There is no legal requirement for motorcycle riders in Florida to obtain motorcycle insurance. However, purchasing this insurance is still advisable as the potential consequences of not having insurance in the event of a crash can be severe. Motorcycle insurance offers protection to riders and helps them avoid severe financial problems that can arise from a collision.
At Winston Law, we know how important this insurance can be. As a personal injury law firm, our Plantation motorcycle accident lawyers have pursued compensation against negligent motorcyclists on many occasions. The ability of these parties to cover the financial losses of an accident victim is severely diminished when they are uninsured.
If you were injured by an uninsured motorcyclist, reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation.
Uninsured Motorcyclists Have No Protection From Liability
While a motorcyclist without insurance will not face any criminal penalties after a collision, they could face other consequences if found to be at fault for the crash. The most common repercussions in these cases include suspension of license by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and civil lawsuits from parties injured in the crash.
Without insurance coverage, the at-fault motorcyclist will have to pay for any damages incurred by accident victims out of their own pocket. Depending on the severity of the injuries suffered, the financial losses can be overwhelming as settlements and court-awarded compensation can be over $1,000,000 in extreme cases.
On top of being liable for these costs, the rider will have to pay for all of their own medical costs arising from the crash. However, by purchasing motorcycle insurance, the motorcyclist may only face increases to their premium, while the insurer will pay for part or all of the damages caused by the crash.
Motorcycle Riders Should Always Purchase Insurance Coverage
Even if insurance coverage for motorcyclists is not required by law in Florida, it is still in the best interest of all motorcycle drivers to obtain coverage. With insurance coverage, a motorcyclist is protected from the most severe financial penalties that can accompany an accident.
While insurance coverage means paying a monthly rate, the protections it offers in the event of a crash far outweigh the monthly cost.
To learn more about your rights and how to protect your interests, you can consult our free resources. You can download The Florida Motorcycle Bible for free today.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida
Unfortunately, the financial means of an uninsured motorcycle rider are often insufficient to cover the financial costs of a crash for other parties injured by the motorist. Because of this, purchasing uninsured motorist coverage can be critical.
While some states require that all drivers purchase uninsured motorist coverage, Florida does not.
However, just as it is advisable for all motorcycle riders to obtain motorcycle insurance, it is also in the best interest of all drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage to ensure they are able to recover the money they need in the event that they are injured by an uninsured driver.
Florida’s No-Fault Law Does Not Extend to Motorcycle Riders
In most car accident cases in Florida, a no-fault insurance law applies that requires drivers to first seek compensation from their own insurance provider after an accident. Only in cases involving serious injuries can they attempt to recover compensation from another party for their damages.
However, this no-fault protection only applies to motor vehicles with four or more wheels. That means that if a motorcyclist is responsible for an accident, the other involved parties can pursue damages against them even if their injuries are not severe.
The lack of no-fault protection means that it is even more important for motorcycle riders to obtain insurance to protect them against the associated costs of a crash than for other drivers.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover Damages From an Uninsured Motorcyclist
Getting the money you need after an accident caused by an uninsured motorcycle rider can be challenging. Fortunately, an experienced Weston motorcycle accident lawyer can help. When you hire a lawyer, they will explore all your options for recovering compensation and choose the best path forward.
If the motorcyclist who caused your accident doesn’t have insurance coverage, your Weston personal injury lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf to recover the money you need. Having an experienced attorney by your side will significantly improve your chances of getting fair compensation.
Get Help From an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
While you can technically pursue compensation on your own after an accident, your chances of recovering favorable compensation will significantly improve if you have an experienced lawyer by your side. At Winston Law, we have a long history of ensuring that our clients recover the money they need and deserve.
Whether you were injured as the result of an accident caused by a motorcyclist with or without insurance, we can help navigate the legal maze you’ll need to travel in order to secure fair compensation. Contact us by completing our online contact form, using our chat tool, or giving us a call and schedule your free initial consultation today.
