If a Motorcycle Accident Took Someone You Love in Florida, Read This
When someone you love is taken too soon because of a motorcycle accident, it’s devastating. And when that accident was caused by someone else’s careless or reckless actions, the pain is made even worse by the sense that it could have been avoided.
At Ward Ruddock, we help families across Florida take legal action after these tragedies—not just to seek justice, but to help relieve some of the financial and emotional burden that follows.
Here’s what you should know if your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident in Florida.
What Florida Law Says About These Cases
When someone passes away because of another person’s negligence—whether it’s a careless driver, a dangerous road condition, or another avoidable cause—Florida law allows the family to file what’s called a wrongful death claim.
This is a legal action that can help recover compensation for:
- The income your loved one would have contributed
- Medical and funeral costs
- The emotional and personal loss to the family
- Loss of guidance, support, and companionship
Wrongful death claims in Florida are governed by the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26). These laws explain who can file, what damages may be available, and how long you have to act.
Who Can File a Claim?
In Florida, the person who files the claim is the personal representative of your loved one’s estate—this may be a spouse, parent, adult child, or someone else appointed by the court. However, the claim is made on behalf of the surviving family members and the estate itself.
Those who may benefit include:
- A spouse
- Children (including adopted children)
- Parents, especially if a child has passed
- Relatives who were financially supported by the person who died
Common Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes are often caused by:
- Drivers failing to check blind spots or yield properly
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Poorly maintained roads or debris
- Vehicle defects
Unlike passengers in cars or trucks, motorcyclists are exposed. Even a minor impact can have deadly consequences. When someone else’s actions contribute to that loss, Florida law allows the family to pursue accountability.
How Long Do You Have to Act?
Florida law gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim (Florida Statutes § 95.11). While that might seem like a long time, these cases can take months of preparation. It’s important to act as soon as possible so evidence doesn’t disappear and your legal rights stay protected.
What Makes Motorcycle Wrongful Death Cases Unique
These cases are different from other traffic incidents:
- Bias: Some people assume motorcyclists are reckless. We work to counteract that false narrative with facts and evidence.
- Complex injuries: These accidents often involve significant financial and emotional harm to the family.
- Multiple parties: Sometimes more than one person or company may be responsible—from another driver to a manufacturer or even a city that failed to maintain safe roads.
At Ward Ruddock, we take the time to understand the full picture and prepare your case carefully and thoroughly.
How We Support Families After a Motorcycle Loss
Losing someone suddenly is overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to figure out the legal system on your own. At Ward Ruddock, we’re here to stand beside you with care, clarity, and strength.
Here’s how we help you through it:
- We communicate clearly and honestly throughout the entire process.
You’ll always know where your case stands, what to expect next, and how we’re moving forward—without legal jargon or runaround. - We handle the legal burden so you can focus on grieving and healing.
From paperwork to investigations to negotiating with insurance companies, we take care of every detail. - We work diligently to seek full and fair compensation under Florida law.
We know how to build strong cases and pursue accountability when someone else’s negligence changes a family’s life. - We help preserve critical evidence before it’s lost.
Timely investigation can make all the difference. We act quickly to gather witness statements, crash data, video footage, and expert opinions. - We treat your family with compassion—not just as another case.
Your story matters. We take the time to understand your loved one’s life and what this loss truly means. - We prepare each case as if it may go to trial.
While many cases settle, we approach each one with the seriousness and preparation needed for court, if that’s what it takes. - We stand up to insurance companies and fight for what’s right.
You shouldn’t have to deal with lowball offers or delay tactics. We advocate aggressively so your voice is heard.
If You’ve Lost a Loved One, We’re Here to Help
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If your loved one passed away in a motorcycle accident, or you know someone facing this kind of loss, reach out to our office. We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next step forward.
Call (305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259 or visit wardruddock.com/contact to speak with our team today.
