Being in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, FL can result in all kinds of serious injuries. Getting compensation by filing a claim is an option to manage your medical bills. One of the worries you may have about getting compensation is whether neglecting to wear a helmet could mean that you contributed to your injuries.
Knowing Tampa’s helmet laws is important when filing a personal injury claim, and so is having experienced lawyers by your side. At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand your rights after a collision. We have 119 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients.
Call our law office at (813) 223-6200 to schedule a free consultation.
How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After A Motorcycle Accident In Tampa, FL
Because motorcycles don’t offer the same level of protection as other motor vehicles do, even seemingly minor accidents in Tampa, Florida can lead to serious harm, including brain injuries, broken bones, and disfigurement. Although Florida has no-fault laws regarding traffic accidents, suffering serious injuries could allow you to file a claim against the other party if they were negligent.
At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, our Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys can help you demonstrate that you have a right to pursue a personal injury claim by providing services such as:
- Assessment of your claim
- Investigation into the motorcycle accident
- Collection of evidence
- Establishment of liability
- Calculation of economic and non-economic damages
- Negotiations with insurance companies
- Representation in court, if needed
Members of our legal team have been recognized by Expertise.com, The Aggressive Attorneys, and other prestigious organizations. From motorcycle crashes to pedestrian accidents and beyond, we’re here to offer the support you need. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tampa personal injury lawyers.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws In Tampa
Throughout Florida, there are strict helmet requirements. Those operating or riding a motorcycle who are under 21 years of age must wear a helmet at all times. Riders above that age can only be exempt from wearing a helmet if they have a minimum of $10,000 in medical coverage.
You are not required to have insurance to register or operate a motorcycle. However, it is highly recommended that you do, especially if you would like to ride without a helmet. Aside from these helmet laws, bikers must also wear eye protection if their motorcycle doesn’t have a windscreen.
Understanding Your Rights After A Motorcycle Crash
Often, people assume that because they were riding their motorcycle without a helmet, they will not be able to file a claim to receive compensation after an accident. Remember that Florida is a no-fault state. If you’re in an accident, you must first turn to your own personal injury protection insurance to cover medical bills and other losses.
Because of these no-fault laws, it makes no difference if you weren’t wearing a helmet. That changes, however, if your injuries are severe and you pursue a fault-based claim. You will have to demonstrate that the other party was negligent or wrongful in their conduct. Their insurance company will get involved, too, and they’ll do everything possible to blame you for your injuries.
You can expect the other insurance company to point out that you weren’t wearing a helmet and are therefore responsible for your losses. Florida has a modified comparative negligence law that allows you to be partially responsible for your injuries and still recover, but your percentage of fault will reduce the amount you receive. That could be a significant loss.
It’s essential that you have a lawyer to help you if you are in a motorcycle accident and you aren’t wearing a helmet. Even if you were within your rights not to do so because you are over 21 and have coverage, insurers will try their best to lay some blame on you. An attorney can use evidence to fight for the compensation you need.
Contact Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be devastating. You could find yourself with life-altering injuries that keep you from returning to work for weeks at a time, and the amount of emotional and physical distress could be overwhelming. If another party was negligent and their conduct caused the crash, you may have the right to file a claim against them.
At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, our Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys provide the legal assistance you need as you begin a claim. The last thing you need as you manage your injuries is to have to worry about filing legal paperwork and arguing with insurance companies. Contact us after an accident to get started.
