Every U.S. state requires individuals looking to operate a motorcycle to obtain a special license. Riders risk being ticketed if they do not hold a motorcycle endorsement, a motorcycle-only license, or a motorcycle learner’s permit.
After a motorcycle accident in Tampa, Florida, the other driver (or their insurer) may question whether you contributed to the cause of the accident, and one issue they may raise to attribute blame to you is your licensing status.
A Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer from Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand the motorcycle licensing requirements in Florida and fight these assertions in your pursuit of fair compensation. Contact our law offices today at (813) 800-0810.
How Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Tampa, FL
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers has over 15 years of personal injury law experience, and has recovered millions in financial compensation for accident victims like you.
Our firm will provide the following services in the event that you are injured by another driver in a motorcycle accident:
- A free consultation to discuss your injuries and the legal options you have
- Records and document collection for an insurance claim
- Filing with the at-fault driver’s insurer and negotiating to settle the case
- Litigating if the insurance company fails to make a fair offer
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in serious injuries for riders. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, don’t wait—contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers today to discuss your legal options for pursuing compensation with an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer.
The Reason for Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
Motorcycles require skill and knowledge to ride safely. Moreover, motorcycle accidents have much more serious consequences than automobile collisions, as these vehicles do little to protect their operators and passengers.
As a result, unlicensed motorcycle operators are significantly overrepresented among motorcycle fatalities. About 20% of motorcycle operators are unlicensed, yet they are involved in about 40% of fatal crashes. There are many explanations for such an outcome, including a lack of training and a higher risk of errors.
States, in response, require prospective riders to qualify for licenses that demand intricate knowledge and skills specific to motorcycle usage. And Florida is no exception.
Obtaining a Florida Motorcycle License
Florida offers two primary options for motorcycle riders:
- Motorcycle Endorsement: Added to a regular Class E driver’s license after completing a state-approved Basic RiderCourse.
- Motorcycle-Only License: For individuals who don’t have or want a standard driver’s license, but wish to operate only motorcycles.
Riders under 18 must first hold a Class E learner’s license for at least 12 months without any traffic convictions. After meeting this requirement and completing the safety course, they can apply for a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle-only license.
All applicants must complete an FRTP-approved Basic Rider Course, which includes classroom instruction and hands-on training. Upon passing the required written and skills tests, course completion is submitted electronically to the state. Applicants then have one year to visit a licensing office and finalize their endorsement or license.
Liability for a Crash Involving an Unlicensed Motorcyclist
Under Florida’s comparative negligence law, you do not automatically lose the right to seek compensation if you are partially to blame for your accident. However, a court can reduce the payment you receive in proportion to your percentage of the fault.
In other words, if you are 15% at fault for your crash, the other party is only responsible for 85% of your losses. Thus, the other driver and their insurer will always look for reasons to blame you for the crash as a means of reducing their financial exposure.
To prove fault, the insurer must show that you acted negligently, pointing to a specific act that fell below the level of care expected of a reasonably prudent motorcyclist.
Speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, or any other violation of Florida motorcycle law may constitute negligence. However, riding without a license might be insufficient to show negligence if you rode safely and prudently. Thus, a motorcycle accident lawyer can often block insurers from shifting blame to you, even if you never obtained a motorcycle license.
Contact Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
The injuries you can sustain in a motorcycle accident are often enough to disable you, causing significant financial difficulties. If you’ve been injured, contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with a Tampa motorcycle accident attorney.
