Pinellas Park Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be in pain, hurt, and overwhelmed with the legal system. Florida ranks #1 in motorcycle fatalities in the nation, and between 2018 and 2024, Pinellas County averaged 505 crashes and 26 deaths each year.

At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we think this is far too many. Our firm is committed to protecting motorcyclists’ rights, and we get justice when you’ve been injured.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida, call us now for a free consultation and review of your case with a compassionate Pinellas Park motorcycle accident lawyer. Don’t delay. Time may be of the essence for you to get justice and compensation.

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

Choosing the right motorcycle accident firm when you’ve been in an accident can mean all the difference between getting the compensation you need and not obtaining justice.

At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, our Pinellas Park motorcycle accident attorneys have more than four decades of experience with motorcycle accident cases. Our knowledge of Pinellas County is unmatched, and we offer personalized attention and a client-focused approach to practicing law.

We also never ask for money upfront. In your time of need, we want to make certain you get the best representation available, so we don’t get paid unless you do. There are no fees until you win, and our payment comes from your settlement rather than your pocket.

We also have a long track record of client satisfaction, and our experience and results speak for themselves — we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.

For the best Pinellas Park motorcycle injury lawyer, call now. 

Motorcycle Accidents in Pinellas Park, FL

Pinellas County averages 505 motorcycle crashes and 26 deaths per year. A contributing factor is Pinellas County’s high population density (3,317 people per sq mi), and high overall population — Pinellas County is the 7th most populous county in Florida with 959,107 residents.

While Florida’s fantastic weather allows comfortable motorcycle riding year-round, motorcyclists face some unique challenges in Pinellas, including coastal weather, traffic density, and tourist drivers.

These unique conditions make strong, local representation and legal expertise essential to winning cases.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Pinellas Park

Motorcycle accidents and injuries often happen due to the negligence of others. No matter how safe you ride, the carelessness of other people can cause injury.

Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Left-turn collisions: This is the number one cause of motorcycle fatalities in Florida, with 36% of deaths happening due to left-turn collisions. These often happen when drivers fail to yield or misjudge motorcycle speed at intersections.
• Driver negligence/distracted driving: Texting, phone use, and eating while driving can all cause distracted drivers to veer into motorcyclists or fail to see them.
• Driving under the influence: 42% of Pinellas County motorcycle accidents between 2018 and 2023 involving drivers 29 or younger involved alcohol or drugs.
• Speeding: Speeding is a factor in 26% of crashes with drivers ages 30 to 49, and 38% of them with drivers under 29 in Pinellas County.
• Road hazards: Potholes, debris, and poor signage may cause sudden lane changes or other accidents.
• Weather conditions: Coastal fog reduces visibility in spring and winter, and sudden rainstorms can create slick conditions.
• Failure to check blind spots: Drivers changing lanes or merging without seeing motorcycles is a common cause of deadly crashes.
• Unsafe lane changes: Cutting off motorcyclists without proper signals can spell death for those on two wheels.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle in Pinellas Park

Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Pinellas Park Florida represent all kinds of motorcycle accidents, including:

• Left-turn intersection collisions
• Rear-end accidents
• Lane-splitting incidents
• Hit-and-run crashes
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents
• Multi-vehicle collisions
• Road hazard accidents
• Drunk driver crashes
• Distracted driver accidents
• Wrongful death cases

Two of the most common types of accidents we litigate are left turn accidents, where drivers fail to yield or misjudge the speed of motorcycles, and cases on some of the most dangerous local roads, such as U.S. Highway 19.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries We See in Pinellas Park Cases

Our Pinellas County motorcycle accident lawyers often litigate cases that have resulted in significant injuries for our clients. In 2022, 7,295 motorcyclists were injured in Florida, with 1,845 of those suffering incapacitating injuries. Many of these injuries are life altering.

Some of the most common injuries include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These injuries are frighteningly common, with 60% of hospitalized riders receiving head injuries. More than 85% of fatalities involve head injuries as well and can bring long-term cognitive impacts.
• Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and permanent disability.
• Road rash: This refers to the colloquial term for severe skin abrasions from being dragged along pavement. Road rashes can cause nerve damage and require skin grafts.
• Broken bones: Broken arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs are common, and these injuries often require surgery and lengthy recovery time.
• Internal injuries: These injuries include organ damage and internal bleeding that requires emergency surgery.
• Neck injuries: Whiplash, a broken neck, and soft tissue damage are all common in motorcycle accidents.
• Torso/chest injuries: Rib fractures and lung damage can be consequences of accidents.
• Arm and leg injuries: Fractures, severe lacerations, and potential amputation are also outcomes of motorcycle accidents.

When you ride, remember helmets are extremely effective. They reduce death risk by as much as 37% and head injury by 69%.

What Compensation Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover in a Pinellas Park Accident?

There are three main types of damages our motorcycle accident lawyer in Pinellas Park, FL, can recover for you if you’ve been in an accident.

Economic Damages

These include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical care
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages

These include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Permanent disability impacts

Punitive Damages

These are awarded in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, such as drunk driving or extreme recklessness. They are meant to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior.

How Much Is My Pinellas Park Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

Case value depends on multiple factors, as no two cases are ever identical.

Key factors include:

• Injury severity
• Medical costs
• Lost income
• Degree of fault
• Insurance policy limits
• Long-term impacts
• Quality of evidence

As a reference, Florida settlements often range from:

• Minor injuries: $10,000 to $50,000
• Moderate injuries: $50,000 to $200,000
• Severe/catastrophic injuries: $250,000 to $1M+
• Wrongful death: $500,000 to several million

Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law for Motorcycle Accidents

In Florida, there is a legal concept called comparative negligence, which means that you can sue to recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovery. 

Your compensation may also be reduced by the percentage at which you are at fault for the accident. For example, if you are owed $100,000 damages but are 20% at fault, you will receive an $80,000 recovery.

Insurance companies will try to shift blame to motorcyclists to reduce payouts. This is why it is essential to have an aggressive legal team who can present strong evidence to counter blame-shifting tactics.

Florida Motorcycle Laws and How They Affect Your Claim

There are several Florida laws that may affect your claim, including:

• Helmet laws: Helmets are required for riders under 21. Those over 21 can ride without a helmet if carrying $10,000+ medical insurance. Not wearing a helmet can also affect your claim value.
• Insurance requirements: Motorcyclists are NOT required to carry insurance in Florida (unlike 4-wheel vehicles), and there is no personal injury protection requirement for motorcycles either.
• Lane splitting: Lane splitting is Illegal in Florida and doing so can impact liability.
• Licensing: All riders must complete the MSF Basic Rider Course for motorcycle endorsement.

Always follow the law. Non-compliance with laws can jeopardize your claim.

How Long Do I Have To File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Florida?

The statute of limitations in Florida for filing most personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. This is why acting quickly is critical. The sooner you bring us your case, the more likely witness memories will remain intact, evidence preservation is easier, and we can help to ensure medical treatment continuity. The investigation and negotiation period can take months, so calling us sooner also means you can get your settlement quicker.

There are some exceptions that may extend the statute of limitations, including accidents involving minor victims, a defendant leaving the jurisdiction or hiding their identity, and latent injuries appearing. Even if you think you may be outside of the statute of limitations, give us a call for a free case review.

How To prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Case

To win a personal injury case, your Pinellas Park, FL, motorcycle accident law firm will have to prove four things:

1. Duty of care: We must prove the defendant owed a legal obligation to act reasonably. In this case, this means all drivers must obey traffic laws.
2. Breach of duty: We must prove the defendant violated that duty by acting in an improper manner, such as speeding, running a red light, or distracted driving.
3. Causation: We must prove this breach of duty directly caused the accident and injuries.
4. Damages: We must prove you suffered actual losses because of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain.

Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, medical records, and accident reconstruction is essential to proving these claims. Save everything and hire an attorney that can find the right evidence in your case and put it to the best use.

How Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, Can Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, our experienced attorneys provide comprehensive legal services when we take on your case.

Those services include:

• Free case evaluation: We review case merits, explain rights, and answer questions with no obligation.
• Thorough investigation: We’ll interview witnesses, obtain police reports, visit the accident scene, and hire accident reconstruction experts, if needed. 
• Evidence gathering: We can acquire medical records, employment records, expert reports, photographs, and video footage.
• Insurance negotiations: We handle all communications with insurance companies, counter lowball offers and fight bad faith tactics.
• Calculating full damages: We work with medical experts and economists to value current and future losses.
• Court representation: We’re prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement is not reached.
• Regular communication: We keep our clients updated throughout the process, and you have the final decision on settlements.

Steps To Take After a Motorcycle Accident

Take these steps if you’ve been in an accident:

• Immediate actions: Move to safety, call 911, seek medical attention, even if you feel fine, and wait for the police.
• At the scene: Exchange information with other drivers, do not admit fault, take photos and videos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries. You should also get witness contact info and note road conditions, such as weather and time.
• After leaving the scene: See a doctor immediately and keep all medical records. Document everything in a journal, avoid posting on social media, and contact a motorcycle accident lawyer before talking to insurance companies.
• What NOT to do: Don’t leave the scene early, don’t admit fault, don’t give recorded statements to the other party’s insurer without a lawyer, and don’t accept quick settlement offers.

Why You Need a Lawyer Before Talking to Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may use dirty tactics to try to give you less than you deserve. They may use recorded statements, ask questions designed to get admissions, offer quick lowball settlements before full injury extent is known, or attempt to shift blame to the motorcyclist.

Your attorney’s role is to protect you from these tricks. We handle all communications, protect your rights, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure fair treatment. We understand motorcyclists face bias and need strong advocacy.

Again, don’t give statements or sign anything without legal review.

FAQ

Call us for a free consultation with no upfront costs. You can count on our experienced team, local knowledge, proven results, and personal attention to get results for you while you recover. We’ll handle justice while you focus on getting better.

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Serving All Areas of Pinellas County