St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Fighting for Injured Riders in St. Petersburg, FL

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in St. Petersburg, you know how suddenly and completely your life can change. Unlike the occupants of a car, a rider has nothing to protect them from the force of a collision. The resulting injuries are often severe or catastrophic, leaving you with overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and significant pain and suffering.

You are not just a statistic, but the statistics for Pinellas County paint a stark picture: with over 420 motorcycle crashes each year, our area sees more than one rider injured or killed every single day. 1 When you are facing this reality, you need an attorney who understands the specific biases riders face and has the proven expertise to win complex cases.

At Burnetti, P.A., our compassionate and caring team is dedicated to fighting for injured bikers. We understand the unique dangers of St. Petersburg's roads and the tactics insurance companies use to blame riders. We are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call (727) 240-3050 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney.

Why Choose Burnetti, P.A. for Your St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Case?

After a serious motorcycle wreck, the law firm you choose is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here is what sets Burnetti, P.A. apart:

• We Fight the Bias Against Riders: Insurance companies often try to portray motorcyclists as reckless to avoid paying fair compensation. We know this tactic well. Because we only represent injured people—never insurance companies—our loyalty is exclusively to you. We build strong cases designed to overcome this bias and prove the other driver’s negligence.

• A Board-Certified Specialist in Your Corner: A motorcycle accident case requires a high level of legal skill. Our firm is home to Florida Bar Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyers. This is the highest level of evaluation for trial attorneys, a distinction held by less than 5% of Florida lawyers, signifying a tested specialist in trial law. This level of expertise is critical when your future is on the line.

• Direct, Personal Communication: We believe you deserve to speak directly with your lawyer. That’s why we limit the number of cases we accept and provide you with your attorney's direct cell phone number. You will have a direct line for your questions, ensuring you are never left in the dark.

• Proven Results in Complex Injury Cases: Our attorneys have a track record of securing millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients across Florida. We have the experience and financial resources to take on the most serious injury claims and win.

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Client Testimonial

"My Burnetti experience was amazing. I felt the concern and care they had for me. They were always calling to check on me and keep me updated on my case. I highly recommend Burnetti P.A. as a great and caring law firm." - Michelle M.

Navigating St. Petersburg's Most Dangerous Roads for Motorcyclists

Our local attorneys know that St. Petersburg's roads pose unique and significant risks for riders. We have experience handling cases that occur on our area's most hazardous roadways, where heavy traffic, distracted tourists, and poor design contribute to devastating accidents.

Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County include:

• US-19: For decades, this has been one of the most dangerous roads in the region, with numerous high-risk intersections, heavy congestion, and a high rate of fatal accidents involving motorcyclists and pedestrians.

• 4th Street N (US-92): This major north-south corridor sees a high volume of traffic and is a hotspot for collisions, especially in the downtown area near Central Avenue.

• 38th Avenue North: As a major east-west route connecting US-19 and I-275, this road has several dangerous intersections and a high number of injury-causing accidents.

• Central Avenue: High traffic volume, numerous intersections, and a mix of local and tourist drivers make this road particularly hazardous, especially for riders navigating the downtown area.

• Other High-Risk Intersections: We are familiar with crashes at other known danger spots, including 22nd Avenue North, SR-693 (66th Street North), and 5th Avenue North.

Common Causes of St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accidents

While every crash is unique, most motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers who fail to see or respect motorcyclists. We frequently handle cases involving:

• Cars Making Left-Hand Turns: This is one of the most common causes of serious motorcycle accidents, as drivers misjudge the rider's speed or fail to see them at all.

• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who change lanes without checking their blind spots often sideswipe motorcyclists.

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention are a major threat to riders.

• Failure to Yield: Drivers pulling out from side streets, stop signs, or driveways into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.

• Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by drivers following too closely, these can be devastating for a rider.

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): An intoxicated driver's impaired judgment and reaction time can have fatal consequences for a motorcyclist.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims

A motorcycle accident can result in catastrophic injuries requiring a lifetime of medical care. Our attorneys fight to recover compensation for all of your damages, including:

• Economic Damages: This includes all past and future medical expenses (surgeries, rehabilitation, medication), lost wages, and your diminished future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.

• Non-Economic Damages: This compensates you for the immense personal losses you have suffered, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life.

• Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle and damaged gear.

How Our St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

When you hire Burnetti, P.A., we handle every aspect of your legal claim so you can focus on your recovery. Our team will:

• Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We will gather all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage, to prove the other party's fault.

• Handle All Insurance Communications: We take over all dealings with the insurance companies, protecting you from adjusters who want to minimize your claim or unfairly blame you for the accident.

• Work with Experts: We consult with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and financial professionals to accurately calculate the full value of your case, including future needs.

• Negotiate Aggressively: We will fight for a full and fair settlement that covers all of your damages.

• Go to Trial if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial lawyers are always prepared to take your case before a Pinellas County jury.

Fighting Back Against Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. We are familiar with their common tactics and know how to fight back. Be aware of:

• Quick, Lowball Settlement Offers: They may offer a fast check before the true extent of your injuries is known. Never accept an offer without speaking to an attorney.

• Using Recorded Statements Against You: They will ask for a recorded statement and use any innocent comment to twist the facts and assign blame to you. Politely decline and refer them to your lawyer.

• Disputing Your Injuries: They may argue your injuries were pre-existing or not as severe as you claim, even when medical records prove otherwise.

• Blaming the Rider: The most common tactic is to unfairly blame the motorcyclist, playing on negative stereotypes. We build strong cases to counter this bias.

Important Deadlines: Florida Statute of Limitations

You have a limited time to act after a motorcycle accident. In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation forever. It is critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

FAQs About Motorcycle Accident Claims in St. Petersburg, FL

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in St. Petersburg?

First, seek medical attention—even if you feel fine. Then, report the accident to the police, gather evidence if you are able (photos, witness info), and call a motorcycle accident attorney before speaking to any insurance companies.

Do Florida’s no-fault (PIP) insurance laws apply to motorcycles?

No. This is a critical distinction. Unlike car accidents, Florida’s no-fault PIP system does not apply to motorcycles. This means you must file a claim directly against the at-fault driver's insurance to recover damages for medical bills and other losses.

Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault. Your compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Do I have to wear a helmet while riding in Florida?

Florida law requires riders under 21 to wear a helmet. Riders over 21 may ride without a helmet only if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.

What if the driver who hit me is uninsured?

If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance, you may be able to file a claim through your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it as part of your policy.

Why Choose Our Firm - Over 30 Years of Experience

When you choose Burnetti, P.A., you can expect one-on-one consultations with our attorneys, who will take the time to understand your unique circumstances and tailor a legal strategy that suits your needs.

We are known for our fierce advocacy on behalf of our clients. Our St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyers are not afraid to take on insurance companies, negligent drivers, or other responsible parties to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Call (727) 240-3050 or fill out our online contact form to request a free case review with our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL.