A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant: one careless driver, one reckless lane change, and you’re left facing devastating injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. At Souder Law, we know how overwhelming this feels, and we refuse to let insurance companies minimize your pain. Led by experienced trial attorney Tavis Souder, we fight aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
What Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle crashes in Florida. According to state data, Florida consistently ranks as one of the deadliest states for riders, with over 9,000 motorcycle crashes and nearly 600 fatalities reported annually. In fact, motorcycle deaths account for almost 17% of all traffic fatalities in Florida. These numbers highlight just how vulnerable riders are compared to occupants of passenger cars or trucks.
A motorcycle accident occurs when a rider is involved in a collision with another vehicle, a fixed object, or even from losing control due to poor road conditions. Because motorcycles offer no protective barrier, riders often suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and severe road rash, even in relatively low-speed crashes.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:
- Driver failing to yield at intersections
- Vehicle making unsafe lane changes
- Rear-end collisions at stop signs or traffic lights
- Speeding and reckless driving by motorists
- Distracted driving, including texting or phone use
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Opening car doors into the path of a rider
- Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes or debris
- Poor visibility due to weather or nighttime driving
- Drivers misjudging a motorcyclist’s speed or distance
How We Handle Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
At Souder Law, we know the tactics insurance companies use to blame motorcyclists and minimize payouts, and we fight back from day one. Our team immediately investigates your crash, gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements while working with accident reconstruction experts to prove liability. We examine every detail, from skid marks to vehicle damage, to build a clear and undeniable picture of what really happened. Beyond proving fault, we focus on the full scope of your damages. We coordinate with medical specialists to document the severity of your injuries, calculate lost wages, and project future care costs. Our firm aggressively negotiates with insurers to ensure they understand the full financial and personal toll this crash has taken on your life. And if they refuse to pay what is fair, we are fully prepared to take your case into the courtroom.
Does Florida Have Helmet Laws in Place?
Yes. Florida law requires all riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet, no exceptions. Riders 21 and older may choose to ride without one, but only if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance to cover motorcycle-related injuries. In addition, all riders, regardless of age, must wear protective eyewear unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield. These laws aim to reduce the devastating head and brain injuries that are common in motorcycle crashes. However, choosing not to wear a helmet can affect more than your safety. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, if you suffer head or facial injuries during a motorcycle accident without a helmet, the insurance company may argue that your own negligence contributed to the severity of your injuries. This can significantly reduce the amount of compensation you are entitled to recover, even if another driver caused the accident.
Damages Available in Motorcycle Accidents
After a motorcycle accident, identifying all liable parties is critical to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve. In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility, such as a negligent driver, a commercial trucking company, or even a government entity that failed to maintain safe road conditions. By investigating liability, we can pursue every available avenue of recovery and prevent insurance companies from shifting blame onto you as the rider.
Once all liable parties are identified, the next step is to determine the types of damages you may be entitled to, which can include:
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Property damage, including motorcycle repairs or replacement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help
- Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible
- Seek medical treatment even if injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and videos
- Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved
- Gather names and statements of any witnesses
- Preserve your damaged motorcycle and gear as evidence
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements to insurers
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney immediately
Find Out What Your Case is Worth (At No Cost)
Souder Law is relentless in pursuing full justice for injured motorcyclists across Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and all of South Florida. We know the strain a crash creates, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis: it costs you nothing unless we win compensation for you. Our team will review your medical records, lost wages, and long-term needs to determine the true value of your claim. Contact us today for a free motorcycle accident case review.
