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It is enjoyable to ride a motorcycle year-round in Florida due to the pleasant weather. However, the dangers associated with riding a motorcycle are not just based on the rider’s skill - traffic and other people on the road could also cause an accident that could have life-altering consequences. Even the smallest motorcycle accident is jarring, to say the least. Additionally, they can have serious consequences, no matter how small or catastrophic the accident was. Motorcycle statistics show that Florida has the highest rate of motorcycle accidents in the country.
It is possible to mitigate some injuries with the proper safety gear, including leathers and helmets, but it is almost inevitable that they will be involved in some sort of accident in their life. Therefore it is essential to understand and be aware of how to proceed after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Not only could this save a life, but it could also save them from losing the compensation they deserve.
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, victims must take the necessary steps to ensure their safety. To ensure the occupants and driver in the vehicle are safe, it is recommended that they:
Turn on the hazard lights
Move the motorcycle to safety and out of the way of traffic
Make sure the driver and other occupants are checked for injuries
Following a motorcycle accident, all parties involved should remain on the scene, even if the vehicle needs to be moved out of the way of traffic.
Those who are not in the flow of traffic should stay in their cars and turn on their hazard lights. In case of injuries to the driver or passengers, dial 911.
The police should be contacted if there are no visible injuries needing immediate medical attention. The police should be notified of any motorcycle damage, no matter how minor or significant. Several advantages are available to a motorcyclist who calls the police but isn't at fault for the accident.
During the insurance claim process, the victim will use the official police report of the accident. A police report of the motorcycle accident will have important information such as:
Where the motorcycle accident occurred
When the motorcycle accident occurred
All drivers involved
Eye witness accounts of what happened
A police report is often required before an insurance company will accept a claim. An insurance company cannot dispute the validity of a police report concerning the events of a motorcycle accident. Whenever possible, insurance companies will always favor a police record that states that there was no fault on the part of the motorcyclist.
Immediately following a motorcycle accident, all other drivers involved in the accident should exchange information.
Any driver who is found at fault must notify their insurance company about the incident. There are, however, instances when at-fault drivers do not notify their insurance companies of accidents. The importance of exchanging information arises from the possibility that the negligent driver will fail to fulfill their commitment. In order to recover compensation for things like medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages, this is extremely important.
The information that the no-fault driver should be asking for should include:
Policy number and name of the insurer
Address, phone number, and name
The negligent driver's license plate information, as well as the make and model of their vehicle
It is also wise to take pictures of the damage, skid marks, and the surrounding area to document what is most important. Additionally, the victim should ask witnesses if they can recall the events immediately, and get their names and contact information.
Everyone involved in a motorcycle accident should seek medical attention, even if there are no visible injuries. Motorcycle accidents can cause a variety of injuries that are not evident immediately following the accident. When an individual experiences dizziness, fainting, confusion, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs after a motorcycle accident should be reported immediately to 911. A severe internal injury that is not detected immediately after a motorcycle accident could require extensive medical attention or even result in death. Those who suffer muscle soreness, neck pain, back pain, or stiffness after an accident should consult their physician in order to prevent further injury. Medical intervention may be necessary to treat whiplash and spinal injuries.
Symptoms, doctor visits, and any physical therapy needed should be recorded by a motorcyclist to maximize their compensation. They should recount the accident to the doctor in detail and accurately. The insurance company may claim that any injuries they sustained were exaggerated or even fabricated if they fail to recount their pain or events of the accident accurately. The compensation process will be delayed, and more issues may arise before the claim is resolved. Any victim's injury claim will be supported by these detailed medical records.
Being involved in a motorcycle accident is a very jarring and scary experience. We understand how hard it may be to do exactly what is needed at the moment with adrenaline pumping through the veins. Oftentimes, motorcycle accidents can end in serious injuries or even death, therefore they are unable to take down information or collect witness statements at the scene of the accident. That is why any victim of a motorcycle accident should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer, even if it is just to see what their possible options are.
If you've been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, the injury lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk can help you understand what steps you need to take. We highly recommend refraining from speaking with insurance adjusters until we have looked at your case fully.
We recommend contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster. You should never let the insurance adjuster take advantage of you by talking with them. When they discredit any aspect of your claim, they won't have to compensate you. Any and all statements made to an insurance adjuster will be recorded and later used against you when denying your claim. They are tricky and may ask questions that don’t seem important, when in fact they are. They may even request a copy of your medical records, but no matter how polite they are about it, you should always deny them access to your medical records.
To ensure that your claim is not diminished or dismissed entirely, speak with one of our experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers first. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have fought for the rights of victims of personal injury for over 30 years. Our attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation and that their rights are fully protected. Our hard work and dedication to our clients have brought in hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and compensation.
