If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Florida, there are specific steps you should take immediately following the accident.
Florida’s beautiful weather, well-maintained highways, and scenic routes are a motorcyclist’s dream. But, when that perfect riding day takes a wrong turn, and an accident occurs, that dream can soon turn into a nightmare. If you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident, here are some steps to take to receive medical care and establish who is at fault.
Step 1. Seek Medical Attention
After a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is to see if any parties are injured and call 911. Even if you feel like you are ok, some injuries may not manifest themselves right away. If you do not get medical attention promptly, that undocumented injury could be detrimental to your health and any personal injury lawsuits or insurance claims.
Step 2. Document the Details of the Accident
Once the scene of the accident is safe, take pictures. If you don’t have a cell phone with you, ask someone nearby if you can borrow their phone. Take pictures of the street, the other vehicles involved, and the surroundings, i.e., trees, condition of road, signs, driveways. Also, try to document details about what was happening before, during, and after the accident. Details like these can prove helpful with insurance claims and lawsuits.
Step 3. Gather Contact Information
While waiting for law enforcement to arrive at the accident scene, use this time to collect as much information from those involved in the accident and witnesses that have remained at the scene. Ask for names, addresses, email, and phone information from drivers, witnesses, and passengers. Also, jot down license plate numbers of any vehicles involved. Gathering information quickly can protect you from negligent drivers who choose to leave the scene of the accident. Remember to avoid discussing the facts of the accident. Do not admit fault or say anything that may be used against you later.
Step 4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Make sure to provide your insurance company with the information you collected from witnesses and people involved in the accident. You may also need to provide insurance information to the other party involved. Stay off of social media for a while after the accident. Insurance agencies may find your account and use pictures and statuses to downplay your claimed injuries. If your agent asks about your injury or motorcycle damage, tell them that you will wait to offer this information until after you have visited your doctor and get your motorcycle to a professional mechanic. Underestimating your damages (pain, injuries, and suffering that can manifest days or even weeks) can reduce what you may be entitled to.
Step 5. Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident and suffer injuries, it is advised to consult an attorney. If you or a loved one were hurt in a motorcycle accident, speak to our experienced attorneys at the King Law Firm in Ocala, Florida. Initial consultations are free. Contact us at kinglawfirm.org, (352) 261-6907.
