Sunrise Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle claims in Florida have their own rules: PIP usually doesn't cover the rider, helmet questions come up, and insurers often try to blame the motorcyclist. This page explains, in general terms, how a motorcycle accident claim works for riders hurt in Sunrise. It is general information, not legal advice; every case is different.

Motorcycle Crashes on Sunrise Roads

Sunrise is a city of wide boulevards and fast connections. The Sawgrass Expressway begins at the Sawgrass Interchange in Sunrise, where it meets I-75 and I-595, and has exits at Sunrise Boulevard, Oakland Park Boulevard and Commercial Boulevard. Riders also use Flamingo Road, the east-west boulevards and the roads around Sawgrass Mills and Amerant Bank Arena.

Some situations that often lead to motorcycle crashes here:

• Left turns at intersections A driver turning left across a boulevard misjudges the speed of an oncoming motorcycle or doesn't see it at all.
• Lane changes on the expressway Drivers merging near the interchange or exits move into a lane without checking for a rider in their blind spot.
• Shopping-center driveways Cars pulling out of the busy driveways around Sawgrass Mills and the shopping plazas on Sunrise and Oakland Park Boulevards.
• Event traffic Sudden stops and distracted drivers before and after games and concerts at the arena.
• Road hazards Debris, potholes or uneven pavement that a car can handle but can throw a rider down.

Florida Motorcycle Laws That Affect Your Claim

• PIP doesn't cover motorcycles Florida's PIP law applies to vehicles with four or more wheels, so a rider generally doesn't have PIP for their own injuries the way a car driver does. That makes the at-fault driver's coverage and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage especially important.
• Helmets Under section 316.211 of the Florida Statutes, riders over 21 may ride without a helmet if they carry an insurance policy with at least $10,000 in medical benefits. Eye protection is required. Not wearing a helmet doesn't, by itself, stop you from bringing a claim, but the insurer may argue it made injuries worse.
• Lane splitting Riding between lanes of traffic is not allowed in Florida (section 316.209). If it was involved, the other side will likely raise it.
• Comparative fault In general, if a rider is found more than 50% at fault, the rider cannot recover damages; if 50% or less, the recovery is reduced by the rider's share.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Sunrise

1. Get medical help. Call 911 and get checked even if you feel okay; adrenaline can hide injuries.
2. Get the crash report. City streets are usually handled by the Sunrise Police Department; the Sawgrass Expressway and I-75 are often handled by the Florida Highway Patrol.
3. Keep your gear. Don't throw away your helmet, jacket or damaged parts. They can help show how the crash happened.
4. Take photos. Photograph the bike, the other vehicle, the road surface, skid marks and your injuries.
5. Be careful with statements. Insurance adjusters may try to suggest the rider was speeding. Talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement.

Injuries and Losses in Motorcycle Cases

Riders have very little protection in a crash, so injuries are often serious: broken bones, road rash, head and spine injuries, and injuries that need surgery or long rehabilitation. A claim against the at-fault driver may include past and future medical care, lost income, lost earning ability, damage to the motorcycle and gear, and pain and suffering.

Because PIP usually doesn't cover riders, the coverage question comes up early. If the at-fault driver has little or no bodily injury coverage, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage may help, if you have it on your motorcycle policy. Health insurance can also pay some bills, and it may later ask to be paid back from a recovery. We review every policy so nothing is missed.

Read more about motorcycle accident claims in Florida, or go back to our Sunrise car accident and personal injury page.

How We Help Riders in Sunrise

Tomas Robirosa serves Sunrise and the rest of Broward County, and you can speak with him directly in Spanish or English. We gather the evidence, deal with the insurance companies, look at every source of coverage, including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and file suit in Broward County if it's needed.

We work on a contingency basis: no fee unless we recover. Call (305) 600-0529 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions