Helmet Laws in Florida

Motorcycles are popular throughout Florida. Riders enjoy the beautiful weather and scenic roads. Sadly, motorcycle accidents are also common in the Sunshine State.

The Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers of Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers help clients recover compensation for motorcycle accident injuries. Indeed, our law firm has recovered over $500 million in jury verdicts and settlements — and has over 120 years of collective legal experience.

Call (813) 222-8656 or contact our office in Tampa, FL,  to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers. Let’s discuss how we can help you get the money you deserve for a motorcycle accident claim. 

Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You Get Justice After a Motorcycle Crash

Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You Get Justice After a Motorcycle Crash

The Tampa personal injury lawyers of Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers have been representing injured victims in Florida since 1992. We know that a motorcycle accident can cause catastrophic injuries and significant financial losses. Getting you the money you need as quickly as possible is our top priority. 

When you hire our legal team in Tampa, Florida, you can expect us to:

  • Investigate the crash to determine who is at fault
  • Identify insurance coverage related to the accident
  • Document your injuries and damages and calculate the value of your claim
  • Fight to get you the maximum settlement amount available for your motorcycle accident claim
  • File a lawsuit and fight in court to protect your right to reasonable compensation for injuries 

Car accidents involving motorcycles often result in life-threatening injuries and permanent disabilities. Call now to speak with a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer. Your initial consultation is free of charge.

Do Motorcycle Helmets Save Lives?

Many states enacted motorcycle helmet laws to reduce the risk of serious injury and death in a motorcycle crash. A motorcycle rider is 29 times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than a person in a passenger vehicle.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that wearing motorcycle helmets prevented 1,859 deaths in 2016. Another 802 people would have lived had they been wearing a helmet during a motorcycle crash. The risk of head injury is cut by 69 percent and death by 37 percent when a rider wears a motorcycle helmet

What Are Florida’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws?

Florida has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law, but there are exceptions to who is required to wear a helmet.

According to Florida Statute §316.211, riders must wear protective headgear and eye protection when they ride or operate a motorcycle. However, the law does not apply to riders in enclosed cabs. 

Additionally, riders over the age of 21 years may choose not to wear a motorcycle helmet. However, the rider must have an insurance policy that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage. PIP or Personal Injury Protection insurance is not sufficient because it does not apply to motorcycle riders or passengers in Florida. 

Common Injuries and Damages Caused by Motorcycle Accidents in Tampa, FL

During 2019, there were 8,895 motorcycle accidents reported statewide. Motorcycle wrecks caused 550 deaths and thousands of critical injuries. Fifty-one of the motorcycle fatalities that year occurred in Hillsborough County.

A motorcyclist has very little protection from the force of the collision in a wreck. Furthermore, the rider may be pinned underneath a vehicle or thrown into another object. Especially when the driver is illegally lane splitting.

Common injuries caused by Tampa motorcycle accidents include:

A motorcycle injury claim may include thousands of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. The types of damages you could recover for your motorcycle accident depend on the facts of your case. 

Can I Sue Another Driver for a Tampa Motorcycle Accident?

Because Florida is a no-fault car insurance state, motorists must carry PIP insurance. PIP coverage compensates the insured for some lost wages and medical bills caused by an accident, regardless of who was at fault for the collision.

However, no-fault laws do not apply to motorcycles in Florida. Therefore, a motorcyclist would have a claim against the driver who caused the accident. Motorcyclists are not required to meet a serious injury threshold to file a lawsuit.

In Florida, you must have a motorcycle license in order to legally ride a motorcycle. Unfortunately, Florida does not require drivers to carry liability insurance. Therefore, it could be difficult to recover compensation for damages. Carrying uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage is recommended for motorcyclists.

Can I Sue Another Driver if I Was Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet?

If you are over 21 years of age and have the required insurance coverage, you are not breaking the law if you choose not to wear a helmet. However, the insurance provider for the other driver may argue that you should not receive full compensation because you “contributed” to the cause of your injury by not wearing a helmet.

Florida’s contributory fault laws permit a judge to reduce an accident victim’s damages if their conduct contributed to their injuries. So, you may still receive compensation for your damages, but it could be a difficult fight.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

We want to help you hold the negligent driver who caused your crash liable for your damages. Call now to schedule a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Tampa, FL. We’ll evaluate your options and discuss avenues for recovering the money you deserve.