Florida’s endless summer means that riders are part of the landscape in St. Petersburg all year long. If you ride the streets in and around St. Petersburg on two wheels, you know the sense of freedom and adventure only a motorcycle can offer.
But when a negligent or reckless driver cuts you off, turns left without looking, or drifts into your lane, the outcome is rarely fair. Negligent drivers usually walk away without a bruise. You, on the other hand, may have been left with a crushed bike, broken bones, or injuries that could affect you for the rest of your life.
Roman Austin’s St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyers have seen it all too often: motorcyclists paying the price for another person’s carelessness—paying in the form of agony, costly medical bills, missed work, and anxiety over how you and your family can stay afloat.
We’ve spent decades standing up for injured motorcyclists across St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area. We know the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to fight for the full and fair compensation you need to make the best recovery possible.
Call (727) 787-2500 or contact us online for a free case review with a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer who understands what you’re up against.
Why Choose Roman Austin for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
When you’re dealing with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, hiring a lawyer shouldn’t feel like adding more stress to your life. Roman Austin has built a practice around compassion, accountability, and relentless advocacy. Here’s what sets us apart from other firms and why so many injured riders in St. Petersburg and across Tampa Bay trust us with their most important cases:
We’ve spent decades helping seriously injured motorcyclists
For more than 25 years, our legal team has fought for injured bikers and their families. We’ve handled cases involving everything from catastrophic injuries to wrongful death, and we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face. We know how insurance companies treat riders, and we know how to push back with facts, strategy, and determination.
We don’t treat your case like a number
At Roman Austin, we keep our caseloads intentionally low so we can give your case the time and attention it deserves. That means direct communication, timely updates, and a team that knows your name and what you’re going through. When we take your case, we take it personally.
Our lawyers are trial-ready
Many personal injury firms try to avoid court at all costs. We don’t. Our attorneys are experienced litigators with extensive courtroom experience, and we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That reputation often leads to stronger settlement offers. Insurance companies know which lawyers will back down and which ones won’t.
You pay nothing unless we win
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and no legal fees unless we recover money for you. We also cover the costs of investigating your crash, hiring experts, and building a strong case. If there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing.
We Have an Insider’s View of the Insurance Industry
Two of our attorneys are former defense lawyers who spent years working for insurance companies. That experience gives us a unique advantage. We know how insurers evaluate motorcycle accident cases, where they cut corners, and how to anticipate their tactics. We use that knowledge to protect our clients and fight for full compensation.
We work with leading experts to prove the value of your case
In serious motorcycle accident cases, expert support can make or break your claim. We partner with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, vocational experts, and economic analysts who can clearly explain the full impact of your injuries, including your future medical needs, lost income, and quality of life.
Our commitment goes beyond the case
We care about our clients, not just their cases. Over the years, we’ve had countless clients tell us they felt heard, respected, and genuinely cared for during one of the hardest times in their lives. That kind of trust doesn’t come from legal results alone. It comes from showing up, listening carefully, and treating every person who walks through our doors like we’d want our own family to be treated.
Motorcycle crashes are different from other accidents
Motorcycle riders face risks that other drivers don’t. Without the protection of a car frame or airbags, even a low-speed crash can result in catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to respect this. They make careless decisions, ignore bikers in traffic, and often try to blame them when things go wrong.
Florida consistently ranks among the top states for motorcycle fatalities. St. Petersburg’s year-round busy roads and frequent tourist traffic can be especially dangerous. Whether it’s a car turning left in front of you, a driver changing lanes without looking, or someone texting behind the wheel, one mistake can cause lifelong harm.
Common causes of motorcycle crashes in St. Petersburg
Every motorcycle accident is unique, but most are caused by some form of negligence. In our experience, the following are among the most common contributors:
- Drivers making unsafe left turns, especially at intersections or across busy lanes of traffic
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using a GPS
- Speeding, which reduces reaction times and increases crash severity
- Drunk or impaired driving, which continues to be a major factor in traffic fatalities across Florida
- Unsafe lane changes, where drivers fail to check blind spots
- Poor road conditions, including potholes, loose gravel, and debris
Motorcyclists are often blamed unfairly, even when a car caused the crash. That’s why it’s essential to work with a motorcycle accident lawyer who understands how these crashes really happen and can uncover the truth.
Life-altering injuries that follow motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe, and they often result in long-term or permanent consequences. The impact is not just physical; it affects every part of a person’s life. We regularly work with injured riders who are dealing with:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and crushed limbs
- Burns and road rash
- Amputations
- Neck and back injuries
- Emotional distress and PTSD
Some of these injuries may require years of medical treatment, multiple surgeries, or even lifetime care. Others may never fully heal. These are the kinds of injuries that affect how you work, live, and connect with your loved ones, and you deserve full compensation for every one of your losses.
Your legal right to compensation in Florida
After decades of working with injured motorcyclists and their families, we’ve seen how one crash can derail everything—your health, your work, your finances, your independence. We’ve sat with clients who can no longer ride, no longer lift their kids, or no longer sleep through the night without pain, and we’ve seen the ripple effects these injuries have on entire families.
Pursuing compensation isn’t about revenge. It’s about making sure you’re not left to absorb the financial and emotional costs of someone else’s careless actions. Our experience helping individuals and their families overcome serious motorcycle accidents is why we fight so hard to recover the maximum amount for all your injuries and losses. Depending on your case, these may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages or income during your recovery
- Lost earning potential if your injuries limit your ability to work
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, anxiety, and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage, including repairs or replacement of your motorcycle
- Punitive damages, in rare cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct
We understand how much is at stake. Insurance companies are quick to offer lowball settlements. You don’t have to accept their offer. Let us evaluate your case for free and help you pursue fair compensation.
Wrongful death claims after fatal motorcycle crashes
No one is ever prepared to lose a loved one in a crash, especially when it was caused by someone else’s careless actions. We’ve worked with families who had to say goodbye far too soon. Parents who lost children. Spouses are left without a partner. Children are left without a parent. The grief is deep, and the absence is felt in every part of life.
While no legal action can undo what happened, Florida law does allow certain surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims can provide financial support during an already unbearable time, covering funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional loss of someone irreplaceable.
If you’re unsure about your rights or what steps to take, we’re here to walk you through it with compassion and clarity.
Damages in a wrongful death case may include:
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Mental pain and suffering
We know that no amount of money can replace what you’ve lost. But holding the responsible party accountable can provide closure and help secure your family’s financial future.
What to do after a motorcycle accident in St. Petersburg
Assuming you’ve already sought medical attention, there are still several important steps you can take to protect your legal rights. What you do in the days and weeks after your crash can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.
- Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer right away. Your attorney can take over communications, begin an investigation, and make sure evidence is preserved.
- Keep all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Insurance companies may use gaps in your treatment to challenge the seriousness of your injuries.
- Document your recovery by keeping a journal or video diary. Note pain levels, emotional struggles, and how your injuries affect your day-to-day life. This forms a thorough record of your pain and suffering.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal counsel. They may try to get you to say something that hurts your claim.
- Save all documentation, including medical records, receipts, and time-off requests.
The sooner you reach out for legal help, the stronger your case can be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims in Florida
You likely have many questions about your legal rights and what to expect during a motorcycle accident case. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients in St. Petersburg.
What is the deadline for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Florida?
Under Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of your motorcycle crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident resulted in the death of a loved one, surviving family members also have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages if you were 50% or less responsible for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your total recovery would be reduced by 20%.
How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?
Roman Austin handles all motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you. If there is no recovery, there is no fee.
Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Florida law does not require adult riders over age 21 to wear a helmet, as long as they carry at least $10,000 in medical benefits. However, not wearing a helmet may influence how the insurance company evaluates your injuries, especially if your head or face was affected. A skilled attorney can push back against attempts to reduce your compensation based on this alone.
What makes motorcycle accident cases harder than car accidents?
Motorcycle claims often reveal the bias some people hold against motorcyclists. Many people assume motorcyclists are reckless or take on extra risk by choosing to ride in the first place. Insurance companies may try to exploit this bias to shift blame or reduce your payout. You need a legal team that knows how to counter these tactics and present clear, persuasive evidence about what really happened.
How Roman Austin Builds Strong Motorcycle Accident Cases
Success in motorcycle accident cases isn’t about who tells the best story—it’s about who presents the strongest facts. At Roman Austin, we leave nothing to chance. We work with top professionals to strengthen every part of your case.
Our approach may include:
- Accident reconstruction specialists who can recreate the scene and show how the crash occurred
- Medical professionals who explain your diagnosis, prognosis, and future care needs
- Vocational experts who analyze how your injuries affect your ability to work
- Economic analysts who calculate your long-term financial losses
We also gather essential evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, cell phone records, and photos of the crash scene. By presenting a clear and thorough case, we improve your chances of securing a fair settlement or winning in court if necessary.
Roman Austin: Standing up for St. Petersburg’s motorcycle riders
We’ve represented several injured motorcyclists throughout the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, from busy local corridors like 34th Street and 4th Street N to high-risk intersections near Central Avenue and 66th Street. We know the roads, the insurance companies, and the way these cases are handled in local courts.
We also know what matters most to you: Getting your life back.
When you work with Roman Austin, you’ll have a team that truly listens. A team that respects what you’re going through. And a team that will fight to get the results you deserve.
Talk to a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer today
You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s carelessness. If you were hit by a distracted driver, injured by a drunk driver, or struck in some other way while obeying the rules of the road, you deserve answers and accountability.
The legal process can be stressful, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Let Roman Austin carry the legal burden while you focus on recovery. Our St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help you recover full and fair compensation for all you’ve suffered.
Call (727) 787-2500 or contact us online for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win.