Florida is the third-most populated state in the US, with over 21 million people. This is a state that attracts a lot of tourists from all over the country. People see Florida as a state where they can have fun.
Another thing Florida is known for is its motorcycle population. Florida has over 1.2 million licensed motorcyclists and around 600,000 registered motorcycles. This high motorcycle population is one of the reasons why Florida is one of the states that sees the most motorcycle accidents.
In 2022, Florida saw 9,156 motorcycle accidents, of which 596 were fatal. The victims of motorcycle accidents suffer a lot of losses. By seeking the help of a Florida motorcycle accident attorney, the victims can recover their losses. They can also hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
Have you ever wondered who pays for your losses if you win a motorcycle accident case?
The answer to this question is that it depends. It depends on whether the defendant has insurance or not.
Florida Motorcycle Insurance Laws
First things first, you don’t need to have motorcycle insurance in Florida. This is the only state where motorcycle insurance is not required.
However, given the volatility of Florida, carrying motorcycle insurance would be wise. Motorcycle insurance can help you in times of crisis.
This is just for motorcycles. This rule doesn’t apply to four-wheelers. Florida is a no-fault state for four-wheelers and requires them to carry PIP insurance. It means they will be compensated regardless of who was at fault.
This is not the case in motorcycle accidents. For motorcycle accidents, you need to file a claim against the at-fault party to claim compensation.
The funny thing is that you will get penalties if you don’t have insurance at the time of the accident. You must prove financial responsibility to avoid penalties in Florida.
You can prove financial responsibility using one of the three ways available.
Purchase liability insurance: The easiest way to prove financial stability is by buying liability insurance. The minimum insurance you can buy is 10-20-10, which means:
- $10,000 for single-person bodily injuries
- $20,000 for bodily injuries involving two or more people
- $10,000 for property damage
This is usually the smart way to prove financial responsibility.
Self-Insurance Certificate: Self-insured basically means you are rich. You have to prove that you are financially secure to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The primary requirement to get this certificate is having at least $40,000 in assets.
Financial Responsibility Certificate: You can get a financial responsibility certificate from the FLHSMV. You can get this with the help of an attorney and a deposit of $30,000. Once you deposit the money, they will give you the surety bond.
You need to carry these forms with you. Not having these certificates can result in penalties.
What to Do in the Event of an Accident
A motorcycle accident can cause a lot of losses to the victim. Remember that the actions you take following an accident will have a huge impact on your future. Below are the things you should do after a motorcycle accident:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think you are fine, see a doctor. This is good for your case and your health
- Exchange information with the other driver. Information like name, contact number, and insurance information should be exchanged
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle
- Contact a lawyer. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you obtain fair compensation for the losses you suffer as a result of the accident
- File a claim. Insurance companies will try to lower your claim value. Let your lawyer deal with them. They will negotiate and obtain fair compensation for you
Wrapping Up
Hope this blog post helped you understand Florida motorcycle insurance laws, in case you are shopping for a used motocycle. If you ever get involved in a motorcycle accident, hire a lawyer and focus on recovery. The lawyer will get you the deserved compensation.