Trinity Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Complete Guide to Motorcycle Rights and Accident Protection in Trinity, Florida
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Trinity, Florida
"Stacy Kemp's firm walked me through every step of my sons accident. Every question I had their Paralegal Natalie answered clearly and helped me understand the process and the time frame. I clearly am very satisfied with the attention and accuracy we received. I will definitely be recommending your office to all my friends." - Allison C.
The Joy and Risks of Motorcycle Riding in Trinity
Riding a motorcycle in Trinity can be awesome. With no worries of snow or ice and lots of blue sky and sunshine, it makes sense that people want to commute via motorcycle, or perhaps just ride for pleasure. Motorcycle enthusiasts understand the unparalleled thrill of hitting the open road, feeling the wind on their face, and experiencing the freedom that comes with two wheels.
Yet, being a motorcyclist also means being aware of the unique challenges and safety concerns that come with sharing the road with larger vehicles. Unfortunately, being seriously injured in a motorcycle accident is a risk that every rider faces.
Your Motorcycle Rights in Trinity, Florida
In Florida, motorcyclists have specific rights and responsibilities that they need to be aware of to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Key motorcycle rights and rules in Trinity, Florida include:
1. Helmet Laws
While Florida law mandates that all motorcyclists and their passengers under the age of 21 must wear helmets, riders over 21 can choose to ride without a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. It's crucial to understand these laws and make the choice that's right for you.
Important Note: Not wearing a helmet at the time of an accident won't completely extinguish your right to recovery, but it could impact it. If you suffered a brain injury and not wearing a helmet contributed to that, then your recoverable damages amount could be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
2. Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. Motorcyclists must adhere to the same lane-changing and merging rules as other vehicles.
3. Licensing Requirements
To operate a motorcycle in Florida, you need a valid motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license or a motorcycle-only license. It's essential to have the appropriate license to ensure you're within the law.
4. Insurance Requirements
Florida law mandates that motorcycle owners must have insurance coverage for at least $10,000 in property damage liability and $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. It's vital to have proper insurance in place to protect yourself and others in case of an accident.
Protecting Yourself in Traffic
Motorcycle safety goes beyond knowing the rules and regulations. It's about being proactive and vigilant when you're on the road. Here are essential tips for protecting yourself:
Safety Gear
Always wear the appropriate protective gear, including:
- DOT-approved helmet
- Gloves
- Long pants
- Protective jacket
- Sturdy boots
This gear can provide critical protection in case of an accident.
Stay Visible
Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles. Make sure you're visible to other drivers by:
- Using your headlights
- Wearing reflective clothing
- Avoiding blind spots
Defensive Riding
Assume that other drivers may not see you or might make unpredictable moves. Ride defensively, and always be prepared to react to unexpected situations.
Motorcycle Maintenance
Regularly check your motorcycle's brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components. Proper maintenance is key to safe riding.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
When investigating motorcycle crashes, some of the most common causes include:
- Drunk driving
- Failing to check blind spots
- Driver inattention or distraction
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Failing to follow traffic safety laws
- Motorcycle lane splitting or aggression
- Vehicle defects
- Road or signage defects
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Immediate Steps
In an emergency, always call 911.
After a motor vehicle crash, contact:
- Florida Highway Patrol – (727) 788-6792
- Pasco County Sheriff's Office Emergency: Dial 911, Nonemergency: (727) 788-6792
Medical Care
AdventHealth Central Pasco ER: (727) 788-6792
Legal Representation
Trinity Car Accident Lawyer – (727) 788-6792
Damages Recoverable in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, your life may have been turned completely upside down. You may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Property damage costs: Including the costs of your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the crash
- Medical expenses: Including hospital stays, medications, surgeries, at-home care, and future care
- Lost wages: That you may suffer as a result of being unable to return to work immediately or long-term
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
Understanding Settlement Offers
Do I have to accept a motorcycle accident settlement?
If you are offered a settlement by an insurance company after a crash, you should make sure that it fully compensates you before accepting it. If it doesn't, then you should reject it and enter into negotiations. There is no obligation to accept a settlement, especially one that is low-balled.
Can I represent myself in my motorcycle accident claim?
Yes, you can represent yourself, but doing so isn't recommended! Instead, you should work with an experienced attorney who understands your case and who is committed to securing a positive claim outcome.
Why Choose Kemp Law
At the law offices of the Kemp Law, our Trinity motorcycle accident attorneys understand what you and your family are going through if you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious motorcycle crash.
Our Mission
We strive to "relentlessly pursue protecting our clients and improving our community through respect, communication and service." Put more simply, we help people.
Our Expertise
- Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Fewer than 1% of attorneys nationwide earn this high distinction
- Extensive experience in handling motorcycle-related cases
- Understanding of the unique legal challenges that motorcyclists may face
Our Approach
- Personalized Service: We take the time to understand your individual case and needs
- Dedication: We are dedicated to protecting the rights of motorcyclists and will fight for your rights
- Local Knowledge: Being based in Trinity, Florida, we are intimately familiar with the local legal landscape
- Community Commitment: We were featured in Positively Tampa for our community efforts
Our Promise
- We always provide legal representation in your best interests
- We maintain open communication lines
- We keep you updated about your case every step of the way
- We help clients get the best possible medical care at little or no expense to them
About Trinity
Trinity is a desirable place to live within Pasco County. Named after the Trinity College of Florida, the area is served by the Pasco County courthouse. Our law firm has experience working in Trinity, we know where all the important offices are located, have relationships with various attorneys, judges, and insurance adjusters in the area, and are well-positioned to support you in your motorcycle accident claim.
Regardless of where you live in the Tampa Bay region, including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando Counties, we look forward to helping you make the best of your situation.
Call us at (727) 788-6792 or submit a contact form for a free consultation.
Emergency Services
- Fire Department: Trinity Fire Emergency – Dial 911
- Police/Sheriff:
- Florida Highway Patrol – (727) 788-6792
- Pasco County Sheriff's Office Emergency: Dial 911, Nonemergency: (727) 788-6792
- Hospital: AdventHealth Central Pasco ER (727) 788-6792
FAQs
you deserve answers
-
How Do I Know Who Was At-Fault?
Fault is determined by the evidence collected during the investigation. We look to many things to determine fault in the case: we look to the police report, we look to witness statements, we look to the property damage to the vehicles, skid marks, layout of the cars, etc. Sometimes we even have to refer to accident re-constructionists to do a professional examination of the all the evidence to do a recommendation for us, but that does not happen in very many cases.
-
Will I Recover Monetary Damages?
It depends on who was at fault for the accident. If you were at fault, your insurance company will pay for the damage to the vehicle. If you were not at fault, the at-fault driver’s or owner’s insurance policy will pay for the damage, and if they do not have enough coverage to cover the damage to your vehicle, your collision coverage (if purchased) would pay for the damage to your vehicle.
-
What Documents Will I Need?
We like you to bring the driver’s exchange of information that the police officer gives you at the scene. We also like you bring any photographs of damage at the scene. Also bring your health insurance cards and your auto insurance cards or declarations page, so we can review the coverage available to you.
-
What Should I Say To The Insurance Company?
The at-fault party’s insurance company could ask you to give them a recorded statement. You do not have to give them a recorded statement. However, if your own insurance company asks you for a recorded statement please seek advice from your attorney so that they can assist you in giving that statement. But yes you do have to comply and you do have to give your insurance company a recorded statement.
-
Will I Have To Go To Court?
Actually, most cases, or a large percentage of the cases are resolved pre-suit, which means the cases never go to court. We work with the insurance companies before filing suit to try to find a fair resolution for the client, which save money on expenses, court costs and attorney’s fees.
