Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Committed Advocates for Your Critical Moments

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, 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 our area are grim: Hillsborough County sees nearly 600 motorcycle crashes each year, resulting in hundreds of injuries and dozens of fatalities. 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 throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, and the entire Tampa Bay area. We understand the unique dangers of Tampa's roads and the tactics insurance companies use to blame riders. We are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call (813) 414-5884 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident attorney.

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What Our Clients Say

"I would recommend Burnetti PA to any one who is looking for an attorney who wants to win!!"

- Roy S., client review

Why Choose Burnetti, P.A. for Your Tampa 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.

How Insurance Companies Try to Blame Motorcyclists

Insurance companies have developed specific tactics to minimize payouts to motorcycle accident victims:

• The "Reckless Rider" Narrative: They immediately assume the motorcyclist was speeding, lane splitting, or riding aggressively
• Visibility Arguments: They claim the rider wasn't visible enough, even when the driver failed to look properly
• Equipment Blame: They scrutinize motorcycle maintenance and safety gear to shift fault
• Inexperience Claims: They question the rider's experience level and licensing

Our attorneys know these tactics inside and out. We proactively gather evidence and build cases that counter these biases from day one.

Navigating Tampa's Most Dangerous Roads for Motorcyclists

Our local attorneys know that Tampa'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 aggressive drivers contribute to devastating accidents.

Some of the most dangerous roads and highways in the Tampa area include:

• I-275 and I-4: These major interstates are hotspots for high-speed collisions, often caused by speeding, aggressive driving, and unsafe lane changes.

• I-75: Heavy truck traffic and construction zones create additional hazards

• Dale Mabry Highway: Heavy congestion and numerous intersections make this a high-risk corridor for riders.

• Hillsborough Avenue: Known for a high volume of traffic and frequent accidents.

• US-301: Intersections along this route, especially near Gibsonton Drive and Big Bend Road, see a significant number of serious crashes.

• Westshore Boulevard: Tourist traffic and frequent lane changes increase collision risk

How Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Win Your Case

Proving the other driver was negligent is the foundation of a successful claim. Our experienced attorneys handle every step of this complex process:

1. Thorough Investigation: We immediately work to preserve and gather crucial evidence, including the official police report, photos and videos from the scene, witness statements, and vehicle maintenance records.

2. Proving Fault: We use the evidence to establish the four key elements of negligence: that the other driver owed you a duty of care, they breached that duty (e.g., by texting, speeding, or making an unsafe turn), this breach directly caused the crash, and you suffered real damages as a result.

3. Expert Consultation: For complex cases, we work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the crash scene and provide authoritative evidence of the other driver's fault.

4. Calculating Full Damages: We meticulously document all your economic and non-economic losses to ensure we are fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.

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.

Important Deadlines: Florida Statute of Limitations

You have a limited time to act after a motorcycle accident. In Florida, you 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.

Primary Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Determining the cause of your motorcycle accident is a key aspect of your claim. By identifying the cause, we can establish liability. Liability refers to the legal responsibility for covering the damages resulting from the accident. It often hinges on the negligence or errors of the parties involved.

In many motorcycle accident cases, the following causes are frequently found:

• Failure to see the motorcycle
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Motorcycle part defects
• Poor road conditions
• Hazardous weather
• Rider error
• Lane changes
• Left turns
• Dooring

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the limited protection riders have compared to car occupants. Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

• Head and Neck Injuries: Given the lack of protective headgear in some cases, head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, skull fractures, and spinal cord injuries, are prevalent.
• Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, and pelvis, are common due to the impact of the accident. Road rash, a painful abrasion caused by sliding on the pavement, is also frequent.
• Internal Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause significant internal damage, including injuries to organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
• Burns: If a motorcycle's fuel tank ruptures, riders can suffer severe burns.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscle strains, sprains, and ligament damage are common, often resulting in long-term pain and discomfort.

Motorcycle Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?

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 need to wear a helmet in Florida?

Florida law allows motorcycle riders over 21 to ride without a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage. However, it’s strongly recommended to always wear a helmet to protect yourself from serious head injuries.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn't wearing a helmet?

Yes. Florida law does not prevent you from recovering compensation if you were not wearing a helmet (provided you are over 21 and have the required medical insurance). However, the defense will almost certainly argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to your head or neck injuries. This is a complex legal argument our experienced attorneys are prepared to fight. We work to show that the driver's negligence caused the crash itself, which is the primary cause of all your injuries.

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.

How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?

The value of your claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the available insurance coverage. While there is no "average" settlement, our attorneys work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full value of your case to ensure we are pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.

Is lane splitting legal in Florida?

No, lane splitting is illegal in Florida. Lane splitting, which is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, is prohibited by Florida law. It's important to follow all traffic laws to ensure your safety and avoid legal consequences.

Will my case go to court?

Many motorcycle accident claims are settled out of court. However, because insurance companies often fight these claims aggressively, the likelihood of going to trial can be higher than in a standard car accident case. Our firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial. This thorough preparation and our reputation as skilled trial lawyers often convince the insurance company to offer a fair settlement to avoid facing us in court.

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?

While you can file a claim on your own, it is highly inadvisable in a motorcycle accident case. The insurance company has a team of adjusters and lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. Hiring an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident attorney levels the playing field, ensures all evidence is properly collected, and significantly increases your chances of recovering the full and fair compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Get Help From a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

The Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys at Burnetti, P.A. have been assisting injured motorcyclists throughout the Tampa Bay area for many years. We understand the challenges faced by motorcyclists, such as dealing with insurance companies that unfairly blame them solely based on their mode of transportation. Instead of battling alone, rely on us to fight on your behalf. Pursuing justice for our clients is our passion, and achieving successful outcomes is what motivates us.

Contact us today to discover how our Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers can assist you.