates under comparative negligence, which means that if one party is at least partly responsible for the accident, their settlement is reduced. Moreover, if it is found that they were more than 50% responsible for the accident or their injuries, then they may not recover damages at all.

For example, if a motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet when they collided with a driver and sustained head injuries as a result, it may be concluded that they shared some fault for their injuries. As another example, if a motorcyclist was speeding through an intersection and struck by another vehicle, if the other driver made no errors, the judge may rule that the motorcyclist was majorly at fault.

Because determining fault in motorcycle accidents is nuanced, it is important to hire a skilled lawyer to assist with your claim. An experienced and skilled lawyer may be able to thoroughly investigate your case, evaluate evidence, and build a strategy that can get you all or some of the compensation to which you are entitled.

What To Do if You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you should first seek medical attention. Your safety is of utmost importance, and some injuries are not as obvious as others. Next, you should call local authorities and report the incident. The police report is integral as evidence if your case goes to trial or if you plan to recover damages. If you are able, you should take photos of the scene and then call a lawyer.

Your lawyer can inform you of your rights, help you collect further evidence, and build a case that proves the other parties’ negligence caused your injuries. Without the help of a lawyer, you may be left fighting your case alone, which can hurt your chances of winning and receiving compensation.

Compensation After Being Involved in a Motorcycle Accident

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can lead to economic damages as well as pain and suffering. For example, if your injuries require medical attention, you may incur exorbitant medical bills, for which you can recover compensation. You may also recover damages for lost wages, property loss or damage, and lawyer fees.

You may sustain psychological trauma if the accident is particularly severe. In this case, the state of Florida allows plaintiffs to make a claim for pain and suffering.

FAQs About Tampa, FL Motorcycle Accident Laws

What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?

The average settlement for a motorcycle accident in Florida varies based on several factors. Factors that may be considered are who is at fault and the level of fault, the severity of the injuries sustained, the length of time it takes for injuries to heal, and the skill and experience of your lawyer. Lawyers who are effective at gathering evidence and aggressively defending you tend to have higher chances of reaching a fair and suitable settlement.

How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take?

The duration of a motorcycle accident settlement varies. Settlements can take months to years, depending on the lawyer, the injuries, and other related factors. If the accident leads to serious injuries or death, for example, or if fault is difficult to determine, the settlement can take longer. However, if the case is straightforward and evidence of fault is easily proven by video camera, eyewitness testimony, or other documentation, it may be more swift.

Do I Need an Attorney for a Motorcycle Accident?

Hiring an attorney for a motorcycle accident can increase your chances of reaching a settlement that helps curb your expenses. Furthermore, if you are seriously injured, you may not have the strength or energy to defend yourself in court if your case goes to trial. This makes having a lawyer by your side even more valuable in fighting for your rights.

Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

Most motorcycle accidents occur in high-risk areas such as intersections, highways, and urban areas. Some reasons for this may include visibility issues or drivers misjudging the speed or distance of a motorcycle. For example, in 2024, a motorcycle struck a bus turning left, which is often the way in which vehicles collide with motorcycles.

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fighting for You

Motorcycle accidents can be more damaging than other accidents because motorcycles offer less protection than other vehicles. Victims may require significant medical attention and be subject to more emotional trauma, especially if they are seriously injured. Whether you were struck by another vehicle or were in an accident due to a mechanical error, you deserve compensation.

Luckily, the lawyers at The Frank Santini Law Firm are here to represent you and win your case. We have years of experience representing motorcycle accident victims and can help you recover available damages for all the harm you sustained as a result of the accident.

You can trust us to handle your case with care, diligence, and an aggressive pursuit of justice. contact us today if you were recently in a motorcycle accident; we are ready to assist you.