Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A Motorcycle On Its Side After An Accident.

Due to heavy traffic and busy, high-speed roads, motorcyclists in Lakeland, Florida, face extreme vulnerability. Cases of motorcycle accidents are frequently reported in the city.

Florida has been ranking among the states with a high number of motorcycle accidents for years. Polk County is among the top counties with the highest number of crashes reported in Lakeland and the surrounding cities.

Being injured in a motorcycle accident can significantly affect your life. Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, is committed to helping injured victims fight for their rights. We have over 40 years of experience advocating for bikers. Our law firm offers a 100% free consultation and contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win.

Get in touch with our Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about your case.

Injured in a motorcycle crash in Lakeland? Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now.

Why Choose Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, for Your Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Case? 

Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, has a 40-person legal team ready to investigate complex crashes immediately after an injured victim contacts us.  Our team is skilled at gathering evidence and obtaining more information about an accident.  

Additionally, our firm has an aggressive stance against insurers. We know how to build a strong case to maximize compensation for our clients. And when a fair settlement can’t be reached, we are always ready to take the case to trial. 

Moreover, we have a “treat you like family” philosophy. We prioritize a client’s physical healing by helping them access the services they need and allowing them to focus on recovery, while we handle all aspects of their case, including insurance negotiations.  

The Dangers for Motorcycle Riders in Lakeland, Florida 

Lakeland experiences high traffic, particularly on major roads, such as Bartow Highway (US-98), US Highway 27, Memorial Boulevard (US 92), and the I-4 corridor. This usually creates bottlenecks that lead to drivers frequently turning left, and, in most cases, without noticing motorcycles.  

Some drivers in these busy areas are also inattentive. A driver who is looking at their phone, using in-car technology, or looking at billboards may fail to see a motorcycle.  Cases of a driver turning left at an intersection directly in front of an oncoming motorcycle because they didn’t see the bike, or they misjudged its distance or speed, are also not uncommon.   

Hundreds of motorcycle crashes are reported annually in Polk County. According to the Florida Crash Dashboard, the county reported 336 motorcycle accidents in 2025. Unfortunately, most of these accidents frequently result in catastrophic, life-altering trauma. 25 of the crashes reported in 2025 were even fatal. 

Common Causes of Lakeland Motorcycle Accidents 

Various negligent actions and environmental conditions cause motorcycle accidents.  

This includes: 

  • Failure to yield: This is a primary cause of different types of Florida motorcycle accidents. When a driver fails to yield, which means they make an improper left turn, turning in front of an oncoming motorcyclist, a serious accident can happen. 
  • Driver negligence: Speeding, unsafe lane changing, tailgating, and distracted driving are examples of driver negligent actions that endanger motorcyclists. 
  • Drunk driving: Many motorcycle accident fatalities in Florida involve drunk driving. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs are a threat to motorcyclists. 
  • Environmental factors: Intense rain causing flooding and hydroplaning, poor lighting, uneven pavement, road debris, and construction hazards are other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents in Lakeland. 

Severe Injuries From Motorcycle Crashes 

The lack of structural protection, including an external frame, airbags, and seat belts, usually results in severe injuries to a motorcyclist when they are involved in an accident. This is because they absorb the full impact of the collision.  Additionally, riders are commonly ejected from the bike during a crash, resulting in secondary impact with the pavement, trees, or other vehicles. 

The most common catastrophic injuries in motorcycle accidents are: 

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) 
  • Spinal cord damage 
  • Soft tissue damage 
  • Herniated discs 
  • Factures 
  • Internal organ damage/internal bleeding 
  • Amputations 
  • Road rash 
    • This is a severe skin abrasion or friction burn that occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin slides on pavement, causing layers of skin to be scraped away. It can cause nerve damage and permanent scarring. 

Florida Motorcycle Accident Laws: What Riders Need To Know 

Certain state laws directly affect a rider’s injury claim. Firstly, motorcyclists are not eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in Florida. The state’s no-fault law defines “motor vehicles” as having four or more wheels.  

Motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles. So, riders are not required to carry the minimum $10,000 in PIP coverage. This excludes them from accessing PIP benefits when injured in an accident. They will need to rely on their own health insurance or pay for medical expenses out-of-pocket. 

Further, Florida’s motorcycle helmet laws allow riders over 21 years of age to ride without a helmet if they are covered by an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries. Nonetheless, it helps to wear a helmet, as it significantly reduces the risk of fatal TBIs.  

Note that Florida also has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Therefore, it’s vital to make informed decisions without delay. 

Proving Liability and Recovering Compensation 

When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you can recover: 

  • Economic damages: Quantifiable financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. 
  • Non-economic damages: Non-financial losses caused by your injury, including pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. 
  • Punitive damages: Awarded if the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving. 

To be compensated, you’ll need to prove liability. Establishing negligence requires solid evidence. Our Lakeland motorcycle accident attorneys will use accident reconstruction and other resources to exhaustively gather evidence. 

You can also only recover damages in Florida if you are 50% or less at fault (the modified comparative negligence rule). If you are found to be at fault, damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

What To Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident 

  • Call 911 to receive emergency care. Florida law also requires notifying law enforcement of a crash that results in an injury, death, or property damage with an apparent amount of at least $500. 
  • While waiting for the police to arrive, document the scene if you can safely move around or ask someone to help you. Take photos of the scene, your bike, your injuries, the surroundings, and the at-fault car. 
  • Exchange information with all involved parties. 
  • Gather witness contact information to support your future claim. 
  • Seek medical evaluation immediately after leaving the scene. 

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Lakeland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 

Protect your rights by contacting a Lakeland personal injury lawyer when you are injured in a motorcycle accident. Our firm is available 24/7 for a completely free, confidential case evaluation. We will help you understand your options, preserve crucial evidence, and know how to deal with insurance companies. 

Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, has a contingency fee structure to allow injured victims to access justice immediately. Contact our Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyer today to receive maximum compensation. 

Injured in a motorcycle crash in Lakeland? Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now.

About Jack G. Bernstein Esq.
Personal Injury Lawyer

Car Accident Lawyer Tampa - Jack Bernstein

For more than 40 years, personal injury lawyer Jack G. Bernstein — a member of the Florida State Bar Association, the Hillsborough Bar Association, and the Clearwater Bar Association — has protected the rights of individuals injured by a negligent party. 

Mr. Bernstein has the expertise to handle various injury cases, including, but not limited to, car accidents, medical malpractice cases, cruise ship accidents, accidental drownings, wrongful death lawsuits, along with most injury and catastrophic occurrences, and legal malpractice issues.

With a staff of approximately 40 people, including six lawyers and 34 support personnel, Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, handles every type of personal injury and accident case throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL. Our office has the legal resources to get the justice you deserve and the maximum recovery for your losses. Schedule your free consultation today; we are always here to help.

FAQs

Many motorcycle accident lawyers in Florida typically charge from 33⅓% to 40% of the total settlement or court award.

Yes. However, if the other party proves that not wearing a helmet had worsened your injuries, your recovery may be reduced under the comparative negligence system.

While waiting for your claim to be resolved, you can use your own medical insurance, MedPay coverage, liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, a letter of protection (LOP), or out of pocket.

You can file a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, if purchased, or file a lawsuit against the driver.

Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. If it’s determined you engaged in this activity at the time of the accident, the comparative negligence system may apply.

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