Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Miami

The Altman Law Firm represents Florida motorcycle-accident victims — serious injuries, insurance disputes, and trial. Free consultation: (305) 373-3730.

Overview

The Altman Firm Difference defines our strict focus on catastrophic loss and wrongful death in motorcycle accidents, leveraging our legacy since 1998 and Jeffrey S. Altman's status in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We do not operate as a general practice, focusing exclusively on high-leverage motorcycle collision litigation.

About these cases

Riding a motorcycle in South Florida offers a sense of freedom, but it also comes with significant risks due to congested roads and distracted drivers. When a collision occurs, motorcyclists often suffer severe, life-altering injuries because they lack the physical protection of an enclosed vehicle. The physical, emotional, and financial toll on riders and their families can be overwhelming. At The Altman Law Firm, Jeffrey S. Altman brings over 25 years of experience to helping motorcycle accident victims navigate the complex aftermath of a crash. We understand the unique biases riders often face from insurance companies and law enforcement, who may unfairly assume the motorcyclist was at fault. Our firm is dedicated to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you need to rebuild your life. We handle all cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Please note that reading this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.

How these cases work

The legal process begins with a comprehensive, complimentary case evaluation where we listen to your story and assess the details of your collision. If we take your case, our team immediately initiates a thorough investigation to gather police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene. Next, we file claims with the appropriate insurance carriers and handle all communications on your behalf, protecting you from statements that could be taken out of context. Once your medical treatment reaches a point where your future prognosis is clear, we submit a detailed demand package outlining your damages. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to file a formal lawsuit and navigate the discovery, mediation, and trial phases to advocate for your rights in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should I take immediately after a motorcycle accident in Miami?

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, take these immediate steps to protect your health and potential legal claim: 1. Move to a safe area and call 911 to report the crash. 2. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel uninjured, to document your physical condition. 3. Gather evidence by taking photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and obtaining witness contact information. 4. Avoid discussing fault at the scene or with insurance adjusters. 5. Consult with Jeffrey S. Altman at The Altman Law Firm to evaluate your legal rights before signing any insurance documents.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Florida?

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This timeline is strictly governed by Florida's statute of limitations under Fla. Stat. § 95.11. Failing to file your claim within this legal window typically means you lose your right to seek financial recovery forever. Because gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies takes time, it is critical to consult with The Altman Law Firm as soon as possible. Jeffrey S. Altman can help ensure all legal deadlines are met.

What if I cannot afford to hire a lawyer for my motorcycle accident claim?

You do not need to worry about upfront costs. The Altman Law Firm represents injured motorcyclists on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any attorney fees or legal expenses out of pocket unless we successfully obtain a recovery for you through a settlement or verdict. Jeffrey S. Altman handles all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery without financial stress. This structure ensures that every injured rider has access to qualified legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Miami?

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, take these steps to protect your health and your potential legal claim: 1. Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. 2. Contact law enforcement to file an official police report. 3. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries. 4. Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved, but do not admit fault. 5. Contact Jeffrey S. Altman at The Altman Law Firm before speaking with insurance adjusters. Taking these steps helps preserve critical evidence for your personal injury claim.

What happens to my injury claim if the accident occurred while I was lane-splitting?

Under Fla. Stat. § 316.209, lane-splitting—or operating a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent lines of vehicles—is illegal in Florida. If you were lane-splitting during an accident, the defense will likely argue you are partially or fully at fault. However, under Florida's comparative fault system (Fla. Stat. § 768.81), you may still recover a percentage of your damages if the other driver was also negligent. The Altman Law Firm works to analyze the specific details of your collision to establish the other party's shared responsibility. Jeffrey S. Altman can review your case to determine your options.

Is it too late to file a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident in Florida?

Your time to file a lawsuit is strictly limited by Florida's statute of limitations. Under Fla. Stat. § 95.11, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit for a motorcycle accident is generally two years from the date of the crash. If the accident resulted in a tragic fatality, a wrongful death lawsuit must also be filed within two years. Missing these statutory deadlines usually means losing your right to pursue compensation. To prevent this, contact The Altman Law Firm as soon as possible so Jeffrey S. Altman can begin investigating your accident and preparing your claim.

Can I still recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet during my motorcycle accident in Florida?

Yes, you can still seek compensation. Under Fla. Stat. § 316.211, riders over the age of 21 carrying at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage are not legally required to wear a helmet. However, insurance companies often attempt to use the lack of a helmet to argue comparative negligence under Fla. Stat. § 768.81, claiming your injuries would have been less severe. The Altman Law Firm helps injured riders counter these defenses by showing that the other driver's negligence caused the crash itself. Jeffrey S. Altman works to protect your rights and ensure your compensation is not unfairly reduced.

Can I still file a claim if the insurance company blames me for lane-splitting?

Yes, you may still have a viable claim. While Fla. Stat. § 316.209 prohibits operating a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent lines of vehicles, being cited for lane-splitting does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation. Under Florida's comparative fault system (Fla. Stat. § 768.81), liability can be shared among multiple parties. The Altman Law Firm regularly represents riders facing comparative negligence defenses. Jeffrey S. Altman can review the details of your crash to build a strong case, helping to establish the other driver's share of liability.

What if I cannot afford to pay for a motorcycle accident lawyer upfront?

You do not need to worry about upfront costs. The Altman Law Firm handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing out of pocket for our legal services, and we only receive attorney fees if we successfully secure financial compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. This fee structure ensures that injured riders have access to high-quality legal representation regardless of their current financial situation. Jeffrey S. Altman is dedicated to helping accident victims pursue justice without financial stress.

Explore our Miami practice areas

Florida legal resources