In 2018, the most recent year reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 8,959 motorcycle crashes. Only 13.7% of those had no injuries and 506 were fatal. Motorcycles are a fantastic, economical mode of transportation, but they offer very little in the way of physical protection. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, the odds are overwhelming that you’ve been injured in a vehicle. If that’s the case, you’re entitled to the compensation that you need to make a full recovery.
Step-By-Step Guide to Motorcycle Accidents
Personal injury lawyers who handle motorcycle accident know how critical it is to follow the prescribed steps in order to win a full and fair settlement or jury award. While all motorcycle collisions are different, there are consistencies and this advice can help.
- Get to a place of safety. If you can move, leave your bike where it is and get out of traffic.
- Call 911 and wait for police and paramedics to arrive on the scene.
- Take pictures or videos from a position of safety. These can be used for evidence in your motorcycle personal injury case.
- Ask anyone who saw the accident to remain at the scene until the police arrive.
- Allow rescue workers to examine you even if you’re feeling fine.
- If you’re not transported to the hospital, make an appointment for follow up.
- Do not accept payment from an insurer.
- Do not make a statement to an insurance adjuster or sign a waiver of liability.
- Contact a qualified personal injury lawyer who works with motorcycle accident victims.
Why You Should Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Florida motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. That means that they only get paid if you receive a settlement or jury award. There are no out-of-pocket costs. In most cases, the amount you net is higher than it would be if you had just accepted the initial offering, and you’re going to need the extra money. If you have even moderate injuries, the cost of medical bills, follow-ups, scans, physical therapy, lost wages, and property damage can be astronomical. In addition to the full repayment of those losses, you’re also entitled to compensation for personal injuries. Only a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can get you full compensation for all of these expenses.
Why Waiting to File a Claim is a Bad Idea
In most personal injury cases in the state of Florida, the statute of limitations is four years from the time of the incident. So, you might be thinking, “That’s a long time. What’s the rush?” There is, however, a shelflife for many types of evidence. You may be able to keep videos or pictures on your phone indefinitely, but witnesses often forget what they saw, move away, or change their contact information. Your road rash and other injuries may hurt for quite some time, but your bruises will begin to face after a week or so and your swelling will be reduced. In addition, the insurance company will be pushing you to make a settlement, so hire an attorney and get the process started.
If you’re in Orlando, Florida, the lawyers of Fasig and Brooks will be more than interested to hear the details of your accident.
