Clearwater Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident in Clearwater or one of the surrounding communities, motorcycle accident lawyer Jim Magazine will help you file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault motorist that caused your crash.
Jim will identify all routes to recovery to ensure that you get the money you need to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. He has earned a stellar reputation as a trial attorney for victims in Florida, and he can help you make the most of your injury claim.
- Personal Service: As our client, you are our priority
- Experience: Protecting victims’ rights since 1990
- Track Record: Millions in recoveries for clients
- No Upfront Fees: You don’t pay until we win your case
Contact motorcycle accident lawyer Jim Magazine, and let us maximize your recovery. For a free consultation, call 727-499-9900.
Dramatization, not an actual client
Hire Board Certified Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Jim Magazine to Make the Most of Your Injury Claim
When you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Clearwater, FL, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference. Here’s why experienced motorcycle accident lawyer Jim Magazine should be your first choice:
Experienced in Florida Motorcycle Accident Cases
We understand the unique challenges and prejudices that motorcyclists face. Our team has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases and knows how to effectively counter bias against riders.
Proven Track Record of Success
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims in Clearwater and throughout Florida. We have the skills and resources to take on big insurance companies and win.
Personal Attention from Attorney Jim Magazine
At our law firm, Jim Magazine personally oversees every injury case. You’ll have direct access to an experienced attorney who genuinely cares about your well-being and your case’s outcome.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
Thorough Investigation
Our team works with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators to gather and evaluate evidence and build a compelling case on your behalf.
Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation Skills
We’re known for our tenacious approach to negotiations with insurance companies. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Deep Understanding of Florida Motorcycle Laws
Our knowledge of state-specific motorcycle laws and regulations ensures we can effectively protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Compassionate Client Care
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a motorcycle accident. Our team provides support and guidance throughout the entire legal process.
Local Clearwater Knowledge
As a local Clearwater law firm, we have intimate knowledge of the area’s roads, local courts, and insurance company tactics specific to our region.
Comprehensive Services
From handling medical bills and insurance claims to fighting for lost wages and pain and suffering compensation, we manage all aspects of your case so you can focus on recovery.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you after a motorcycle accident. Contact Jim Magazine and our experienced team today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact motorcycle accident lawyer Jim Magazine, and let us maximize your recovery. Call for a free consultation.
Call: 727-499-9900 Or
Practice Areas
If you were injured, contact Florida personal injury lawyer Jim Magazine at The Magazine & Light Law Group.
Call 727-499-9900 to schedule your FREE consultation.
Table of Contents
Recovering Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident In Florida
Because motorcyclists aren’t protected by the body of an enclosed passenger vehicle, they often sustain severe injuries when they are in an accident. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputation, and disfigurement often require a lifetime of medical treatment. Before you know it, the cost to cope with a permanent disability, or even to simply survive, can easily escalate to hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars.
Motorcyclists in Florida are not required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. You must find other ways to obtain financial relief to help pay for your losses. That’s where motorcycle accident lawyer Jim Magazine comes in. When you hire Jim to handle your case, he will identify all paths to recovery. These might include, but are not limited to:
Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage:
Motorists in Florida are not required to carry bodily injury insurance to cover injuries they cause to other people. If the driver who caused your crash has such coverage, however, we can help you file a claim to recover compensation for your medical bills up to the policy limit. Unfortunately, since the insurance isn’t required, many car owners don’t carry it. Those who do usually won’t have enough coverage to pay for all of your losses. We can help you combine other sources of relief, however.
Filing a claim against your medical payments (Med Pay)coverage:
Florida law requires motorcyclists who do not wear helmets to carry at least $10,000 in medical payments insurance. Otherwise, the coverage is optional. If you have Med Pay, it can offset your out-of-pocket costs after an accident. Although this type of coverage won’t help reimburse you for lost wages, motorcycle accident lawyer Jim Magazine will help you file a claim against your Med Pay policy to recover money to pay for your medical bills that aren’t otherwise covered by your health insurance. If you had a passenger who was also injured, the insurance can help cover his or her medical bills as well.
Filing a claim against your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy:
If the at-fault driver doesn’t carry bodily injury liability insurance, or the coverage is inadequate, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may be another option we can help you pursue. This insurance is liable for paying your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more. If your loved one died in the motorcycle accident, the insurance will pay for the wrongful death damages caused by the at-fault driver who was uninsured or underinsured.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Florida motorcycle accident statistics and facts tell us a lot about the dangers of riding in the Sunshine State. Fatality rates for motorcyclists in Florida are some of the highest in the country, and they continue to rise. The number of fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents have more than doubled over the past 20 years, and there has been a 15% increase in motorcycle deaths in the past five years alone. Although motorcycles account for only 3% of the registered motor vehicles in Florida, they are involved in an alarming 17% of traffic fatalities in our state.
In 2022, there were over 9,200 motorcycle crashes in Florida, and 631 people died in these crashes. Motorcycle drivers accounted for 605 of those fatalities, with the remaining 26 being passengers. More than 2,000 motorcycle drivers and passengers suffered disabling injuries in accidents that year.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida?
Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accident can help riders stay safe and alert on the road. In Florida, motorcycle accidents frequently involve:
Lane splitting:
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While illegal in Florida, some riders still engage in this dangerous practice.
Speeding:
Excessive speed reduces reaction time for both motorcyclists and other drivers.
Distracted driving:
Texting, eating, or other distractions can lead to motorcycle accidents.
Drunk driving:
Impaired drivers pose a significant threat to motorcyclists.
Road hazards:
Potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces can be particularly dangerous for motorcycles.
Inexperienced riders:
New motorcyclists may lack the skills to handle challenging situations.
Tailgating:
Following too closely doesn’t allow enough stopping distance for either vehicle.
Sudden stops:
Abrupt braking by vehicles in front can lead to rear-end collisions.
Lane changes without signaling:
This unexpected movement can catch motorcyclists off guard.
Dooring:
Parked drivers opening their doors without checking for oncoming motorcycles.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. Due to the nature of motorcycle riding—where riders are exposed and less protected than occupants of cars—injuries can be particularly severe. Here are some of the most common types of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents:
Road Rash
Road rash occurs when the skin makes direct contact with the pavement or road surface. This type of injury can range from mild abrasions to deep, painful lacerations that require medical attention. Proper protective gear, such as riding suits and gloves, can help minimize the risk of road rash.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Motorcycle accidents often result in fractures or broken bones due to the impact of the collision. Common fractures include broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Severe fractures may require surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious and potentially life-threatening injuries in motorcycle accidents. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Helmets are crucial in reducing the severity of these injuries, but they cannot always prevent them.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is vulnerable to severe injuries in motorcycle accidents, which can result in partial or complete paralysis. Injuries to the spine may necessitate long-term medical treatment, physical therapy, and adaptive changes to daily living.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can lead to complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Dislocated Joints
Dislocated joints are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly in the shoulders, knees, and hips. These injuries can cause significant pain and require medical treatment to realign the joints and facilitate recovery.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Common examples are sprains, strains, and tears. These injuries can be debilitating and often require physical therapy to restore full function.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida
After a motorcycle accident, you are probably going to be shaken, confused, and in pain. It’s important to remain calm, however, and consider your next steps carefully. What you do in the moments and days after a crash can play a significant role in your wellbeing and your ability to recover compensation. After a motorcycle accident, you should:
Call 9-1-1:
Getting the police and paramedics on the way immediately after a motorcycle accident can ensure you and other people who were injured receive emergency medical attention if necessary. Additionally, the police will create an extensive accident report that can be referenced in court if you decide to file an injury lawsuit.
Collect Evidence:
If you are able, gather as much information as you can about the other people and vehicles that were involved in your crash. Use your cellphone to take pictures or videos of the accident scene, and be sure to capture photos of the vehicles and anything at the scene that may have bearing on the outcome of your case.
Follow Up with a Medical Professional:
Have a medical professional check you over as soon as possible after your accident. This is important even if you don’t think you are seriously injured at first. With some internal injuries, it can take hours or even days for symptoms to appear.
Call Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Jim Magazine:
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to contact victims in the hours or days after a crash, before they have a chance to realize the extent of their losses. Before speaking with the insurance company, call injury lawyer Jim Magazine to ensure your rights are protected.
What Statutes of Limitations Apply to Motorcycle Accident Cases in Florida?
The statute of limitations plays a significant role in your ability to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident. If you wait too long to bring a lawsuit, your case will likely be dismissed. In Florida, three different statutes of limitations may apply to your motorcycle accident case.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
In Florida, you have just two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, the owner of the vehicle the other party was driving, or any other third party, like the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Suing Your Uninsured Motorist Carrier
You generally have five years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist carrier.
Suing for Wrongful Death
If your family member was killed in a motorcycle accident, Florida law allows you just two years from the date your loved one died to take legal action and file a lawsuit for wrongful death.
FAQs About Florida Motorcycle Accident Cases
Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a motorcycle helmet?
If you are pursuing compensation for injuries to body parts other than your head, your lack of a helmet won’t likely matter. If you are pursuing compensation for head injuries, however, the jury might find that you were partially responsible for your injuries. If that’s the case, your award can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Does PIP insurance cover motorcycle accident injuries?
Motorcyclists in Florida are not covered by personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. However, Medical payments (Med Pay) coverage is available to bikers as a replacement.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida?
Most motorcycle accident lawyers in Florida accept personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Your attorney will investigate your case, negotiate with the insurance companies, and fight for you in court without charging up-front fees. If your case is successful, your injury award will be reduced by your case costs and your lawyer’s fees. If your case is not successful, you don’t pay.