1. Jeeves Law Group, P.A.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, insurance disputes, class action litigation
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, hit-and-run 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, evidence gathering, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, property damage claims, circuit court mediation
Background: Scott R. Jeeves, Florida Bar No. 905630, licensed since 1991. Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law. Bachelor of Arts from University of Florida. Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by Florida Bar (distinction held by less than 10% of Florida attorneys). Certified Circuit Court Mediator. AV Preeminent rating by Martindale Hubbell. Super Lawyers selection. Eagle member of Florida Justice Association. Million Dollar Advocates Forum member. Admitted to U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Member of Pinellas County Bar Association, Hillsborough County Bar Association, and American Bar Association. Over 30 years of legal practice. The firm has served motorcycle accident victims for many years and describes itself as having attorneys who are also riders. Recognized by US News and World Report as “Best Law Firms” for Commercial Litigation (2020, 2021). Over 75 years combined legal experience among all attorneys.
Location: 2100 1st Ave S, Ste 2, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (Also: Tampa Office at 701 S. Howard Ave., Suite 201, Tampa, FL 33606)
Contact: (727) 894-2929 | (813) 249-2929 | [email protected] | https://www.jeeveslawgroup.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee basis (no recovery, no fee), Spanish-speaking services available
2. Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, boating accidents, aviation accidents, brain injuries, catastrophic injuries, product liability, premises liability, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run 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 investigation, negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, appellate practice
Background: Firm founded in 1955, making it Tampa Bay’s oldest personal injury firm. Over 300 years of combined legal experience among all attorneys. Three attorneys hold Board Certification in Civil Trial Law by Florida Bar (distinction held by less than 2% of Florida attorneys). Attorneys admitted to State Courts of Florida, U.S. District Court Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, Florida Supreme Court, and U.S. Supreme Court. Attorneys designated as Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and Tampa Bay Magazine Top Lawyers. Recovered more than $675 million in settlements and verdicts. Listed in Avvo, Justia, FindLaw, and other legal directories.
Location: 2560 1st Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (Also: Clearwater Office at 1875 N Belcher Rd. #201, Clearwater, FL 33765)
Contact: (727) 591-3354 | https://www.usalaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis (no fee unless recovery is made), home and hospital visits available
3. DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, insurance claims
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles (a major hazard for motorcyclists), intersection motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions
Legal Services: Accident investigation, negligence claims, police report analysis, witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Attorney Paul Cavonis is a motorcycle accident trial attorney and personal motorcycle rider with personal experience since age 10. Lifetime member of American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). Has logged over 200,000 miles on various motorcycles including Harley Electra Glide, Triumph, and Honda dirt bikes. Owns multiple motorcycles. Has personal connection to motorcycle accident cases as his brother was killed by a driver making an improper left turn. Firm serves Seminole, Largo, St. Petersburg, and surrounding Pinellas County areas. Serves clients throughout Florida.
Location: Seminole, Florida (serving St. Petersburg and Pinellas County)
Contact: (727) 397-5571 | https://www.dhclaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available day or night, contingency fee basis (no fees or costs unless there is a recovery, all costs advanced)
4. Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, personal 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, 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, evidence collection, negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, property damage claims
Background: Over 60 years of combined experience in personal injury law among firm attorneys. Recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients. Attorneys work directly with clients and are available to answer questions and provide case updates. Firm operates on contingency fee basis.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Contact: https://www.salterhealy.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no legal fees unless case is won)
5. Palmer Lopez Civil Trial Attorneys
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic 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, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist claims, 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 investigation, negligence claims, at-fault driver liability claims, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Firm provides direct attorney-client communication with promise that clients can reach their attorney without navigating layers of support staff. Achieved significant settlements and verdicts for injured motorcyclists across Florida. Attorneys handle cases through trial when necessary. Client testimonials highlight responsiveness, knowledge, and empathetic approach.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL (serving Tampa Bay area and all of Florida)
Contact: https://palmerinjurylaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, direct communication with attorney throughout case
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. For accidents occurring before March 24, 2023, the four-year deadline may still apply.
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. Financial responsibility requirements apply after being involved in an accident or convicted of certain 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. The universal helmet law was repealed in 2000.
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.
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.
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 are not capped in most personal injury cases. Punitive damages are generally capped at three times compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater.
Dram Shop Liability: Florida Statute 768.125 limits third-party liability for establishments serving alcohol. Bars and restaurants are generally not liable 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.
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
Why don’t Florida’s no-fault insurance rules apply to motorcycle accident cases?
Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires automobile owners to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance that covers their own medical expenses regardless of fault. However, Florida law specifically exempts motorcycles from this requirement. Motorcyclists cannot obtain PIP coverage for their motorcycles and therefore cannot rely on their own insurance for immediate medical expense coverage. Instead, injured motorcyclists must file claims against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or pursue a personal injury lawsuit. This makes establishing the other driver’s negligence essential in motorcycle accident cases.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in St. Petersburg?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims from motorcycle accidents in Florida is two years from the date of the accident for incidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023. For accidents before that date, a four-year deadline may apply. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year deadline from the date of death. Property damage claims have a four-year limitation. These deadlines are strictly enforced, and missing them typically bars any recovery. Consulting an attorney promptly ensures adequate time to investigate, gather evidence, and build a strong case.
How does Florida’s modified comparative negligence law affect my motorcycle accident claim in Pinellas County?
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system adopted in March 2023, you can recover compensation only if you are found less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 25 percent at fault and have $100,000 in damages, you would recover $75,000. If you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. Insurance companies often try to assign fault to motorcyclists based on stereotypes, making it critical to have an attorney who can counter these arguments and minimize your fault percentage.
Do I have to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Florida?
Florida has a partial helmet law that allows 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 at all times. However, choosing not to wear a helmet can affect your personal injury claim. If you suffer head injuries and were not wearing a helmet, the defense may argue that your injuries would have been less severe had you worn one, potentially reducing your compensation under comparative negligence principles.
What damages can I recover after a motorcycle accident in St. Petersburg?
Florida allows recovery of both economic and non-economic damages in motorcycle accident cases. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage to your motorcycle, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available. An experienced attorney can calculate the full value of your claim to ensure you receive fair compensation.