Motorcycle accidents can have devastating and life-altering consequences, especially in the state of Florida. When you or a loved one is involved in an accident, it’s important to know the steps to take to ensure protection and rightful compensation.
The process for filing an injury claim after a motorcycle accident in Florida requires careful attention to detail as well as knowledgeable legal guidance. This blog post will provide an overview of the personal injury claim process in Florida, key legal considerations when filing a motorcycle accident claim, and steps to take after an accident.
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
- Motorcycle accidents in Florida will involve the individual’s insurance policy as well as the liable party’s insurance.
- Liability insurance provides coverage for medical bills, property damage, and other damages caused by the accident.
- When determining liability in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to take into consideration negligence, traffic laws, and other factors such as product defects or road conditions.
- It’s in your best interest to seek professional legal representation after a motorcycle accident in Florida.
- At Herman & Wells, our attorneys understand the complexities of motorcycle accidents and can provide invaluable guidance throughout every step of the process.
- Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you have questions about filing an injury claim after a Florida motorcycle accident. Our attorneys are here to help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Motorcycle Accidents In Florida
In Florida, motorcycle accidents are becoming increasingly more common. In fact, in the year 2019 alone there were nearly 11,000 reported motorcycle crashes. The most common contributing factors to these accidents include drunk driving, unsafe speed, and not wearing appropriate safety gear such as a helmet or protective clothing.
The consequences of a motorcycle accident can be severe; victims often suffer from broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. It’s essential for those involved in a motorcycle accident to seek appropriate medical care and contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Immediate Actions To Take After A Motorcycle Accident
It’s important to take certain steps after a motorcycle accident in Florida:
Ensure Safety
Your first priority after a motorcycle accident should be to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move to a safe location away from the flow of traffic to prevent any further accidents.
Call For Help
Call 911 immediately to report the accident. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to have paramedics evaluate your condition at the scene. Delaying medical attention can worsen your injuries and potentially complicate your personal injury claim.
Contact Police
Request law enforcement to come to the scene. The police will create an accident report, which is an essential piece of evidence in any personal injury claim. This report will typically document the details of the accident, including the parties involved, witnesses, and the conditions at the scene.
Collect Accident-Related Information
Gather as much information as possible from the scene. This includes the names, addresses, and insurance information of all parties involved. Take photos of your injuries, your motorcycle, and the accident scene from different angles. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information as well. This information can prove to be invaluable when filing your personal injury claim.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
As soon as you’re able, contact a personal injury attorney. In Florida, the legal and insurance landscapes can be complex, particularly in the case of motorcycle accidents. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, ensure your rights are protected, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contacting Law Enforcement And Insurance Companies
It’s important to notify law enforcement of your accident and to contact the appropriate insurance companies as soon as possible. Never admit fault or accept a settlement from an insurance company before consulting with a personal injury attorney. Doing so may prevent you from receiving full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the accident.
Prioritizing Medical Attention
No matter how minor your injuries may seem, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Doing so will ensure that your health is protected and that you can document the severity of your injuries for purpose of filing a personal injury claim. Keep track of any bills or receipts related to medical visits as they will help build the evidence for your case.
Navigating The Motorcycle Accident Claim Process
The motorcycle accident claim process can be complex and intimidating. With experienced legal guidance, however, navigating the legal landscape can be much easier. Your attorney will help you gather evidence to prove liability for your injuries and damages. This may include police reports, photos of the scene, medical bills or receipts, witness statements, and other relevant information that is pertinent to your case.
Most motorcycle accidents in Florida will involve the individual’s insurance policy as well as the liable party’s insurance. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to recover damages from both sources.
Motorcycles are required to have a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage in order to operate safely on public roads in Florida. Liability insurance provides coverage for the medical bills, property damage, and other damages caused by the accident. It’s important to note that liability insurance does not cover your own medical costs or damage to your motorcycle, so it’s essential to purchase adequate coverage depending on your specific needs.
The at-fault driver’s liability insurance will also come into play when filing an injury claim. Depending on the coverage, you may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, medical bills, and other damages caused by the accident.
Determining Liability In Motorcycle Accidents
When determining liability in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to take into consideration the various factors involved. This includes negligence, traffic laws, and other factors such as product defects or road conditions.
Determining fault can be difficult, which is why it’s essential to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side who can navigate the legal landscape and ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
In some cases, multiple parties may be held liable for the accident. This could include other drivers, road authorities, or manufacturers of defective products. It’s important to note that in some cases, even a partially-at-fault driver can seek compensation for their injuries under Florida’s comparative negligence laws.
Reasons To Seek Professional Legal Representation
It’s in your best interest to seek professional legal representation after a motorcycle accident in Florida. A knowledgeable attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Experienced attorneys understand the complexities of insurance law and can provide valuable guidance when filing an injury claim. They will also be invaluable when negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney today. They can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. With their help, you can seek the compensation you deserve and get back on track after the accident.
The Herman & Wells Advantage In Motorcycle Accident Cases
At Herman & Wells, we understand the complexities of motorcycle accident cases in Florida. Our legal team has decades of experience handling these kinds of claims and can provide invaluable assistance to victims seeking compensation for their injuries and damages. We will help you navigate the insurance landscape and ensure that your rights are protected throughout every stage of the process.
Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and providing them with the compensation they deserve. We have a track record of success handling motorcycle accident cases and will fight to ensure that you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.
Exploring Litigation Options
In some cases, it may be necessary to pursue a lawsuit if settlement negotiations are unsuccessful. Injury claims can become complicated and require thorough investigation in order to determine fault and liability for damages.
The timeline of a personal injury lawsuit varies depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. Generally, however, the process begins with the filing of a complaint in court. This is followed by disclosure and discovery, key parties being identified, pre-trial motions being filed, trial preparation, and then potentially a trial.
It’s important to note that even if you win your lawsuit, you may still not receive compensation immediately. The other party may appeal the decision or challenge it in other ways.
Need An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney? Call Herman & Wells
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek experienced legal representation. At Herman & Wells, our attorneys understand the complexities of motorcycle accidents and can provide invaluable guidance throughout every step of the process. We will help you evaluate your options, build your case, and seek justice on your behalf.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about filing an injury claim after a Florida motorcycle accident. Our attorneys are here to help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call (727) 821-3195 for a free consultation today!