If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact one of our experienced lawyers at (561) 293-2600 for legal advice and representation.
Table of Contents
Legally Reviewed By
Joseph Osborne
Motorcycle crashes on US 98, the Polk Parkway, Memorial Boulevard, or even Main Street in downtown Lakeland often result in more than just cosmetic damage to a bike. Riders face serious injuries, time away from work, and uphill battles with insurance companies. For many, the crash is just the beginning.
At Osborne & Francis, we help injured riders take control of the process. Our attorneys investigate what happened, identify all responsible parties, and build strong cases that show exactly how a motorcycle accident disrupted your daily life.
"Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case. The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say 'Real Tough Lawyers,' they mean it."
— T. Andrews | Client
Video Transcript
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Lakeland?
Lakeland's mix of city streets, commercial corridors, and highway traffic creates serious hazards for motorcyclists. Intersections near Lake Mirror, congested turn lanes on Bartow Road, and fast-moving vehicles on I-4 all create opportunities for drivers to make fatal mistakes.
Common causes of motorcycle crashes in Lakeland include:
Left-turn collisions. Many crashes happen when a driver turns in front of a motorcyclist, often misjudging the rider's speed or not seeing them at all.
Driver distraction. Texting, adjusting music, or using GPS while driving removes eyes from the road and makes it harder to notice motorcycles.
Failure to yield. When merging or pulling out from side roads, drivers often try to beat traffic instead of waiting for a safe gap.
Drunk or impaired driving. Reaction times and judgment are both compromised, especially at night or near bar-heavy areas like Downtown Lakeland.
Tailgating or aggressive driving. Some drivers follow too closely, assuming riders can stop as quickly as they can.
Crashes involving motorcyclists often come down to visibility and driver attention. Unfortunately, many insurance companies are quick to assume the rider was to blame.
Before giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer, speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Lakeland. Even simple explanations can be taken out of context or twisted to reduce your claim. Let a legal professional guide you so your rights are protected.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Lakeland
Protection after a crash starts with the right decisions in the first few hours. Before you speak to an insurance adjuster or return to work, consider the long-term impact.
In this short video, Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyer Gregory Francis explains what to do—and what to avoid—after a crash.
Key steps include:
Get medical treatment, even if injuries are not obvious right away.
File a police report and make sure it includes your account of what happened.
Take photos of the bike, injuries, skid marks, road conditions, and surrounding signage or signals.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before speaking with a lawyer.
Document all medical visits, time missed from work, and changes to your physical or emotional health.
What Injuries Do Lakeland Motorcycle Riders Suffer Most Often?
Helmets and other safety gear help, but they do not eliminate the risk of serious injuries. With no barrier between the rider and the road, even slow-moving collisions can result in lifelong damage.
This video explains the unique dangers riders face in crashes and how injury cases unfold.
Road rash that may require skin grafts or reconstructive surgery;
Internal bleeding and organ damage;
Dental injuries, facial fractures, and jaw damage; and
Psychological trauma, including anxiety and depression.
Without legal guidance, these types of injuries are often underestimated or used to justify low settlement offers. We work with doctors and other specialists to document the true ongoing cost of recovery.
Don't Let Insurance Downplay Your Crash
Riders in Lakeland are often left with painful injuries, months of recovery, and insurance companies that act like they know better. That's not how it should work. If you're facing setbacks after a crash, a lawyer can help you push back and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call (561) 293-2600 or contact us online to speak with a Lakeland motorcycle accident attorney today. Your consultation is free, and you don't pay unless we recover compensation for you.
How Motorcycle Bias Affects Your Case
Motorcycle bias is a real barrier to fair treatment. Whether intentional or not, police officers, insurance companies, medical providers, and jurors sometimes view motorcyclists as reckless or responsible for their own injuries.
This bias can shape how evidence is collected, how reports are written, and how damages are calculated.
"I've represented clients who followed every safety rule and still ended up blamed simply for riding a motorcycle. We know how to cut through that bias and make sure your injuries, your medical records, and your experience are treated with the seriousness they deserve."
—Gregory Francis | Attorney & Co-Founder, Osborne & Francis
A Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyer from Osborne & Francis will anticipate this. We challenge biased conclusions, bring in expert witnesses when needed, and reframe the facts to ensure your side of the story is clearly documented.
Who May Be Liable for a Motorcycle Crash?
In many cases, the at-fault driver is not the only party responsible. Your legal team may pursue compensation from:
Drivers who made illegal maneuvers or failed to see you,
Employers of delivery drivers or other commercial vehicles involved in the crash,
Local or state agencies responsible for road maintenance or design, or
Manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts or safety gear.
Florida follows a comparative fault rule, which means even if you are found partially at fault, you may still recover reduced compensation. A clear legal strategy and strong evidence are crucial to achieving the best possible outcome.
Damages You Can Recover After a Lakeland Motorcycle Accident
When another driver's negligence causes a crash, Florida law allows you to seek compensation for:
Medical expenses for past care and future treatment;
Lost wages from missed work;
Loss of future earning ability in cases of permanent injury;
Property damage, including your motorcycle and riding gear;
Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress; and
Most people don't know what their motorcycle injury claim is truly worth until they talk to a lawyer. A nationwide Martindale-Nolo survey found that injured people who hired an attorney recovered an average of three times more compensation than those who handled their claims alone.
That's because lawyers understand what gets undervalued and how to back up a claim with evidence that insurers can't ignore.
Why Riders in Lakeland Choose Osborne & Francis
Many motorcycle injury victims are unsure of what to do next or who to trust. At Osborne & Francis, we represent riders because we understand what they face, both medically and legally.
For decades, we've handled cases involving bias, denied claims, disputed liability, and multimillion-dollar verdicts. We also know how to prepare documentation that tells the complete story of how a crash affected someone's body, career, and quality of life.
Insurance companies look for shortcuts. We do the work. Let us help you demand full and fair compensation for what you've been through.
Proudly Representing Lakeland Residents
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Florida?
T. Andrews
“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”
C. Smith
“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”
J. Davis
“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”
E. Holland
Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!
Alfred
Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.
Erica F.
"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"
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Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Lakeland Today
Motorcycle accident cases in Florida require a specific kind of legal strategy—one that accounts for road conditions, rider safety, and bias in the system. We've spent years helping riders across the state stand up to insurance companies and recover what they need to move forward.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Florida?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, deadlines can vary, especially if a city or county is involved. Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney in Lakeland as soon as possible to protect your time window.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Florida law allows injured motorcyclists to recover compensation if they are 50% or less at fault. However, your payout will be reduced based on your share of blame. A Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect you from unfair fault claims that lower your compensation.
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Florida law allows riders over 21 to ride without a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical coverage. Not wearing one does not automatically make you at fault—but insurers may try to use it against you, especially in head injury claims.
What if the other driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run crashes involving motorcycles are more common than most realize. If this happened to you, we can help you investigate and file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage or pursue other legal avenues based on the evidence you have.
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