Free Consultation, 24/7 Availability, No Fees Unless We Win
For over 15 years, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine has fought for the rights of motorcycle riders in Fort Myers and throughout Lee County. We are passionate advocates for rider safety and justice, deeply involved in the Southwest Florida community. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents in our area are a growing danger – Florida consistently ranks among the most hazardous states for motorcyclists. If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle crash, you deserve dedicated legal support.
Call us anytime for a FREE consultation. We’re available 24/7 to review your case, answer your questions, and help you take back control of your life. You pay nothing upfront and no attorney’s fees unless we win your case, so you can afford top-quality representation regardless of your financial situation.
Our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers can investigate the collision, identify your losses, and hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. Call now to schedule a complimentary case review regarding your motorcycle accident.
The Growing Danger of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Myers
Motorcycle crashes can happen anywhere, but Fort Myers sees a troubling number of serious accidents each year. Florida leads the nation in motorcycle fatalities annually, with more than 500 rider deaths most years. In fact, while motorcycles make up only a small percentage of vehicles, they account for about 17% of all traffic fatalities in Florida – a disproportionately high share.
Right here in Lee County (which includes Fort Myers), there were 333 motorcycle crashes in 2022, causing 267 injuries and 29 deaths. More recently, in 2024, 312 motorcycle crashes in Lee County resulted in 31 rider fatalities and hundreds of injuries. These sobering statistics highlight the dangers our roads pose to motorcyclists. Major highways like U.S. 41 and I-75, as well as busy intersections (such as the junction of State Road 82 and Daniels Parkway), are frequent sites of serious motorcycle collisions.
Several factors contribute to the high accident rate. Driver negligence – including distracted driving, drunk driving, and careless left turns in front of oncoming bikes – is a leading cause of crashes. In fact, a significant number of fatal motorcycle accidents involve a car making a left-hand turn into the motorcycle’s path. Additionally, seasonal tourism in Fort Myers means increased traffic and drivers unfamiliar with local roads, which can heighten risks during the peak season. Even the weather and road conditions that attract riders year-round can be a double-edged sword; clear skies and open roads sometimes encourage higher speeds, resulting in more severe impacts.
Bottom line: Riding in the Fort Myers area can be risky. However, knowing the dangers helps you stay vigilant. And if the worst happens, our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you pursue justice and compensation for your losses.
Severe Injuries and Losses in Fort Myers Motorcycle Crashes
Without the protection of a car’s frame, motorcyclists are highly vulnerable in a crash. It’s not uncommon for a rider to sustain catastrophic injuries even at moderate speeds. Our legal team has seen firsthand the life-altering impact of these accidents on victims and their families. A crash can leave a motorcyclist facing weeks or months in the hospital, extensive surgeries or rehabilitation, and a painful recovery. In the worst cases, families are left grieving a loved one lost to a fatal motorcycle wreck.
Some of the most common serious injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries that lead to long-term cognitive deficits.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), forever changing the victim’s life and requiring ongoing care.
- Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones (fractured arms, legs, ribs, etc.) are very common in bike crashes. Severe fractures might need surgical fixation and months of therapy. Joint injuries in the shoulders, hips, or knees can also cause lasting disability.
- Internal Injuries and Road Rash: The impact or being thrown from a bike can cause internal bleeding and organ damage. Severe “road rash” (skin abrasions) can lead to infections or scarring.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, a high percentage of motorcycle accidents result in death. Surviving family members of a fatally injured rider may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice for their loss.
Beyond the immediate physical injuries, the financial and emotional toll can be devastating. It’s common for a motorcycle crash victim to be the family’s primary breadwinner, now unable to work for an extended period (or permanently). Meanwhile, medical bills for emergency trauma care, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation can quickly skyrocket into tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. The victim may also endure significant pain and suffering, emotional distress (such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression), and a decreased quality of life due to lasting impairments or disfigurement.
If another party’s negligence caused the accident, you have the right to seek compensation for all these losses. At our firm, we work tirelessly to account for every damage you’ve suffered, so you aren’t left footing the bill for someone else’s mistakes.
Recoverable damages in a Fort Myers motorcycle accident claim often include:
- Medical expenses: All past and future medical bills related to your injuries, from ambulance rides and ER treatment to surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any long-term care or assistive devices you need.
- Lost income and earning capacity: Wages, salaries, or self-employment income you lost while out of work, as well as the projected loss of future earning potential if your injuries cause a long-term disability. This can also include lost benefits, bonuses, or pension contributions you miss out on.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and mental anguish you have endured. This category addresses the very real impact of the accident on your daily life, your ability to enjoy activities, and your overall mental well-being.
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other personal property (helmet, clothing, gear, etc.) damaged in the crash.
- Other out-of-pocket expenses: Any miscellaneous costs you incur because of the accident – for example, travel expenses for medical appointments, the cost of hiring help for household chores you can’t perform, or home modifications to accommodate an injury.
- Wrongful death damages (if applicable): If your spouse, child, or parent was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident, Florida law allows certain family members to recover damages through a wrongful death claim. These can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of the deceased’s financial support and services, and compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and protection that your loved one provided.
Every motorcycle accident case is unique. Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident attorneys will carefully evaluate how the crash has affected you and your family. We often collaborate with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to fully document the extent of your injuries and calculate a fair value for your claim. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation that covers both your economic losses (like bills and lost wages) and your non-economic losses (like pain, suffering, and loss of life enjoyment).
How Our Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help You
In the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Between dealing with injuries, doctors, insurance paperwork, and financial worries, you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal process on your own. This is where our experienced Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers step in. We handle every aspect of your claim from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Here are some of the key ways we advocate for motorcycle accident victims:
Thorough Accident Investigation
We begin by conducting a thorough investigation into your motorcycle accident. Our legal team will gather all the critical evidence necessary to establish precisely how the accident occurred and determine who was at fault. This includes obtaining the police accident report, photos of the crash scene and vehicle damage, traffic or surveillance camera footage if available, and any 911 call recordings. We’ll identify and interview eyewitnesses while their memories are fresh. In some cases, we may work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze technical details like skid marks, vehicle positions, and impact points. By piecing together what occurred, we build a strong foundation for your injury claim.
Identifying All Liable Parties
Determining liability (legal responsibility) is a crucial step in any motorcycle accident case. Often, the driver who hit you is negligent – for example, a driver texting on their phone, driving drunk, or otherwise violating traffic laws. However, there may be additional parties whose actions contributed to your crash. We leave no stone unturned in examining who could be held liable for your damages.
Potential liable parties in a Fort Myers motorcycle accident can include:
- Negligent drivers: The driver of a car, truck, or other vehicle whose careless actions caused the collision (e.g., a driver texting on their phone, driving drunk, or otherwise violating traffic laws). If you were a passenger on a motorcycle, the operator of your bike could even be liable if their negligence contributed to the wreck.
- Vehicle owners/employers: In some cases, the at-fault driver’s employer (if they were on the job in a company vehicle) or the owner of the vehicle (if different from the driver) might share liability under Florida law.
- Motorcycle or auto manufacturers: If a defective part on either the motorcycle or the other vehicle contributed to an accident, such as brake failure, tire blowout, or other mechanical defect, the manufacturer or designer of that faulty part could be held responsible under product liability rules.
- Government or construction entities: If a hazardous road condition caused or worsened the accident (for instance, missing road signs, large potholes, obscured visibility, or construction debris on the roadway), the government entity or contractor responsible for maintaining that road could potentially be liable for negligence.
Our attorneys will carefully review the facts to identify every source of compensation. This matters because sometimes the driver who hits you may have minimal or no insurance coverage. We want to ensure that all possible avenues – whether through one or multiple insurance claims or lawsuits – are pursued to ensure you receive full compensation.
Proving Negligence and Building Your Case
To recover damages, we must demonstrate that the at-fault party was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries. Florida law requires establishing four key elements in a negligence claim: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. In the context of your motorcycle accident:
- We show that the other party (such as a driver) had a legal duty to drive safely and follow the rules of the road.
- We then prove they breached that duty by doing something careless or reckless – for example, speeding, running a red light, or not checking their blind spot before turning.
- We connect this breach to the accident by demonstrating causation – essentially, that their actions (and not something else) led to the crash.
- Finally, we document the damages you suffered – your injuries and losses – that resulted from the accident.
Our legal team will utilize the evidence gathered (including photos, witness statements, expert analysis, medical records, etc.) to paint a clear picture of the other party’s negligence. We anticipate and counter any arguments the defense might raise. For instance, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to blame the motorcyclist by arguing you were speeding or driving erratically, even when that’s not true. We are aware of these tactics and will work to dispel any unfair stereotypes about bikers by sticking to the facts and evidence.
Handling the Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance adjusters is often one of the most frustrating aspects after a motorcycle wreck. Florida is a fault state for motor vehicle accidents (and motorcycles are not covered by the no-fault/PIP system), so you will likely be filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. From the start, you can expect the insurance company to try to minimize or deny your claim – after all, their goal is to protect their bottom line, not to pay you what you truly deserve.
Our attorneys take over all communication with the insurance companies involved, so you don’t have to worry about saying the “wrong” thing that could hurt your case. We’ll handle the back-and-forth with adjusters, provide them with the necessary information and evidence of liability, and aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement. Importantly, we calculate the full value of your claim (with all the damages discussed earlier) before entering negotiations. This way, we know when an insurance offer is too low. If the insurer makes a quick settlement offer, we’ll advise you on whether it’s reasonable or whether you’re likely entitled to more. Many times, initial offers are “lowball” amounts that barely cover immediate medical bills, let alone your future expenses and pain and suffering. Having an attorney on your side signals to the insurer that you mean business and won’t be taken advantage of.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation
Once we’ve built a strong case, we push to get you the maximum compensation possible – whether through a negotiated settlement or, if necessary, by taking your case to court. Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers are skilled negotiators who frequently deal with insurance companies and defense lawyers. We will present the evidence of fault and the extent of your losses in a compelling way to fight for the settlement you need.
If the insurance company won’t agree to a fair amount, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t necessarily mean the case will go all the way to trial – often, the fact that you have taken that step puts additional pressure on the insurer to resolve the claim. However, if a fair agreement still cannot be reached, we will not hesitate to bring your case before a judge and jury.
Our trial attorneys have extensive litigation experience and a track record of success in court. We know how to effectively present a motorcycle accident case at trial – from making persuasive opening statements and conducting direct and cross-examinations, to using expert witnesses (such as accident reconstructionists or medical specialists) to explain complex evidence to a jury. We handle all the courtroom procedures and fight hard for your rights every step of the way. You can feel confident knowing that if your case goes to trial, you have dedicated advocates in your corner who won’t back down.
No Fees Unless We Win – Guaranteed
After a motorcycle crash, you’re likely facing financial strain, and the thought of paying for a lawyer might seem impossible. That’s why our firm operates on a contingency fee basis for accident cases – which means you pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you, either through a settlement or a verdict. Our fee is a percentage of that recovery, agreed upon in advance. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our legal services. This “no win, no fee” promise means everyone can afford high-quality legal representation, risk-free.
During your free initial consultation, we’ll explain our fee agreement in detail and answer any questions, so you know exactly how it works. We want you to feel comfortable with the process from the very beginning. With our contingency-fee model, our interests are aligned with yours – we are motivated to get you the best possible outcome, because our payment depends on it.
Personalized, Compassionate Support
At our firm, you’re not just a case number – you’re a real person who has been through a traumatic experience, and we truly care about helping you. We pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to every client. From day one, you’ll have an attorney and support team who will take the time to understand your story and your needs. We keep you updated on the progress of your case and are always available to address your concerns.
Our lawyers also offer guidance and support beyond the paperwork – we know this is a difficult time, and we’re here to answer your questions about the legal process, help you find medical providers or repair shops if needed, and generally make your life easier while you recover. We handle the heavy legal lifting so that you can focus on your health and family. Our clients often tell us that our responsive communication and genuine compassion set us apart. When you hire us, you get a team that is truly dedicated to your well-being and success.
Florida Motorcycle Laws and Your Rights as a Rider
Motorcycle accident cases involve some unique aspects of Florida law that riders should be aware of.
Understanding these rules can help you know your rights and what to expect:
- No-Fault Insurance Exemption: Florida’s no-fault auto insurance (Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) does not apply to motorcycles. Unlike occupants of cars, motorcyclists are not required to carry PIP coverage and do not need to meet any “injury threshold” to file a claim against an at-fault driver. This means if you’re hurt in a motorcycle crash, you can pursue a liability claim for damages directly against the responsible party without PIP limitations.
- Helmet Laws: Florida law requires riders under 21 years old to wear helmets. Adults 21 or over may ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for motorcycle injuries. However, not wearing a helmet can be dangerous – head injuries are a leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. Importantly, the fact that you weren’t wearing a helmet cannot be used against you as evidence of negligence in an injury claim (as long as you were lawfully not required to wear one). In other words, an insurance company generally can’t reduce your compensation just because you rode without a helmet.
- Comparative Fault Rules: Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard (per Florida Statute §768.81). This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident – as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Any share of fault under 50% will simply reduce your compensation by that percentage. However, if you are found 50% or more at fault, you would be barred from recovering damages. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a motorcyclist’s fault to minimize payouts, so having a lawyer to counter these claims is crucial.
- Insurance Requirements and Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Florida’s minimum insurance requirements for drivers are relatively low (only $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability are mandatory, and bodily injury coverage is often not carried). Many drivers in Fort Myers have little or no bodily injury liability coverage, which can be a huge problem if one of them hits you. We strongly encourage motorcyclists to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on their own insurance policy. UM coverage can pay for your injuries when an at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. Although UM claims are against your insurer, we can handle these claims as aggressively as a claim against another party. If you have UM coverage, we will make sure to file for those benefits to supplement any recovery.
- Passenger Rights: If you were riding as a passenger on a motorcycle and were injured, you have the right to seek compensation as well. In many cases, a passenger can file a claim against the other vehicle’s driver who caused the crash. If the motorcycle operator (the person driving the bike you were on) was partly responsible, you might have a claim against them too (usually covered by their insurance). Passengers are innocent bystanders in these wrecks – you shouldn’t be stuck with medical bills for injuries that result from someone else’s negligence. Our attorneys can help motorcycle passengers navigate the process and pursue all avenues for recovery.
Understanding these legal factors is essential, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Our lawyers will explain how the law applies to your specific situation and make sure your rights are protected at every step.
Get Answers to Your Questions Now
Motorcycle accident victims often have many questions after a crash – about their legal options, what compensation they can get, and how the process works. We’re here to provide clear answers. If you’d like to know more about your case, contact us for a free case evaluation. We’ll review the details, answer your questions, and outline the next steps at no cost and with no obligation.
Call us at 800-747-3733 today to speak with a Fort Myers motorcycle accident attorney. Our team is available 24/7, and your consultation is completely free and confidential.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Myers
What you do in the moments and days following a motorcycle accident can impact both your health and your potential injury claim.
Here are some critical steps to take after a crash:
- Call 911 and Get Medical Help: Your priority should be safety. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 right away. Wait for paramedics and police to arrive. Even if you feel “okay,” get a medical evaluation as soon as possible – some injuries (like internal damage or concussions) may not show symptoms immediately. Having an official medical record right after the accident also documents that your injuries were caused by the crash, which can be vital for your claim.
- Collect Evidence at the Scene (If Possible): If you are able and it’s safe to do so, try to gather some evidence while you wait for help. Take photos of the accident scene, including the position of the motorcycle and other vehicle(s), vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information – their testimony could be invaluable later. Once the police arrive, ensure that an accident report is being completed and provide the officer with your account of what happened.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance: Florida law requires that crashes with injuries be reported. Notify your own auto/motorcycle insurance company soon after the accident. When speaking with any insurance adjuster (yours or the other driver’s), stick to the basic facts. Do not volunteer guesses about fault or downplay your injuries. Remember, anything you say could be used by insurers to reduce or deny your claim. It’s okay to say you want to consult an attorney before giving a detailed statement.
- Decline Early Settlement Offers: It’s common for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to reach out quickly and offer a settlement if they know their driver was clearly at fault. While it may be tempting to accept fast cash, be cautious – initial offers are often far lower than what you’ll truly need. Don’t sign anything or receive a payout without consulting a lawyer. Once you settle, you generally can’t go back for more money later. Our attorneys can review any offer and advise if it’s fair or if you likely deserve more.
- Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: An experienced attorney can guide you through the post-accident process, handle the legal legwork, and protect your rights. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better they can preserve evidence and prevent costly mistakes. Hiring a Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyer gives you the best chance of recovering the maximum compensation for your injuries. And because we don’t charge upfront fees, there’s no risk in getting legal help right away.
Following these steps can strengthen your claim and help you navigate a smoother recovery process. Of course, every accident situation is different – if you’re too injured to do anything at the scene, don’t worry. Your health comes first, and our legal team can often investigate and gather evidence after the fact. The key is to address your immediate medical needs first, and then reach out for legal advice promptly. We can take it from there.
Act Now – Florida’s Statute of Limitations
Florida law places a time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident. In Florida, most motorcycle accident injury lawsuits fall under the general personal injury statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the accident. Similarly, if you lost a loved one and are pursuing a wrongful death claim, you typically have two years from the date of death to file that case.
These deadlines are critical. If you try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations expires, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you’ll lose the chance to recover any compensation. There are very few exceptions to these rules, so it’s essential not to delay taking action. Two years might sound like a long time, but building a strong injury case takes time – your attorney will need to investigate, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and potentially prepare for litigation.
By consulting with our motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible after your crash, you protect your right to take legal action. We will ensure all paperwork and filings are done on time. Starting early can strengthen your case: evidence is fresher, witnesses are easier to locate, and we have more time to construct the best possible claim on your behalf. Don’t wait until the deadline is near to seek legal help – it’s better to know your options sooner rather than later.
Contact Our Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
A Fort Myers motorcycle accident can turn your world upside down in an instant. In this difficult time, you shouldn’t have to worry about medical bills, insurance adjusters, and legal deadlines – you should be focusing on your recovery and your loved ones. Let us handle the rest.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we have a proven track record of helping injured motorcyclists in Fort Myers and across Southwest Florida. Our skilled attorneys have successfully recovered compensation for riders and their families so they can rebuild their lives after a crash. We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we genuinely care about your outcome.
Get the responsive legal help you deserve. Contact our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyer team today to discuss your case. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, and we’re available 24/7 to take your call. Call 800-747-3733 or fill out our online form to get started. We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and explain your next steps at no cost.
Remember, you pay nothing upfront and no fees unless we win for you. This allows you to obtain high-quality legal representation immediately, without incurring any additional financial strain.
Don’t go through this alone. Let our dedicated attorneys fight for your rights and the compensation you need to move forward. The aftermath of a motorcycle accident is harrowing enough – with our team on your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. We’ll go the extra mile to pursue justice for you, so you can focus on healing and getting life back on track.
Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
A: Hiring our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyer team costs nothing upfront. We offer free initial consultations, and if we take your case, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means our firm only gets paid if we win compensation for you. You won’t pay any hourly fees or retainers. Instead, our fee is a portion of the settlement or verdict we obtain. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing. This way, you can afford top-notch legal representation regardless of your financial situation – it’s essentially risk-free for you.
Q: How long will my motorcycle accident case take to resolve?
A: The timeline for resolving a motorcycle accident claim can vary widely. If your case is straightforward and liability is clear, it may settle in a matter of a few months (once you are recovered or your medical condition stabilizes). However, if the insurance company disputes liability or the value of your claim, negotiations could take longer. Cases that proceed to a lawsuit and litigation will naturally extend the timeline – potentially taking a year or more if they go all the way to trial. Rest assured, our attorneys move as efficiently as possible while also not rushing into a low settlement. We will give you a realistic timeframe based on the specifics of your situation and keep you updated throughout the process.
Q: Will I have to go to court for my motorcycle accident case?
A: Most motorcycle accident claims are settled out of court through negotiations. We strive to reach a fair settlement without putting you through a trial, if possible. That said, we prepare every case as if it could go to court. If the insurance company will not offer an amount that fully compensates you, we are fully ready to file a lawsuit and present your case to a jury. Our experienced trial lawyers will handle all the court proceedings on your behalf. Keep in mind, even after a lawsuit is filed, the majority of cases settle before the actual trial date. If your case does require a trial to achieve justice, you can feel confident with our team advocating for you in the courtroom.
We Can Help.
