Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Tampa’s roads are some of the most dangerous in Florida for motorcycle riders.
Congested corridors like Dale Mabry Highway, US-41, and I-275 put riders in constant proximity to inattentive drivers, and when a collision happens, motorcyclists absorb the full force of the impact.
There is no frame around you, no airbags, and often no time to react. The injuries are serious, the medical bills come fast, and insurance companies start working to limit their exposure almost immediately.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A. offers free case evaluations and handles these cases from start to finish, including trial if that is what it takes. Call us at (813) 993-0559 or contact us online to talk through what happened.
Why Clients Choose Us For Tampa Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle accident cases require a specific kind of attention. Bias against riders is real, and insurance companies know it. They will look for any reason to suggest the rider was at fault, was riding recklessly, or contributed to their own injuries. Our Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys are not quick to settle, and we do not let that narrative go unchallenged. This shows in our case results.
We investigate what actually happened. That means:
- Reviewing the police report and gathering witness statements
- Working with accident reconstruction experts when the facts require it
- Scrutinizing the other driver’s history and insurance coverage
- Building a complete picture of what the other party did wrong
We have built a long-standing record of taking cases all the way to trial when the offer on the table does not reflect what a client actually lost, and the insurance companies we regularly deal with know that about us. It changes how negotiations go.
Our team has worked with Tampa-area riders throughout Hillsborough County and the surrounding region, and we understand the roads, intersections, and local dynamics that shape these cases.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Cause Such Serious Injuries
The physics of a motorcycle accident are unforgiving. A rider struck by a passenger vehicle weighing thousands of pounds has almost no protection. Even with proper gear, the human body is not built to absorb that kind of force at highway speeds.
Common injuries from Tampa motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and diffuse axonal injuries, which can occur even when a helmet is worn
- Spinal cord injuries that result in partial or complete paralysis
- Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and collarbone, from impact or being thrown
- Road rash severe enough to require skin grafting and leave permanent scarring
- Internal bleeding and organ damage from blunt force trauma
- Crush injuries from being pinned under or between vehicles
Many motorcycle accident survivors face months of surgeries and rehabilitation. Some face permanent limitations that change everything about how they work, move, and live.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Tampa
Most motorcycle accidents are not the rider’s fault. Drivers of passenger vehicles consistently fail to see motorcycles, misjudge their speed, or do not check before changing lanes or turning. Common causes of motorcycle accidents on Tampa roads include:
- Left-turn collisions, where a driver turning left cuts off an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection
- Drivers failing to check blind spots before merging or changing lanes
- Rear-end collisions caused by distracted or following-too-close drivers
- Dooring accidents, which occur when a parked driver opens a door into a motorcycle’s path
- Speeding or aggressive driving that leaves no time to react
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Poorly maintained roads, including potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, or missing signage, that would be minor inconveniences in a car but hazards on a motorcycle
- Defective motorcycle parts, including brake failures, tire defects, or faulty throttle components
Identifying the real cause of the accident is the starting point for building a claim, and it is not always straightforward.
Florida Laws That Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Case
A few key areas of Florida law will shape what your case looks like and what you can recover.
Helmet Law
Under Florida Statutes § 316.211, riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. Riders under 21 are required to wear a helmet at all times. If you were not wearing a helmet and suffered a head injury, the insurance company will likely try to use that to reduce what they owe you. This argument has limits, and it is worth discussing how it applies to your specific injuries.
Comparative Fault
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Florida Statutes § 768.81. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover at all. Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto motorcycle riders, claiming they were speeding or lane-splitting, as a way to reduce or eliminate a payout. How fault is argued and documented matters enormously.
PIP Does Not Cover Motorcycles
Florida’s Personal Injury Protection insurance, which automatically covers drivers of registered passenger vehicles, does not apply to motorcycles under Florida Statutes § 627.736. This means motorcycle riders are not entitled to PIP benefits from their own insurer after an accident, making it even more important to pursue a claim under the at-fault driver’s liability coverage.
Statute of Limitations
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. Missing that deadline means losing the right to pursue compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case is.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Tampa
The steps you take in the hours and days after a crash can affect your ability to recover compensation later. If you are physically able:
- Call 911 and get a police report filed at the scene
- Seek medical treatment immediately, even if you feel like your injuries are minor
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with someone on your side
- Keep all documentation related to your medical treatment, time missed from work, and out-of-pocket expenses
Insurance adjusters may reach out quickly and sound cooperative, but their job is to resolve your claim for as little as possible. You are not required to give them a statement, and you do not have to accept any number they offer.
Compensation for Tampa Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle accident claim can cover far more than just your immediate medical bills. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and follow-up care
- Physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses if your injuries require ongoing treatment
- Lost income from the time you were unable to work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the same field or at the same level in the future
- Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, that developed after the accident
- Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
- Wrongful death damages if a family member was killed in a motorcycle accident
Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa Motorcycle Accidents
What If the Driver Who Hit You Does Not Have Enough Insurance to Cover Your Injuries?
This is more common than most people expect. If the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may step in to cover the gap, if you carry it. There may also be additional parties who bear some responsibility, such as a vehicle manufacturer, a road maintenance authority, or a third-party contractor. A thorough case review helps identify every available source of recovery.
Should You Wait Until You Know the Full Extent of Your Injuries Before Settling Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
In most cases, yes. Cases with serious injuries often take longer to resolve because it is important to understand the full scope of your medical needs before settling. Settling too soon can leave you without compensation for future treatment costs that were not yet known. We will not push you toward a resolution before we have a complete picture of what your injuries will require.
What If the Accident Was Caused by a Road Defect Rather Than Another Driver?
You may have a claim against a government entity responsible for road maintenance. These cases have specific procedural requirements and shorter notice deadlines than standard personal injury claims, which is why acting quickly is important. Florida law has rules governing claims against government agencies that differ from those governing claims against private individuals or companies.
Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help You Move Forward
A serious motorcycle accident changes everything quickly, and the legal process that follows can feel just as overwhelming as the injury itself. We handle every part of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A., does not collect a fee unless you recover compensation, and we are prepared to take your case as far as it needs to go.
Call (813) 993-0559 or contact us online to schedule your free motorcycle accident case evaluation.
Phone calls were returned timely. I was kept informed of my case and my questions were answered. The staff was professional, courteous, concerned and caring. Overall my experience with this law firm was good and I would recommend them to a friend.
- Rhonda D.
Keep up the good work!
- Thomas B.Everyone who I had the pleasure in talking to or email correspondence has been great and professional. Thank you all for the good service.
- Elixsandra F.Everyone in the office was always helpful and did everything to help up on the case.
- Thomas D.I appreciate all the work you all did. I will recommended Brad Smith and Smith, Feddeler & Smith to anyone who is looking for good legal help.
- Robert S.I would like to thank Mr. Feddeler and the Law Firm for their help in my workers; compensation case. I want to especially thank Julie for being such a special lady and for have such a patient and wonderful personality and manners. She kept me informed of what was going on and answered all my questions when I needed them.
- Stanley E.I am thankful with the firm and staff for always being so courteous and helpful with my case and with me. You guys helped me every step of the way and I am glad I chose your firm to represent me. Thank you for all you do!
- A Montalvo.Everyone that was involved with my case was awesome! No complaints. Hope I never need to get a lawyer again, but if I did I would choose this Law Firm. So thank you!
- Juanita B.I was bit by a Pit Bull in the face in May of 2016. The injuries I suffered was a fractures nose and teeth marks to the nose and under my lip. I chose Smith, Feddeler because they had a great reputation on line. They were very compassionate, very sympathetic and very respectful of the situation I was going through. The attorney was very sincere and staff always responsive and available when I needed. I would definitely recommend Smith, Feddeler & Smith. Kevin Balentine was very helpful and efficient.
- Lauren M.If you ever want a good attorney who is going to fight and advocate for injured workers and knows the law of workers’ comp in the State of Florida, please contact Brad at Smith, Feddeler & Smith. I assure you they will fight for your rights and you will come out victorious, and you will be able to tell somebody else like I’m telling you.
- Ricky B.Contact Us For A Free Consultation With A Qualified Lawyer
