1. Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. / 911 Biker Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, single-motorcycle accidents, motorcycle and car collisions, out-of-state biker accidents, serious injury and wrongful death from motorcycle crashes, insurance claims and coverage disputes
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Accident scene investigation, negligence investigation, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, insurance coverage analysis
Background: Michael B. Brehne, Florida Bar No. 117927, licensed since 1997. Juris Doctor from Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law. Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Law from University of Florida (1989). Former police officer with Orlando Police Department where he graduated first in his academy class with a perfect score on the law exam. Former Auxiliary State Trooper with Florida Highway Patrol with experience in motorcycle accident scene investigation. Licensed All Lines insurance adjuster. Custom motorcycle owner and rider with personal motorcycle riding experience. Member of Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers (2020, 2021), Florida Justice Association, Orange County Bar Association, Seminole County Bar, American Association for Justice, Central Florida Trial Lawyers Association. Author of “Watching Out For Florida Motorcyclists.” Reported settlements include $2.75 million motorcycle accident settlement.
Location: 230 N. Westmonte Dr., Suite 1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Contact: (855) BIKER-LAW (855-245-3752) | [email protected] | https://www.911bikerlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation for all insurance and injury cases, contingency fee basis (no fees or costs unless recovery is made)
2. Todd E. Copeland & Associates, P.A.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, motor vehicle accidents, personal injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, product liability, premises liability, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, head-on motorcycle collisions, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, defective motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, loss of consortium claims, wrongful death claims, punitive damage claims
Background: Todd E. Copeland, Florida Bar No. 964840, licensed since 1992. Juris Doctor cum laude from Mercer University Walter F. George Law School (1992). Bureau of National Affairs Law Student Award recipient. Graduate of Institute on World Legal Problems at University of Innsbruck, Austria. Former President of Florida Justice Association. Over 30 years of experience in Florida personal injury law. Admitted to Florida Bar, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida. Super Lawyers selection (2013-2015, 2017-2025). Reported case results include $1.35 million and $1.25 million recoveries.
Location: 338 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite B, Orlando, FL 32801
Contact: (407) 999-8995 | https://toddcopeland.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no fees unless case is won), Spanish-speaking staff available
3. Colling Gilbert Wright
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, auto accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, medical malpractice, product liability, workers’ compensation, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, defective motorcycle accidents, work zone motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents, amputation injuries from motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Accident scene investigation, negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, expert witness coordination, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, loss of consortium claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Multi-attorney firm with attorneys including Melvin B. Wright, Ronald S. Gilbert, Jonathan T. Gilbert, Alan J. Landerman, and others. Firm established with multiple decades of combined experience in personal injury litigation. Attorneys recognized by defense lawyers, insurance companies, and peers in the legal community. Reported motorcycle accident settlements include $1.3 million settlement for parents of adult motorcyclist killed at intersectional collision and $1.05 million settlement for parents of 21-year-old killed in motorcycle vs. car accident.
Location: 801 N Orange Avenue, #830, Orlando, FL 32801
Contact: (407) 712-7300 | https://www.thefloridafirm.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee basis (no fee unless recovery is made)
4. Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, brain injury, spinal cord injury
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Accident investigation, negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Nicholas A. Norden, Florida Bar No. 26639, licensed since 2006. Juris Doctor from University of Florida Levin College of Law. Licensed in Florida, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Washington D.C. Board Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law. Over a decade of experience representing injured parties. Former insurance defense attorney providing insight into defense tactics. Zachary Leacox, Florida Bar No. 548571, co-founder with extensive trial experience. The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 selection. Million Dollar Advocates Forum member. Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating. Over 100 years combined experience among all attorneys. Recovered over $89 million in compensation.
Location: 633 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
Contact: (407) 801-3000 | https://nordenleacox.com
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7, contingency fee basis (no payment unless case is won)
5. Farah & Farah
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, boating accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, medical malpractice, product liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents, road rash injuries
Legal Services: Accident investigation, negligence claims, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, loss of consortium claims, wrongful death claims, property damage claims
Background: Family law firm founded in 1979 by Eddie Farah and Chuck Farah. Attorneys include Gregory Ream (former senior trial attorney for Allstate) and Raymere Thomas (former licensing prosecutor and insurance defense attorney). Over 45 years serving Florida. Recovered over $2 billion in compensation for clients. Offices throughout Florida. Deeply involved in community safety programs including Keeping Kids Safe helmet safety events and Safe Ride program. Exclusive injury law firm of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Attorneys recognized with multiple peer and client awards.
Location: Orlando office serving Orange County and Central Florida
Contact: (407) 329-5054 | https://farahandfarah.com/orlando
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no out-of-pocket expenses unless case is won)
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Florida
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the motorcycle accident for personal injury claims, as amended by Florida HB 837 effective March 24, 2023. Claims filed after this period are generally barred unless an exception applies.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Four years from the date of the accident for property damage claims.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance Status: Florida is a no-fault state for automobile insurance; however, motorcycles are specifically exempt from the no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) requirements. Motorcyclists must pursue claims directly against at-fault parties rather than through their own PIP coverage.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system as of March 24, 2023 (Florida Statute 768.81). An injured motorcyclist can recover damages only if they are less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party. If the motorcyclist is 51 percent or more at fault, they cannot recover any compensation.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Florida does not require motorcyclists to carry liability insurance as a condition of registration. However, if a motorcyclist causes an accident and is found at fault, they are personally liable for damages. Florida Statutes Section 324.021 requires proof of financial responsibility ($10,000 per person, $20,000 per accident for bodily injury, $10,000 for property damage) after being involved in an accident or being convicted of certain traffic violations.
Helmet Laws: Florida has a partial helmet law (Florida Statute 316.211). Motorcyclists age 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. Riders under age 21 must wear helmets at all times. All passengers must wear eye protection.
Eye Protection Requirements: All motorcycle operators and passengers must wear eye protection approved by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering Laws: Lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal in Florida (Florida Statute 316.209). Motorcyclists must not pass or overtake other vehicles in the same lane and cannot operate between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Florida requires a motorcycle endorsement on the driver license or a motorcycle-only license. Riders must pass a written knowledge test and either a skills test or completion of a Basic RiderCourse.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Motorcycles must have at least one rearview mirror, a headlight, a taillight, a brake light, turn signals (for motorcycles manufactured after 1972), a horn, and a muffler. Handlebar height cannot exceed shoulder height of the operator when seated.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Not mandatory for motorcyclists but highly recommended. Coverage is available through motorcycle insurance policies.
Damage Caps: Florida does not impose caps on economic damages in personal injury cases. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering) are not capped in most personal injury cases. Punitive damages are generally capped at three times compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater, with exceptions for intentional misconduct.
Dram Shop Liability: Florida Statute 768.125 limits third-party liability for establishments serving alcohol. Bars and restaurants are generally not liable for injuries caused by intoxicated patrons unless they knowingly served alcohol to a minor or a person known to be habitually addicted to alcohol.
Punitive Damages: Available in cases involving intentional misconduct or gross negligence, requiring clear and convincing evidence of egregious behavior.
Bad Faith Insurance Claims: Florida allows first-party and third-party bad faith claims against insurance companies that fail to act in good faith in handling claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims from motorcycle accidents is two years from the date of the accident. This deadline was changed from four years to two years effective March 24, 2023, under Florida House Bill 837. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year deadline from the date of death. Property damage claims have a four-year limitation period. Missing these deadlines typically bars recovery, so consulting with an attorney promptly after an accident is advisable.
How does Florida’s modified comparative negligence law affect my motorcycle accident claim?
Since March 24, 2023, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51 percent bar. This means you can only recover compensation if you are found to be less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you had $100,000 in damages and were 30 percent at fault, you would recover $70,000. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages from other parties. Insurance companies often try to assign fault to motorcyclists, making it important to have an attorney who can gather evidence to prove the other party’s negligence.
Are motorcyclists required to wear helmets in Florida?
Florida has a partial helmet law that permits riders age 21 and older to ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. Riders under 21 must wear helmets regardless of insurance coverage. While helmet use is not always mandatory, failure to wear a helmet can be used as evidence of comparative negligence in a personal injury claim. If not wearing a helmet contributed to head injuries, a court or jury may reduce compensation accordingly. All riders must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my motorcycle accident?
Yes, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is less than 51 percent. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, your damages will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and your total damages are $200,000, you can recover $160,000. However, if you are 51 percent or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. Having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help minimize fault attribution and maximize your recovery.
Why is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance not available for motorcycle accident claims in Florida?
Florida law specifically exempts motorcycles from the no-fault PIP insurance requirements that apply to automobiles. This means motorcyclists cannot rely on their own PIP coverage to pay medical expenses regardless of fault. Instead, motorcyclists must file claims against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. This makes proving the other party’s negligence essential in motorcycle accident cases and often results in more complex claims compared to car accidents where PIP provides immediate coverage up to policy limits.