1. Fran Haasch Law Group
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, personal injury litigation
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, rear-end motorcycle collisions, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, property damage claims, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has supported the biker community in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Multiple office locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. Experienced motorcycle accident litigators who are not afraid to take cases to trial. Focus on constant legal and medical research to help motorcycle accident victims. Licensed and in good standing with the Florida Bar.
Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida (Multiple Locations)
Contact: (727) 784-8191 | https://www.lawfran.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement (no cost unless they win).
2. Hog Law / Law Office of Bradley D. Souders
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents exclusively, personal injury for bikers, motorcycle insurance claims, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents, motorcycle total loss claims, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Motorcycle accident investigation, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Bradley D. Souders has practiced law for over 30 years with a focus on motorcycle accidents. AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell (highest peer review rating for skill, knowledge, and reputation). Brad Souders is a lifelong biker with three decades of riding experience. Represents bikers at a reduced rate of 30% plus case costs, rather than the standard 33-40% allowed by Florida law. Handles motorcycle accident cases throughout Florida including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
Location: Tampa, Florida (serves all of Florida)
Contact: (813) 220-7767 | [email protected] | https://www.hoglaw1.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Reduced “Biker Rates” at 30% contingency fee. Hospital, home, and weekend appointments available.
3. Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, rear-end motorcycle collisions, lane change accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, speeding motorcycle accidents, reckless driver motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, comparative negligence arguments, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, non-economic damage claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Paul Catania has over 30 years of experience in personal injury cases. The firm has 120+ years of combined experience and has won $500 million in damages. AV Preeminent rated. Graduate of University of South Florida (B.A.) and Stetson University (J.D.). Licensed to practice in all Florida courts including the Florida Supreme Court and federal courts. Licensed and in good standing with the Florida Bar.
Location: Tampa, Florida
Contact: (813) 896-4480 | https://www.cataniaandcatania.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation. Contingency fee arrangement.
4. Bernstein Injury Law (Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys)
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, rear-end motorcycle collisions, lane change motorcycle accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, failure to yield accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence gathering, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims, property damage claims
Background: Jack G. Bernstein has over 40 years of experience protecting the rights of injured individuals. Member of the Florida State Bar Association, Hillsborough Bar Association, and Clearwater Bar Association. Experienced in handling the unique issues involved in motorcycle accident cases. Licensed and in good standing with the Florida Bar.
Location: Tampa, Florida
Contact: https://bernsteininjurylaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation. Contingency fee arrangement.
5. Florin Gray
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, employment law, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, distracted driver motorcycle accidents, negligent driver motorcycle accidents, fatal motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims, burial and funeral expense recovery
Background: The firm assembles custom legal teams responsive to the unique needs of each case. Track record of success with a long list of positive client reviews. Experienced in negotiating settlements and arguing cases before judges and juries. Understands that Florida is the fourth most dangerous state for motorcycles. Licensed and in good standing with the Florida Bar.
Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida
Contact: https://www.floringray.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Florida
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident under Florida law. Missing this deadline results in losing the right to pursue legal action.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death.
Fault vs. No-Fault State: Florida is a no-fault insurance state for automobiles, but motorcycles are NOT covered by no-fault/PIP benefits. Motorcyclists must pursue negligence claims directly against the at-fault driver rather than claiming PIP benefits.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system (effective March 24, 2023). If you are found 50% or more at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering any damages. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements:
Florida does not require motorcycle operators to carry liability insurance. However, riders must be able to pay for damages they cause. Many riders choose to carry liability coverage voluntarily. Recommended minimums match auto insurance requirements:
Bodily Injury: $10,000 per person / $20,000 per accident
Property Damage: $10,000 per accident
Helmet Laws: Florida has a partial helmet law. Riders 21 years of age and older are NOT required to wear a helmet IF they carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage under their motorcycle insurance policy. Riders under 21 must wear DOT-approved helmets at all times. All riders must wear eye protection regardless of age.
Eye Protection Requirements: Required for all motorcycle operators regardless of age.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting is ILLEGAL in Florida. Motorcyclists may not ride between lanes of traffic or pass vehicles in the same lane.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Florida requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license or a “Motorcycle Only” license. You must pass a knowledge test and skills test, or complete a Basic RiderCourse.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Motorcycles must have at least one rearview mirror, adequate headlights and taillights, turn signals on motorcycles manufactured after 1971, and compliant exhaust systems.
No-Fault Exception for Motorcycles: Unlike automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents in Florida are NOT covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This means injured motorcyclists go directly to a negligence claim against the at-fault driver and are not required to meet a “serious injury threshold” to pursue pain and suffering damages.
Damage Caps: Florida does not have caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are generally capped at three times compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Optional but highly recommended for motorcyclists since PIP coverage does not apply to motorcycle accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Florida?
A: Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. This deadline begins on the date of the accident for injury claims and on the date of death for wrongful death claims. Missing this deadline will result in your case being dismissed and you will lose your right to pursue compensation. Because gathering evidence and building a case takes time, it is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Q: Do I have to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in Florida?
A: It depends on your age and insurance coverage. Riders under 21 years of age must wear DOT-approved helmets at all times. Riders 21 and older are exempt from the helmet requirement IF they carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage under their motorcycle insurance policy. Regardless of age, all motorcycle operators must wear eye protection. Statistics show that approximately the same number of fatal motorcycle accident victims in Florida die with helmets as without.
Q: How does Florida’s no-fault insurance system affect motorcycle accident claims?
A: Florida’s no-fault system does NOT apply to motorcycles. Unlike car accident victims who must first file PIP claims, motorcyclists can pursue claims directly against the at-fault driver from the outset. This means you do not need to meet a “serious injury threshold” to claim pain and suffering damages. However, this also means motorcyclists cannot access their own PIP coverage for immediate medical expenses, making it important to have adequate health insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Q: Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for my motorcycle accident in Florida?
A: Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system (effective March 24, 2023), you can recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any damages. This is a significant change from Florida’s previous pure comparative negligence system and makes it more important to have an attorney who can minimize your assigned fault percentage.
Q: What compensation can I recover in a Florida motorcycle accident case?
A: Florida motorcycle accident victims may recover economic damages including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage to your motorcycle, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available, though they are generally capped at three times compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater. Because motorcycles are not covered by PIP, you may pursue pain and suffering damages without meeting a serious injury threshold.