If the other driver was uninsured in your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident, a personal injury attorney could help you seek compensation via other methods, such as your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, MedPay, or health insurance. Sometimes, it may also be beneficial to sue the at-fault driver.
Getting fair compensation for your losses after an uninsured driver crashes into you is not hopeless. A Fort Lauderdale uninsured motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your options and fight for coverage of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws Do Not Apply To Motorcycles
Florida is a no-fault state, so most vehicle drivers must have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Regardless of who is at fault for an accident, this insurance policy generally covers up to $10,000 in medical bills and other specific losses for the policyholder.
However, PIP coverage only applies to vehicles with four wheels. Therefore, motorcyclists cannot purchase PIP in Florida. That leaves motorcycle riders with fewer sources of coverage after an accident—especially if an uninsured driver causes the crash.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s advisable to hire a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer to explore your options for seeking compensation.
Potential Sources Of Compensation After An Uninsured Driver Motorcycle Accident In Fort Lauderdale
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can explore all possible avenues of compensation after an accident with an uninsured motorist.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
Florida law doesn’t mandate UM/UIM insurance coverage, but it is highly recommended—especially for motorcyclists who are ineligible for PIP.
As of 2022, nearly 16% of drivers in Florida were uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Because so many Floridians choose to break the law and drive without proper insurance, other parties must protect themselves—and UM/UIM is one of the best ways to do that.
If you have UM/UIM coverage, your lawyer can review your policy and negotiate with your insurance carrier for a fair settlement to cover your accident-related expenses.
Medical Payment Coverage (MedPay)
While motorcyclists can’t buy PIP coverage in Florida, they can purchase a similar insurance product called MedPay. MedPay generally covers anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 in medical expenses after an accident, depending on the policy. However, it will not cover other losses, such as lost income or property damage.
Health Insurance
Your health insurance may also help pay your medical expenses after a motorcycle accident. However, deductibles and co-pays likely apply. Your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident injury attorney can review your health insurance policy and explain what expenses it should cover.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
Suppose your losses exceed the coverage provided by your insurance policies. In that case, your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident injury lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit to seek damages directly from the liable driver.
If you choose to sue the negligent party, you generally have two years to do so, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a). We recommend contacting our personal injury law firm as soon as possible after the crash so we have time to build a solid case on your behalf before this deadline expires.
Damages You Could Recover In A Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Claim
You can recover various economic and noneconomic damages via insurance coverage or a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Medical Expenses
Because motorcyclists have little protection in an accident, they often suffer catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries (SCIs), broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), road rash, internal organ damage, and more.
You may be able to recover compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident, including:
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency room care
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Medical devices
- Medications
- Follow-up care
- In-home nursing
Lost Income
Many motorcycle accident victims cannot work while they recover from their injuries. Worse, some can never return to work again due to a permanent disability.
If you lose any time at work because of the collision, you might qualify to recover professional damages such as lost income, bonuses, tips, and paid time off, as well as diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Injured motorcyclists often experience much more than physical injuries after a crash—they frequently must also deal with extensive psychological harm, such as:
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep issues
Your Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorney can help you seek financial compensation for these nonfinancial losses.
Property Damage
If your motorcycle or other property sustained damage in the crash, you may recover compensation for its repair or replacement.
Wrongful Death Damages
Did you lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident with an uninsured driver? We are profoundly sorry for your family’s loss. Our Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyers can help you seek compensation for all your losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Burial or cremation costs
- Loss of household income
- Pain and suffering of survivors
- Loss of household services, companionship, consortium, and guidance
How A Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You After An Uninsured Driver Crash
A motorcycle crash attorney can help you after an accident in Fort Lauderdale in several ways, including:
- Reviewing your insurance policies to determine your coverage options
- Negotiating with your insurance company for a fair settlement
- Advising you whether filing a personal injury lawsuit makes sense for your situation
- Helping you access quality medical care and scheduling doctors’ appointments for you
- Helping you get your motorcycle repaired or replaced
- Answering all your questions throughout the insurance claim and legal process
Get Legal Help From A Fort Lauderdale Uninsured Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Our Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine want to help you take back control of your life after a crash with an uninsured driver. We will handle your claim or lawsuit while you rest and recover from your injuries. We’ll even come to your home or hospital room if you can’t come to us.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay us if we secure compensation for you. You have nothing to lose, so contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about your options for financial recovery.
