Motorcycle accidents are especially dangerous due to the lack of protection between the rider and the road. If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, or if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to know what steps you should take to protect yourself. Here’s a guide to what you should do immediately after getting into a motorcycle accident and you legal options for seeking compensation for your injuries.
What Should I Do If I Get Into A Motorcycle Accident in Florida?
A motorcycle accident can leave you feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. Taking these actions as soon as possible is critical to protect your personal wellbeing and legal case:
- If you can move, get off the road to a safe place to avoid further catastrophe
- Call 911 to report the crash. This not only ensures prompt emergency services and law enforcement dispatch, but also ensures that the crash is documented so you have a police report of the situation for future filing.
- Take photos and video of the scene, the vehicles, and any visible injuries. Make sure to capture all the damage to yourself and your vehicle as well as the condition of the road and surroundings.
- Immediately seek medical attention. Adrenaline from the shock of the accident can mask injuries for hours or even days, and a medical evaluation will ensure not only your well-being but also provide proof your injuries are linked to the accident in case the insurance company tries to claim they were incurred afterwards.
- Get the contact and insurance information of all parties involved, including any witnesses and police officers at the scene.
- Do not admit fault – only answer the officer’s questions with straight facts.
- Call a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer, who will evaluate your case and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
How Do Florida Motorcycle Laws Affect Your Claim?
There are specific laws in Florida about how you can recover compensation following a motorcycle accident:
- Eye protection must be worn by all riders
- Motorcycles are not covered under Florida’s no-fault PIP insurance law, meaning that the at-fault party’s insurance pays for damages in case of negligence
- Lane splitting is illegal
- Motorcycle riders must have property damage liability insurance
Liability In A Florida Motorcycle Accident
Determining liability after a motorcycle accident is key to recovering compensation for your injuries. Motorcycle accidents may involve multiple parties. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents involving negligence include:
- Negligent drivers who were distracted or failed to yield
- Defective parts from the manufacturer
- Poor road conditions due to negligent maintenance
- Faulty repairs, in which case the repair shop may be liable
- If the rider was driving irresponsibly, they may be found partially at fault for the accident. However, even in such situations, if other parties involved are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, the victim may still recover compensation under Florida’s comparative-fault law.
Contact Us Today
Motorcycle accidents often involve severe injuries that cost significant amounts of medical bills, recovery time, and time lost from work. A motorcycle accident lawyer can assess your case and help you recover the compensation you are legally entitled to. Call BCN Law Firm to consult with an experienced Florida motorcycle attorney today.