Motorcycle laws in Florida are designed to promote safety and protect both riders and other road users. If you ride in Ocala, FL, it’s important to know your legal responsibilities and what rights you have if you’re involved in a crash. At Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, our team has over 100 years of combined experience and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients across Florida.
Below, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions about motorcycle laws in Florida and what we can do to help you after a crash. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today at (352) 351-3258 for a free consultation today with an Ocala motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Ocala, FL
When you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you need a legal team that understands both Florida law and the unique challenges riders face. At Allen Law, we will put our experience and resources to work for you.
If you hire our award-winning Ocala motorcycle accident attorneys, we can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your crash
- Gather police reports, witness statements, and accident scene evidence
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts
- Calculate the full value of your damages, including future expenses
- Handle all of the communications and negotiations with the insurance companies
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
Our Ocala personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win compensation for your case.
Call our law office in Ocala, Florida, to schedule a free consultation.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Endorsement in Florida?
Yes. To legally operate a motorcycle with an engine displacement of more than 50cc in Florida, you must have either:
- A motorcycle endorsement added to your existing driver’s license; OR
- A “motorcycle only” license.
You must complete the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) approved by the Florida Rider Training Program to get an endorsement. Riding without proper licensing can result in fines and other penalties.
What Are the Helmet Laws in Ocala?
Florida law requires motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 21 to wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet at all times. Riders aged 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage through their insurance policy.
That said, wearing a helmet can significantly reduce your risk of serious injury in a crash, regardless of whether you’re required to do so. Not wearing one could be used against you in certain personal injury cases as well.
Am I Required to Wear Eye Protection?
Yes. Florida law requires all riders to wear eye protection, such as a face shield, goggles, or protective glasses, even if you are over 21 and choose to ride without a helmet.
What Insurance Do I Need to Ride a Motorcycle in Ocala?
Unlike some other states, Florida does not require motorcycle riders to carry the same no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage that applies to cars. However, if you cause a crash, you can still be held financially responsible for injuries and property damage.
It’s wise to carry bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. These policies can help protect your finances and ensure you have access to compensation if you’re injured by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance.
Can Lane Splitting Get Me a Ticket in Florida?
Yes. Lane splitting (riding between lanes of stopped or moving vehicles) is prohibited under Florida law. If you’re caught lane splitting, you can be ticketed, and if an accident occurs during the maneuver, it could affect your ability to recover damages.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Am Partially at Fault for an Accident in Florida?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence law. If you’re found partially at fault for your crash, your compensation can be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages from the other party.
Insurance companies often try to assign blame to motorcyclists, so having strong legal representation can make a significant difference.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Crash in Ocala, Florida?
If you have the right to file a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
The value of your case will depend on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, your prognosis, and the strength of the evidence supporting your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
In most cases, Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline. Claims against government agencies have shorter notice requirements, so it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
Contact Our Ocala Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you have questions about motorcycle laws in Ocala or need help after a crash, Allen Law is here for you. With over a century of combined experience and hundreds of millions recovered for our clients, we know how to protect riders’ rights and pursue the compensation they need and deserve.
Call our Ocala motorcycle accident lawyers today to get started with a free consultation.
Visit Our Law Office in Ocala, FL
112 S Pine Ave,
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258
