Frequently Asked Questions:

A: The standard automobile No-Fault (PIP) does not apply to motorcycles. No proof of insurance is required to register a motorcycle. However, Florida's Financial Responsibility Law still applies if  he is involved in an accident. He can face penalties and license revocation if he does not have proof of $10,000 in medical insurance coverage (health insurance qualifies.)

Most motorcycle riders are under-insured. In addition to the required $10,000 in medical insurance, the best way to protect him and the family from the consequences of a serious injury is to have adequate uninsured motorist (UM) coverage which pays for his injury and losses if the car causing the accident is not insured or does not carry enough bodily injury insurance to pay all losses he might suffer. Keep in mind, uninsured motorist will pay medical, wage loss, pain & suffering and all damages the person who caused the accident should pay if they were adequately insured.

It is unfortunate that most motorcycle riders I encounter in my practice have not obtained adequate UM coverage to protect themselves. In order to buy UM he will need bodily injury coverage. This protects him in the event he causes an accident injuring someone else. While it may not be required in Florida, for motorcycles, he will be unable to purchase UM in any greater amount than the bodily injury coverage on the bike. So, decide how much UM protection you feel you need and purchase BI at least in the same amount. Most people would say $100,000 is the least amount of BI or UM anyone should carry.

Contact us right away for a no-cost evaluation of your case at 1-888-340-0840.

A: Florida law does not address a minimum age for motorcycle passengers. However, other laws may apply, such as endangering a minor. (Dept. of Hwy. Safety and Motor Vehicles)

To learn more about how a Cleawater personal injury lawyer can help with a motorcycle accident claim, contact us at 1-888-340-0840.

A: According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, if you plan to carry passengers on your motorcycle it is a good idea to ask your insurance carrier about the need for carrying passenger insurance coverage.

If you or a passenger have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident in the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa or surrounding areas in Florida, consider the expertise of a local personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can ensure that your claim is handled appropriately, and that you receive the compensation you need should the accident be no-fault of your own. Contact us at 1-888-340-0840.

A: Your knee pain may be caused by damage to the medial meniscus or ligaments, including the medial collateral ligament or the anterior cruciate ligament. If arthroscopic surgery is required, it is commonly done with minor incisions using cannulas to view and repair the damage. Of course, an injury with more significant consequences would be a fracture of the patella and damage to the patellar tendon.

If you are injured in a motorcycle crash in Clearwater, an injury lawyer will work with you to seek damages for all of your injuries, including long-term treatment. Some injuries, such as fractures and spine damage, may require physical therapy, while plastic surgery may be necessary in the case of facial disfigurement. Your injury lawyer will account for these expenses in your personal injury claim.

Your injury lawyer will work with the liable party's insurer in order to seek a settlement for the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. If a settlement can't be reached to cover your medical expenses and long-term care, your injury lawyer may take your claim to trial in order to recover damages for your injuries.

A motorcycle crash in has the potential to leave you with serious injuries. An injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need to heal. Your lawyer can gather evidence that supports your claim that the other driver is liable for your accident. He or she will also speak with the insurance company in order to maximize the settlement for your motorcycle collision.

Because so much is at stake, you should contact a motorcycle crash injury lawyer in Clearwater who has experience with these types of cases, and a successful track record of winning his or her clients' cases. Contact us today for a free consultation at 1-888-340-0840.

A: If you were involved in a motorcycle accident when a car turned left in front of you while you were riding your motorcycle, then you may be eligible for compensation in a personal injury claim. This is because a car making a left turn is almost always responsible for a collision with a vehicle coming in the other direction.

The only exception to this rule may be if you were going over the speed limit at the time of the motorcycle accident, or if you ran a red light. Even if you did act negligently, you may be found only partially responsible. And if partially responsible, you may still be eligible for damages in a Florida personal injury claim.

This is because in Florida, the law of comparative negligence allows for a victim to collect damages even if they were partially responsible for an accident. Keep in mind that your total recovery may be reduced by your own percentage of negligence. In a Florida personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident, you may be compensated for your medical expenses, any pain or suffering, and any wages that you may have lost.

To find out more about how to file a Florida personal injury claim after an accident in Clearwater, contact us at 888-340-0840.

A: Because a motorcycle offers less protection than a passenger vehicle, the chances of injuries during an accident are increased.

The most common injuries sustained in a motorcycle collision include:

• concussion;
• brain damage;
• fractures;
• joint damage;
• spine damage;
• soft tissue damage;
• facial disfigurement; and
• internal bleeding.

Motorcyclists are also susceptible to a condition known as "biker's arm." This occurs in a motorcycle crash when the motorcyclist's upper arm nerves are damaged, resulting in permanent paralysis of the arm.

If you are injured in a motorcycle crash in Clearwater, an injury lawyer will work with you to seek damages for all of your injuries, including long-term treatment. Some injuries, such as fractures and spine damage, may require physical therapy, while plastic surgery may be necessary in the case of facial disfigurement. Your injury lawyer will account for these expenses in your personal injury claim.

Your injury lawyer will work with the liable party's insurer in order to seek a settlement for the injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash. If a settlement can't be reached to cover your medical expenses and long-term care, your injury lawyer may take your claim to trial in order to recover damages for your injuries.

Because so much is at stake, you should contact a motorcycle crash injury lawyer in Clearwater who has experience with these types of cases, and a successful track record of winning his or her clients' cases. Contact us today for a free consultation at 1-888-340-0840.

A: A motorcycle accident has great potential to end in severe injury; in many cases there may be intense brain trauma. There are many brain injuries, but regardless of what type of head injury has been sustained, legal representation and assistance is necessary. If you have been involved in an accident contact a Clearwater brain injury lawyer for a consultation.

The effects of traumatic brain injury typically involve cognitive function, emotional function and overall behavioral function. These are all very serious problems that can alter and disrupt the victim's entire life and interfere with daily activities.

Short-term implications can include neurological symptoms such as decreased sensory and motor function. These will become apparent within the first few days and their severity depends on the extent of damage. Victims may also have difficulty concentrating and trouble with problem solving and communication skills.

Long-term implications of brain injury can include the development of:

• movement disorders;
• seizures;
• severe headaches;
• vision deficiency; and
• sleep disorders.

Cognitively there may be:

• memory loss;
• mood disorders;
• personality shifts;
• depression; and
• anxiety.

If a child is injured in a motorcycle accident in Clearwater, separate difficulties may present themselves. Children may have trouble learning new skills, lack of an ability to comprehend social cues and some issues may not show up until later in the child's development.

Hiring a brain injury lawyer to assist you with your personal injury claim is your best course of action. Motorcycle accidents can result in extremely traumatic injuries that could change your life forever.

If you want to learn more, start by requesting a free copy of our legal guide. If you prefer to speak to us right away, contact us today for a no-cost evaluation of your case at 1-888-340-0840.

A: A motorcycle crash in Clearwater FL can leave you with severe spinal cord injuries. Motorcycle accident lawyers can help you review your case to determine if you are eligible to file a personal injury claim for compensation.

Medical Implications

The short-term medical action starts at the scene of your motorcycle crash and in the emergency room. Doctors and medics will immobilize your neck and back right away to prevent any further damage and stabilize your breathing. Once you are stable you will be cared for in the intensive care unit for further treatment which may include medication, metal braces for stabilization, surgery or experimental treatment in some cases.

In the long-term you may suffer paralysis and permanent damages including complications with:

• bladder control,
• bowel control,
• impaired skin sensation,
• circulatory control,
• respiratory issues and/or
• sexual health issues.

Financial Implications

Short-term and long-term financial costs of a spinal cord injury from an accident will include:

• emergency room/hospitalization bills,
• medication/treatment costs and
• lost wages (if you are able to return to work).
• extended physical therapy,
• emotional counseling,
• technology purchases for coping (wheelchair or electronic aids) and
• lost wages (if you are unable to return to work at all).

Consult with Clearwater motorcycle accident lawyers to see if taking legal action and filing a personal injury claim is right for you. If you do file a claim lawyers can help ease some of the stress of the process from you and your loved ones. Contact us today at 1-888-340-0840.

A: There are specific requirements for driving a moped, scooter or other 2-3 wheel vehicle in Florida. These are different than the rules governing the operation of other motorized vehicles, including motorcycles.

These Florida moped requirements can most easily be explained when examining 3 key topics: Licensing, Protection and Insurance

Licensing Requirements for Operating a Moped in Florida

Licensing requirements for these smaller vehicles is incredibly simple, provided you are not driving on a public street or roadway. Since a moped or scooter is not considered a motorcycle by legal definition, no specific license is required to operate one away from public roadways.

On public streets and roadways, you must be 16 years of age or older and hold a regular operator or "motorcycle only" license. This is because mopeds, scooters and other 2-3 wheel vehicles are considered "motor vehicles" on public roadways, and thus require a license.

Protection Requirements for Operating a Moped in Florida

As long as your vehicle has an engine of 50 cc or less, 2 brake horsepower or less, and cannot go more than 30 miles per hour on level ground, you do not need to wear a helmet. Any passengers younger than 16-years-old are required to wear a helmet.

Insurance Requirements for a Moped in Florida

Insurance is not required for moped, scooter or other 2-3 wheel vehicle operators in the state of Florida. In some cases, you may be required to purchase insurance if you cause a collision on your moped.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is highly advised if you intend to drive your 2-3 wheel vehicle on public roadways. PIP could help tremendously in the event you are involved in a collision.

You may be required to register a moped (but not a scooter) with the county tax collector's office. You will be charged a registration fee and will have to renew on an annual basis. Contact your local department of motor vehicles to ensure that you are following the specific requirements for your particular make and model of scooter, moped or similar vehicle.

To learn more, order a FREE copy of my consumer guide, The Five Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case or contact the law office of James. W. Dodson to set up a FREE consultation with a Florida moped crash attorney at 1-888-340-0840.