Recently, one person was killed and four people were taken to the hospital following an accident on I‑75 South. The crash involved a semi and five motorcycles. Troopers said the five motorcycles were in the outside lane and the semi was in the center lane when one of the motorcyclists lost control. The motorcyclist was separated from his motorcycle and struck by the semi. The four other motorcyclists then lost control and fell off their bikes. The motorcyclist struck by the semi was pronounced dead at the scene. The four other motorcyclists were all taken to the hospital as trauma alerts with serious injuries.
Motorcycle riders are exposed to the possibility of great injury or death when a motorcycle accident occurs. According to AAA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Florida had a 30% increase in these deaths, making 2015 the highest on record. Motorcyclists accounted for 20% of motor vehicle fatalities in the state. In 2015, 606 people died and 9,045 were injured in motorcycle crashes on Florida roads. Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing.
Who Will Pay Hospital Bills, Medical Bills, Lost Wages, and Pain and Suffering?
Motorcycle insurance requirements are different than that of an automobile. The biggest difference is that a car must carry at a minimum Personal Injury Protection insurance (PIP), better known as No-Fault Insurance. Under Florida Law, a motorcycle does not require this type of insurance. In Florida, motorcycles are specifically excluded.
What Are the Florida Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Florida’s No‑Fault or PIP law does not apply to motorcycles. However, Florida motorcycles do fall under the Financial Responsibility (FR) law, which applies to all motor vehicles in Florida, including motorcycles, in the event of injury.
Unlike most automobile crashes where the injured party must prove a permanent injury in order to recover pain and suffering, Florida Motorcycle policy riders do not require a person injured on a motorcycle to prove permanent injury in order to be compensated for pain and suffering.
Can Motorcycle Owners and Riders Insure Themselves?
Motorcycle owners and riders can insure themselves by getting a Self‑Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility based on their net worth. However, a motorcycle owner should seek a licensed insurance agent who can provide information about insurance options available, which might include at a minimum:
- $10,000 for one person for bodily injury liability
- $20,000 for two or more people for bodily injury liability
- $10,000 per crash for property damage liability
Additionally, purchasing uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is highly recommended. Many drivers on Florida’s roads are often driving without insurance, which would leave the motorcycle driver without compensation for damages as the result of an injury caused by someone who is not insured.
What Can Happen If I Fail to Carry Property Damage and Bodily Injury Insurance?
Many motorcycle owners and operators are not at fault in causing a crash. But if a motorcycle owners and operator is at fault, or if convicted of DUI or other occurrences outlined in Florida’s Financial Responsibility law, failure to carry property damage and bodily injury liability insurance may result in suspension of a driver’s license, motorcycle registration, and motorcycle license plates, as well as fees, to regain driving privileges. See ‘ 324, Florida Statutes.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Motorcycle accidents cause catastrophic injuries. The victims of these accidents often have huge medical bills and sometimes suffer permanent disability and disfigurement. If the victim does not survive, the family or the estate may file a wrongful death claim. An attorney with motorcycle accident experience is needed in a motorcycle accident case.
Treatment of sustained injuries may be costly, painful and may take months, or even years. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can aggressively seek the financial compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering and for the expenses of your medical treatment and needed care.
Why Fernandez & Hernandez?
Motorcycle accident attorney Martin J. Hernandez can help guide you through the process. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident and need help getting compensation for your injuries, call Tampa Personal Injury Attorney, Martin J. Hernandez of Fernandez & Hernandez at 813-229‑5353.
