Motorcyclists are some of the safest and most careful drivers of anyone on the road. But regardless of how vigilant a motorcyclist may be, accidents occur with consequences that are most likely devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. Even a minor collision on a motorcycle can have devastating consequences and in the most severe cases, result in death.
Florida law, whether in Melbourne, Orlando, Vero Beach, Cocoa Beach or Titusville, treats motorcyclist different than motorists. Florida legislature does not consider a motorcycle an automobile and therefore there is no required insurance. There is no no-fault insurance to pay your initial medical expenses and therefore you must rely on your own health insurance if available to seek medical attention. Head injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones, and road rash are common results of motorcycle accidents. Even if you wanted personal injury protection benefits, you cannot have it in Florida. The type of insurance you should have on a motorcycle include bodily injury liability coverage, collision insurance and comprehensive coverage as well as, and most importantly uninsured motorist coverage which protects you in case you get injured as a result of an uninsured motorist. Unique laws do not require a Florida motorcyclist to wear a helmet if you are over the age of 21 as long as you have a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance which can be in the form of health insurance or medical payments coverage on your motorcycle policy. If you are under the age of 21, you are required to wear a helmet.
If involved in an accident you should meet with an attorney immediately and do not ever sign any documents with any insurance company until consulting with a lawyer and do not give any recorded statements until consulting with an attorney.
Unfortunately, just because you have insurance coverage including uninsured motorist coverage on your automobile, if you do not have specific motorcycle coverage by specific motorcycle policy, your automobile coverage will not cover you if you are riding your bike when in an accident.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Florida, you need the help of an experienced attorney who handles motorcycle cases. Hayworth & Chaney, PA has dealt with hundreds of motorcycle accident cases in the state of Florida. We understand how to properly apply Florida’s motorcycle and traffic laws to make the insurance companies and liable parties pay the medical compensation for your injury. Please contact us at 321-253-3300 for a free review of your case.