Riding through Martin County offers some of Florida's most beautiful coastal views, from the stretches of A1A to the shaded roads of Palm City. However, the reality for motorcyclists is that the roads are often shared with distracted drivers on busy corridors like US-1 and I-95. When a collision occurs, the rider often bears the brunt of the impact. At Altman Law Firm, Jeffrey S. Altman provides compassionate legal guidance to riders and their families as they navigate the recovery process and seek accountability for their injuries.
Motorcyclists in Martin County frequently travel through high-traffic areas such as the Roosevelt Bridge in Stuart or the congested intersections along Kanner Highway. These areas are common sites for 'left-turn' accidents, where a passenger vehicle fails to see an oncoming motorcycle. Because motorcycles lack the structural protection of a car, these incidents often result in catastrophic injuries. Our firm understands the local geography and the specific traffic patterns that contribute to accidents in Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, and throughout the county.
Florida recently updated its laws regarding negligence. Under the current modified comparative negligence system, a person's ability to recover damages is tied to their percentage of fault. If a rider is found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation from other parties. This makes the investigation of the crash scene and the gathering of witness testimony critical. We focus on building a clear picture of the events to ensure your side of the story is heard and that fault is assigned fairly.
Many riders are surprised to learn that Florida's standard Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance requirements do not apply to motorcycles in the same way they do to four-wheeled vehicles. This can leave a significant gap in coverage for medical bills and lost wages immediately following a crash. We help clients look beyond their own policies to identify liable parties, including negligent drivers or entities responsible for poor road maintenance, to help address the long-term financial impact of a serious injury.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the incident. If the accident resulted in a fatality, a wrongful death claim also typically carries a two-year limit. It is important to act promptly to preserve evidence.
Florida law allows riders over the age of 21 to ride without a helmet if they carry a specific amount of medical insurance. While choosing not to wear a helmet is legal under those conditions, it may be raised as a factor in comparative negligence if the defense argues that the lack of a helmet contributed to the severity of the injuries.
Yes. If a motorcycle accident was caused by poorly maintained pavement, obscured signage, or debris that should have been cleared by a government entity or contractor, you may have a claim against the party responsible for road safety. These cases involve specific notice requirements and sovereign immunity considerations.
You can still seek recovery as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 20%.
Victims of motorcycle accidents may seek compensation for various losses, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Every case is unique and depends on the specific facts of the collision.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Martin County, contact Altman Law Firm today to speak with an attorney about your legal rights. Call (305) 373-3730.