Miami Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

With its year-round warmth and minimal rain, Miami is a motorcycle destination for enthusiasts. Its diverse neighborhoods serve as scenic backgrounds for urban exploration, while its proximity to the Overseas Highway provides easy access to the Florida Keys. Home to cities like Miami, it’s no wonder Florida ranks as one of the top states for motorcycle registration in the United States. 

Whether for leisure or commuting, riding a motorcycle in Miami delivers an unparalleled sense of freedom and excitement. However, the increased exposure elevates the risk of injuries from accidents. Motorcyclists face unique vulnerabilities on the road, and motorcycle accidents can result in a spectrum of injuries – from minor scrapes to severe trauma affecting the brain or spinal cord.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, expert legal guidance is essential to receive compensation for your injuries. The skilled motorcycle accident attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner possess in-depth knowledge of relevant laws and understand the specific challenges riders face in motorcycle accidents compared to other types of cases.

While motorcycle accidents can have profound consequences, partnering with the right legal team can significantly improve your chances of securing the financial support—and the justice—necessary for a full recovery.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

Safety should be your first priority following a truck accident. Call 911 or the Miami Police Department to report the accident and receive prompt medical care—no matter how insignificant your injuries may seem. Your medical report initiates a paper trail documenting your injuries which may later prove useful in your claim.

Next, you should document the accident. Use your cell phone to capture eyewitness accounts and record videos of the damaged vehicles and surrounding accident scene. Take photos of any injuries you or a loved one may have sustained and communicate with the other drivers involved, noting their contact and insurance information. Never admit fault at the scene of the accident.

Next, contact your insurance company.

Last, contact a reputable motorcycle accident injury lawyer for assistance navigating the legal intricacies involved with accidents including:

• Investigate the incident thoroughly
• Collect and analyze evidence
• Pursue claims against negligent parties
• Seek compensation for injuries, damages, and suffering
• Handle negotiations with insurance providers
• Provide courtroom representation if needed.

In fact, you should avoid discussing your case with anyone but your personal injury lawyer — and never post anything about it on social media. Anything you say or post publicly can and will be used by the opposing counsel to diminish your case. Your attorney-client relationship, on the other hand, is confidential. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our Miami motorcycle accident lawyers fight relentlessly for your rights to help you recover physically and financially from your injuries.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Miami as of 2022-2023

Motorcycle accidents in Miami remain a significant concern, with over 1,200 motorcycle crashes reported in Miami-Dade County in 2022, according to the FLHSMV. Of these, 65 resulted in fatalities, showing a concerning rise in motorcycle-related deaths. The risks to motorcyclists are heightened by Miami’s high-speed traffic and instances of distracted driving. In 2023, the trend persisted, with a 12% increase in motorcycle crashes, as noted in reports from the NHTSA.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes include:

1. Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attention from driving.” This includes, but is not limited to, talking or texting on your phone; eating and drinking; talking to others in your vehicle; or playing around with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of any motor accident.

2. Drunk Driving

Intoxicated driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, dulls the senses and slows reaction times, impairing decision-making abilities. Highway drunk driving accidents can be fatal and involve numerous cars.

3. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Running late for an appointment is no excuse for excessive speeding or reckless driving. Accidents resulting from these sorts of behaviors usually result in more severe damage to both the body and the vehicle. 

4. Failure to Yield and Left-Turn Accidents

Failing to abide by the rules of the road – such as disregarding traffic signs or ignoring right-of-way – can result in severe consequences for you and other motorists or pedestrians on the road. Because of the size disparity between a motorcycle and a commercial truck, motorcyclists may be difficult to see in truck drivers’ blind spots during left turns. Be sure to allow plenty of space between your motorcycle and much larger trucks.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents Injuries

Because motorcyclists are more exposed to the road than those in passenger vehicles, they’re at greater risk of suffering severe injuries in an accident.

Some of the most common types of injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:

• Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Fractures and Broken Bones

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

The victims injured in motorcycle accidents in Florida may be entitled to two main types of compensation: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

These cover the measurable financial losses directly related to the motorcycle accident, including:

• Medical bills: This includes all medical expenses such as emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care resulting from the accident.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income during your recovery period.
• Loss of future earnings: In cases of long-term or permanent disability, compensation for the loss of earning capacity due to an inability to return to your previous job or any work at all may be included.
• Property damage: This covers the costs to repair or replace your motorcycle, as well as any personal property damaged during the accident, such as helmets or protective gear.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: These include any costs related to your injury and recovery, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, or hiring help for daily activities.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for the intangible, non-monetary impacts of a motorcycle accident, which often result in long-lasting consequences for motorcycle accident victims:

• Pain and suffering: Motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries in accidents, and compensation for the physical pain endured during and after the crash is included.
• Emotional distress: The trauma of a serious motorcycle accident can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, and compensation is provided for this psychological impact.
• Mental anguish: Severe injuries can cause emotional suffering, including the distress from adjusting to a new lifestyle after being physically limited by the accident.
• Permanent disabilities or impairments: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to life-altering injuries like paralysis, loss of limbs, or brain damage, which merit compensation for long-term care and quality-of-life changes.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If the injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed—such as hobbies, sports, or social interactions—you may be compensated for this loss.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Motorcycle accidents often lead to significant scarring or disfigurement, which can affect the victim’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Since non-economic damages are subjective and harder to quantify, having experienced legal representation is essential for maximizing your recovery in a motorcycle accident case. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we understand the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize payouts and maximize their profits. If necessary, we will go a step further and represent your case in court,  working tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Florida

Miami motorcyclists must follow both Florida state laws and federal safety regulations to ensure their safety and legal protection. Motorcycles must comply with federal safety standards, including having working headlights, turn signals, and brake lights.

Florida law also requires motorcyclists to wear eye protection unless their motorcycle has a windshield. Additionally, motorcycles must be equipped with functioning headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to meet legal safety standards. Failing to meet these regulations can affect liability in the event of an accident, reducing a rider’s ability to recover compensation.

Additionally, Florida enforces a .08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for motorcyclists, similar to other drivers. However, alcohol is involved in 30% of all fatal motorcycle crashes in the state, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death.

Importantly, Miami follows Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, meaning if a motorcyclist is found more than 50% at fault in an accident, they are barred from recovering any compensation. This makes compliance with traffic laws, such as speed limits and right-of-way rules, critical to both safety and legal protection.

Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Miami

Motorcyclists in Miami are not covered by Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, which means they do not benefit from Personal Injury Protection (PIP) like drivers of standard vehicles. Instead, motorcycle riders must rely on liability insurance to cover damages in case of an accident. Florida law mandates that motorcyclists carry at least $10,000 in medical coverage if they choose to ride without a helmet. Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is highly recommended, as it protects motorcyclists in accidents where the other driver lacks sufficient insurance. Given the high risk of severe injury in motorbike crashes, adequate insurance coverage is essential for medical expenses and other damages.

Legal Process for Motorcycle Accident Claims

The motorcycle wreck lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner take a professional approach when counseling motorcycle victims  in Miami.

Free Consultation

The process starts with a free consultation in which  we take time to learn about you and the circumstances of your motorcycle  accident. Our conversation will inform the scope of your injury claim, which we will then help you file with your insurance company. While claim values vary based on the severity and circumstances of the accident, we fight to maximize your compensation for complete financial recovery.

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once the claim is initiated, we conduct a thorough investigation, gathering key evidence like police and medical reports, photos/videos, eyewitness statements, expert testimony, and interviews with your family. This evidence is the foundation of your claim and will later be used as leverage during negotiations with your insurance company.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

With the evidence collected, we negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Filing a Lawsuit and Court Representation

Depending on the outcome of those negotiations, as well as other circumstances of your case, we will advise if you should file a lawsuit to prove your offender’s negligence in court where we will litigate on your behalf. 

Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Process

We have your back at every step of this process, from trial preparation to representation in court. Never provide your insurance company with a recorded statement or accept their settlement offer before consulting with an attorney. Insurers’ first offers are notoriously low, and accepting them forfeits your opportunity for a better, more fair amount. Instead, contact the reputable Miami motorcycle accident lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner.

Frequently Asked Questions on Motorcycle Accidents