Motorcycle Accident FAQs: What You Need to Know After a Crash in Fort Lauderdale
Motorcycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale are often devastating and complex. With little protection between the rider and the road, motorcycle crash victims typically suffer serious injuries that require immediate and long-term care. Below, our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers at Englander Peebles answer the most common questions riders and their families ask after a collision in South Florida.
What should I do if I was injured in a motorcycle crash in South Florida?
After a motorcycle accident, your first priority should be getting emergency medical attention—even if you feel okay. Internal injuries and head trauma may not be immediately visible. Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed. Take photos of the scene, the damage to your bike, your helmet, road conditions, and the other vehicle. Do not admit fault or speak with insurance adjusters without legal representation. The sooner you speak with a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney, the sooner they can preserve key evidence, investigate liability, and protect your right to pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Do I need to wear a helmet to file a motorcycle accident claim in Florida?
While Florida law does not require riders over 21 to wear a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical coverage, helmet use can still affect your case. Insurance companies often argue that a rider’s failure to wear a helmet contributed to their injuries. However, this does not bar you from filing a claim. You may still recover compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet—especially for injuries unrelated to head trauma, such as broken bones or spinal cord injuries. At Englander Peebles, our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys push back against unfair blame and fight to ensure your injuries are fully accounted for.
Can I sue if a driver turned in front of my motorcycle and caused the crash?
Yes. One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when a driver turns left across a motorcyclist’s path, violating their right of way. In such cases, the turning driver is typically at fault for failing to yield. These crashes can result in catastrophic injuries like road rash, traumatic brain injury (TBI), internal bleeding, and compound fractures. If you were injured in this type of collision, you may file a personal injury claim against the driver’s insurance. Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers know how to gather traffic camera footage, witness statements, and crash data to prove fault and pursue compensation for your injuries.
How is fault determined in a motorcycle vs. car collision?
Determining fault in a motorcycle crash requires an in-depth look at the actions of all parties involved. Police reports, physical evidence at the scene, black box data from vehicles, and expert analysis all play a role. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are often unfairly stereotyped as reckless or speeding, which insurers use to deny or minimize claims. Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery as long as you're not more than 50% at fault—but every percentage matters. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys know how to challenge biased assumptions and build a clear, evidence-based case showing the driver's negligence.
What kind of compensation can I receive after a motorcycle accident injury?
Motorcycle accident victims in Florida may be eligible for significant financial compensation. This can include coverage for medical expenses (hospitalization, surgery, rehab, therapy), lost income, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. You may also recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For serious injuries such as paralysis, amputation, or permanent disability, future medical care and long-term support costs are factored into the claim. At Englander Peebles, our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle injury lawyers fight to recover every dollar you're entitled to, and we won’t settle for less than your case is worth.
Still Have Questions About Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys are here to fight for you. Contact Englander Peebles today for a free consultation and experienced legal representation.