Orlando Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle Accident Attorney Certified as Expert By The Florida Bar Helps Clients Get Fair Compensation
Orlando, and Florida in general, is an amazing place to own and ride motorcycles. Personal attorney Jason Recksiedler has been a motorcycle enthusiast since learning to ride since he was 7 years old. At First Choice Law, we take motorcycle accident cases very seriously. In 2009, Jason lost a best friend to a Motorcycle accident, where a car improperly turned in front of his friend’s motorcycle, resulting in death. Similarly, attorney Caroline Fischer lost her uncle to a Motorcycle accident.
You should be aware of the laws as they relate to motorcycles. Know that most motorcycle accidents result from a car or truck failing to follow the rules of the road or paying attention to motorcycle around them.
First Choice Law is here and ready to help with a free consultation.
The laws for motorcyclists in Florida cover everything from what your bike needs structurally to helmet laws to how to use the roads.
Knowing the laws before riding a motorcycle in Florida will help you and First Choice Law’s motorcycle accident attorney determine the best course of action for getting the compensation you need after a crash. Here’s the complete guide to everything you need to know about Florida’s motorcycle laws.
Common Injuries as a Result of Motorcycle Accidents
All motorists have a responsibility to exercise a reasonable level of care when sharing the road with motorcyclists. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 87,000 motorcycle accident injuries in 2005. Because motorcyclists are much less protected than other motorists, motorcycle accident injuries are often devastating. Among the many injuries that can result from a motorcycle collisions are:
- Brain injuries
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Internal Injuries
- Severed limbs
- Death
What Are the Motorcycle Laws in Florida?
Motorcycle laws in Florida cover a range of topics including helmet requirements, bike requirements, and rules for using the road. Florida motorcyclists must carry insurance and follow traffic laws.
To ride a motorcycle without a helmet, in addition to being over the age of 21, you must also have at least $10,000 in medical insurance benefits. The insurance covers your injuries if you’re hurt in a crash. That insurance is optional for motorcyclists, but it’s mandatory if you don’t want to wear a helmet.
In addition, all motorcyclists must carry liability insurance. You must have at least $20,000 in total bodily injury insurance, $10,000 in coverage for property damage and bodily injury per person, and at least $30,000 as your single incident liability limit. Even if you wear a helmet, it’s against Florida law to drive a motorcycle without these required insurance minimums.
You Must Have a Motorcycle Endorsement
To lawfully ride a motorcycle in Florida, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. That means you need specialized training for motorcycle drivers.
Motorcycle Drivers Must Use Daytime Headlights
Florida law 316.405 requires Florida motorcycle riders to drive using a headlight even in the middle of the day.
Motorcyclists Have the Right to Full Use of the Road in Florida
Under Florida law 316.208, the rules of the road apply to Florida motorcyclists. When you ride a motorcycle in Orlando or in any place in Florida, you have to follow the same laws that others have to follow. You can’t weave in and out of traffic, and you must obey all traffic signals.
Motorcycles have the right to use the full lane and can also share a lane with another motorcyclist, known as “two a breast”. Florida law 316.209 says that other drivers must give you full use of a lane.
Does Florida Have Motorcycle Helmet Laws?
Yes, a helmet must be worn if you’re under the age of 21. Even if you’re over 21, you must still wear a helmet unless you carry at least $10,000 in medical coverage in case of an accident. Florida’s motorcycle helmet law is Florida law 316.211.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety reports more than 4,000 motorcycle accidents each year. We at First Choice Law have real world experience in representing motorcycle riders who have been injured at that fault of others.
There are rules that govern equipment your motorcycle needs to have to be lawful on the road. Florida law 316.2095 and Florida law 316.222 list requirements for infrastructure for motorcycles. Your bike must have footrests, handlebars, stop lamps, and signals. Florida law 322.01 defines a motorcycle as a vehicle with no more than three wheels. A motorcycle is powered by a motor, and it has a displacement of no more than 50 cubic centimeters. It also has a seat and saddle for the rider.
Are Passengers Required to Wear a Helmet on a Motorcycle?
In Florida, people aged 21 and over are not legally required to wear a helmet if their insurance policy covers at least $10,000. However, passengers should wear a helmet, and follow all other apparel safety measures that drivers follow. In addition to a helmet, riders should wear closed-toe shoes and heavy fabrics like denim and leather.
Can Children Ride on Motorcycles?
Children are legally allowed to ride on motorcycles in Florida, and there is no age restriction on this rule. Children are subject to all other motorcycle safety measures, and because they are under the age of 21, are required to wear a helmet. Extra safety precautions should be applied when riding with a child on your motorcycle, and it is important to educate them about motorcycle safety and the dangers of distracted driving before beginning your ride.
At First Choice Law, our Orlando and Central Florida motorcycle accident lawyers have decades of collective experience and provide legal representation for injury victims statewide. If you are an injured motorcyclist, our personal injury lawyers will evaluate your case and determine whether you are entitled to compensation. If so, our motorcycle accident lawyers will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and fight for a fair verdict or settlement.
Contact Our Orlando Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycles are an expression and symbol of freedom in Florida. When someone violates that free expression by negligently causing a Motorcycle accident, reach out to First Choice Law for a free consultation to get the compensation you deserve. During your free consultation, we will carefully evaluate your claim and determine whether or not you have a case. If so, we will aggressively prepare and present arguments on your behalf. Serving Orlando and Central Florida victims, our motorcycle accident lawyers provide trustworthy representation and will see your case through to the end. We are available at 321-999-1111. You can also use the online form located at the top of this page and we will contact you back shortly.