Inviting a close friend or family member along for a motorcycle ride can be an enjoyable time. However, they are putting their safety in your hands, so you must take every precaution when riding with a passenger. You should carry motorcycle insurance, even though Florida law may not require you to have it, just in case an accident were to happen.
If you were in a motorcycle crash, do not hesitate to reach out to Marsalisi Law. You only have four years to file a personal injury claim in Florida. The sooner you reach out to an experienced St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorney, the better the chances for recovery are.
Required Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Florida
Most states require all drivers to have insurance. In even more states, bikers can have the same coverage as car drivers do. However, this is not the case in Florida. You are not required to have motorcycle insurance to register your motorcycle in the state of Florida. However, owners and operators of motorcycles must adhere to Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law. To adhere to the requirements of the statute, the motorcyclist can either buy coverage from an insurance carrier or get a self-insurance certificate. While option two is always viable, we always recommend purchasing motorcycle insurance, especially with uninsured motorist coverage, to be fully covered in the event of an accident.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
There’s no denying that motorcycle riding in Florida can be dangerous. Bikers can easily flip over the vehicle, and they are not as protected as people in cars are. If you are at fault and uninsured, the cost of these damages can skyrocket. If your passenger sustains injuries due to your own negligence, you may personally be on the hook for their expenses. However, if you have insurance on the motorcycle, the insurance may help for accident-related expenses, such as:
- Medical bills;
- Physical therapy;
- Ambulance fees;
- In-home rehabilitation;
- Lost wages;
- Motorcycle repairs; and
- Property damage.
Tips for Staying Safe When Riding with Passengers
Before you begin your ride, always teach the passenger how to get on and off the bike properly. This includes showing them where never to put parts of their body, such as the exhaust system, chain, and wheels, since they can injure themselves and damage the motorcycle.
The most frightening part of any motorcycle ride for inexperienced riders is turning corners. Explain to them what will happen. Suggest for them to look over your inside shoulder. Whatever they do, make sure they stay in line with the bike. Tell them not to lean with the bike and to keep their body straight.
It is also a good idea to establish communication between you and your passenger. Create signals for if there’s a problem or they want you to slow down.
Contact a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Florida for Assistance
If you or a passenger sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence, Marsalisi Law is here to help. Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi is an experienced personal injury attorney serving the St. Petersburg area. He has helped hundreds of motorcycle accident victims recover compensation for their losses and has a proven track record of favorable outcomes for his clients.
As a proud member of the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, Attorney Marsalisi demonstrates an unwavering commitment to his clients’ wellbeing. He believes that everyone deserves strong legal representation, and that’s why he’ll work hard for you to obtain the funds needed to cover your accident expenses.
Call (727) 800-5052 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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