I used to defend drivers who hit motorcyclists.Now I represent the riders.
Riders get blamed before the facts are in. Speeding, lane splitting, “came out of nowhere.” Insurers know that bias exists and they count on it.
I know because I used to build defenses around it.
AV Preeminent · Martindale Rising Star · Super Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 · The National Trial Lawyers Member · Florida Justice Association
The things people ask first.
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
In a car crash, your own PIP pays first: up to $10,000 if a doctor finds an emergency medical condition. Fla. Stat. § 627.736
Florida’s PIP system (the part of car insurance that pays medical bills no matter who caused the crash) does not apply to motorcycle riders. That makes the at fault driver’s coverage and your own uninsured motorist coverage critical.
Because riders are outside the PIP system, the permanent injury threshold that limits car occupants generally doesn’t block a rider’s pain and suffering claim.
Riders over 21 can ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage. Fla. Stat. § 316.211
Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
Most negligence claims arising after March 24, 2023 must be filed within two years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11
Call anyway. I’ll give you my honest take. Fault is often split, and you may still have a claim. The choice is always yours.
I know the bias they lean on. The defense playbook paints the rider as reckless. I get ahead of it with the evidence: scene photos, skid marks, the bike’s damage pattern, witness statements, and video. When the facts are nailed down early, the stereotype has nothing to stand on. That protects the value of your claim.
I know the helmet argument. If you weren’t wearing one, the insurer will say your injuries would have been less. I know how far that argument actually goes and how to limit it, so it doesn’t swallow your case.
I find every policy. Riders often have little coverage of their own. I look at the at fault driver, any employer, the vehicle owner, and your own uninsured motorist coverage. Every policy found is more money available to you.
I handle your property damage claim at no charge. Your bike matters. I handle that claim for you and charge nothing for it.
I handle your case personally. Not a case manager. You call or text, I answer.
Steps that protect your claim.
Call 911 and get a crash report.
Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine.
Photograph everything.
Save your helmet, even if damaged.
Get names and numbers of witnesses and look for nearby cameras.
Don’t give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurer. Call me first.
My office is on North Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. You don’t have to come to me. I’ll meet you at the office, at your home, or at the hospital. Most clients handle everything by phone, text, and email.
Bring what you have: photos, the exchange form, insurance letters, medical bills. It doesn’t need to be organized. That’s my job.
Call or text me at (813) 547-4707.
What your claim can include
*By submitting this form and providing your phone number, you consent to receive informational text messages from Jacob Gordon Injury Law related to your inquiry, case updates, and appointment reminders. Message frequency varies. Message & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. Reply HELP for help. View our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
No. Florida PIP doesn’t cover riders. That’s why the other driver’s coverage and your uninsured motorist coverage matter.
Yes. The insurer may argue it made injuries worse. That can affect value, but it doesn’t end your claim.
That’s the standard defense. Evidence answers it. The sooner I get involved, the more evidence we keep.
Call me. I will give you my honest take. Fault is often shared, and you may still have a claim. The choice is yours.
Yes, at no charge.
Nothing unless we win. My fee and case costs come out of the recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.
Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.
Written by Jacob Gordon, Florida Bar No. 125004 · Updated October 2026