Everything You Need To Know About Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Corbin Sutter
Motorcycle Crash
As a biker, there is no greater feeling than driving down the open road on a beautiful Florida day. The thrill of the warm wind on your face as you motor down some of the most beautiful highways in the nation. While your helmet offers you some security, even an accident at a low speed can cause permanent injuries or death. Florida Leads Nation In Motorcycle Deaths
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
, Florida leads the nation in motorcycle fatalities. 57% of those were caused by collisions with motor vehicles. Most of these accidents occur under normal driving conditions. Another factor in the high number of motorcycle accidents may include the large senior population and the number of tourists who may not be familiar with the area. Even the most experienced and alert driver can end up in a collision.
Steps To Take In A Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in an accident and are injured there are steps you can take to make sure you are protected from the results of the accident where the other person is at fault.
• Be Safe: If at all possible get out of the road. If other vehicles stop to lend help, make sure that they are out of harm's way as well.
• Contact Police: Always call the police when you are in an accident. Even if you “feel fine”. You may have injuries that are not showing up yet. A police report is not just for insurance purposes, but is also useful evidence in any personal injury lawsuit.
• Witnesses: If anyone witnessed the accident, obtain their contact information if possible. Witnesses are a key element to winning a personal injury lawsuit and obtaining compensation for your damages.
• Photographic Evidence: Keep in mind the scene of the accident is not just where the two vehicles collided. Photos should be taken of the road conditions, any skid marks, and photos of the different road directions. If the accident occurs in an intersection, take photos of all roads leading to the intersection. These photos can also help in determining who is at fault in a personal injury lawsuit. It also helps to draw a diagram with the direction all vehicles were headed in.
• Get Medical Help: Even if you feel you are “OK”, if you are on a motorcycle chances are you have experienced some injuries. A physician can make an evaluation and correct any injuries that could appear later on.
• Call Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, speak with them only. If the other driver’s insurance company should call you, refer them to your attorney. Never share information with the other driver's insurance company. Keep in mind it is their job to ensure you get the absolute minimal amount of compensation. Refer the callers from the other insurance company to your attorney.
• Call An Attorney: An attorney can give you useful information about your rights and what damages may be available to you. Even if you think you were at fault, you could be only partially at fault. This is called comparative negligence. The state of Florida uses a pure comparative negligence standard. So if you file a personal injury suit, it will be determined what percent each driver is negligent. For example, you feel you may have contributed to the accident. The court finds you are 25% at fault. The other driver’s request for damages is decreased by 25%.
If you are unable to complete these steps due to your injuries, it is advisable to have a trusted family member or friend to gather the evidence and police report for you.
Motorcycle accidents are usually injury causing. If you have been injured in an accident, you may be able to be reimbursed for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, Even if you feel you may have contributed towards the accident. Call the attorney’s at All Injuries Law Firm. With over 30 years in business our experienced team specializes in personal injury law and our reputation for winning is well known among the different insurance companies. We will fight for you against the big insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.