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Four Decades of Experience: Tampa's Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle accidents lead to thousands of fatalities and serious injuries each year. In fact, motorcycle fatalities account for a significant percentage of all traffic deaths in Florida. Sadly, a motorcycle crash can lead to a number of serious consequences that can impact every part of your life. At Carlson Meissner & Hayslett, our attorneys strive to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries so you can deal with these consequences and move forward. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Tampa have represented injured motorcyclists and their family members for more than four decades. If you’ve been injured, let us help you. Call 813-473-6132 now to schedule a free consultation with our team.

Attorneys at Carlson Meissner Law Firm on Personal Injury

Attorney Jennifer A. Burns

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving factors beyond the rider’s control. Understanding these common causes can help motorcyclists stay vigilant and make safer decisions on the road.

Frequent Causes Include:

  • Driver Negligence: Failure to notice motorcycles, distracted driving, or failing to yield.
  • Left-Turn Accidents: Drivers misjudging a motorcycle’s speed or distance while making a left turn.
  • Lane Splitting: Increased risk of collisions when motorcyclists ride between lanes of traffic.
  • Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement pose greater risks for motorcycles.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers are less likely to react appropriately, putting motorcyclists in danger.
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What Are Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle accidents often lead to potentially life-threatening injuries. This is because motorcyclists are not protected by seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features. There’s nothing standing between them and the hard pavement.

Our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients who have suffered various types of injuries in motorcycle accidents, including:

  • Head injuries and contusions
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Paralysis such as paraplegia and quadriplegia
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Loss of limbs
  • Crushed limbs
  • Broken/fractured bones

These injuries are severe enough to alter your life forever. That’s why you should turn to our attorneys for help aggressively fighting for the compensation you need to move forward.

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What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Taking the right steps after a motorcycle accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal case. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Important Steps Include:

  • Seek Medical Attention: Get evaluated even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  • Call Law Enforcement: Report the accident to create an official police report.
  • Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, your motorcycle, and any visible injuries.
  • Collect Contact Information: Gather details from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not discuss fault or apologize, as this may be used against you.
  • Contact an Attorney: Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett to protect your rights and explore your legal options.

Will Not Wearing A Helmet Affect My Motorcycle Accident Claim?

In Tampa, only motorcyclists under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet while on the road. Bikers over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet provided they are covered by an insurance policy of at least $10,000 for medical injuries. If they do not have this insurance coverage, they are required to wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet may not be required for riders over the age of 21, but it could still impact the outcome of your personal injury claim. If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company may argue that you are partially to blame for your head or neck injuries. Being found partially at fault for the accident could lower the amount of compensation you are awarded for your injuries. For this reason, not wearing a helmet could complicate your claim.

Man on the ground next to an overturned motorcycle.

How Much Time Do I Have to File A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Tampa?

The statute of limitations on most personal injury cases, including motorcycle accident cases, is four years. In other words, injured motorcyclists have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. However, it’s best to contact an attorney immediately after an accident before evidence has been destroyed or lost. The sooner you contact our attorneys, the sooner you can recover compensation for your injuries.

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What Damages Can I Receive After My Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett in Tampa can help you pursue the damages you deserve by building a strong case on your behalf.

Potential Damages Include:

  • Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical treatments related to the accident.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation if the accident affects your ability to earn income in the future.

Why Should I Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Tampa?

The key to recovering compensation in a motorcycle accident claim is proving liability. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it may seem, which is why you will need an attorney’s help. Our personal injury attorneys will immediately launch an investigation into your accident to gather evidence that proves liability. During this investigation, we may:

  • Interview witnesses
  • Analyze your medical records
  • Review photos from the scene of the accident
  • Work with professionals, including accident reconstruction experts, to evaluate the case
  • Obtain surveillance footage

Once the investigation is complete, we will begin communicating with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf. We will aggressively negotiate with the insurer to ensure you are fully compensated for your injuries. But if a settlement cannot be reached, we will begin preparing your case for court. Our attorneys have decades of trial experience, so we are not afraid to go head-to-head with a large insurance company in court. From the start to the finish of your case, we will do what it takes to recover as much compensation as possible for you and your family.

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Set Up A Free Consultation With Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Tampa Now

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? Don’t hesitate to seek legal representation from our motorcycle accident lawyers in Tampa. It is our privilege—and our duty—to work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. With more than 125 years of combined experience, we know what it takes to maximize your compensation. To schedule a free consultation regarding your case, call 813-473-6132 or fill out the form on this website.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Are motorcycle accidents common in Tampa?

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Florida?

How much is my case worth?

Can I still receive compensation if I am partially at fault?

How do I prove negligence in a motorcycle accident case?

How long will my case take to settle?

Is lane splitting legal in Tampa?

Are motorcycle accidents common in Tampa?

Yes, motorcycle accidents are fairly common in Tampa due to high traffic volumes, frequent tourist activity, and favorable weather that allows for year-round riding. The combination of congested roadways and driver negligence increases the risk of accidents for motorcyclists.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Florida?

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, waiting too long can make it harder to gather critical evidence and build a strong case. We recommend taking action as soon as possible to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

How much is my case worth?

The value of a motorcycle accident case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and emotional distress. Cases involving permanent disabilities or extensive medical treatment typically result in higher compensation. We can evaluate your case and provide a clearer estimate of its potential value.

Can I still receive compensation if I am partially at fault?

Yes, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your final compensation will be reduced by 20%.

How do I prove negligence in a motorcycle accident case?

To prove negligence, you need to establish that the other party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the accident, leading to your injuries. Key evidence may include police reports, eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert analysis. The lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett have the experience needed to gather and present the evidence necessary to build a strong case.

How long will my case take to settle?

The timeline for resolving a motorcycle accident case can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. While some cases settle in a few months, more complex cases may take over a year. Our attorneys will work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Is lane splitting legal in Tampa?

No, lane splitting is illegal in Tampa and throughout Florida. Motorcyclists are prohibited from riding between lanes of traffic or passing vehicles within the same lane. Violating this law can result in fines and may impact your ability to recover compensation if an accident occurs while lane splitting.

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