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Motorcycle Accident in Florida: How to Get Legal Help

Published at August 25, 2020 by administrator.

No one wants to think about motorcycle accidents. This fun leisure activity is growing throughout the country with people from all walks of life enjoying motorcycle ownership safely. Unfortunately, experiencing a motorcycle accident in Florida is not unusual.

Motorcycle riding has been experiencing a dramatic change in demographics over the last several years. More and more college-educated and female riders are hopping on bikes. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, motorcycle ownership is up over 2.5 million since a 2014 survey.

Helmet use, rider experience, and motorcycle community awareness can all play a role in accident numbers. No matter how safe and experienced a ride is, they cannot control others when an accident happens. Understanding safety concerns and what to do after an accident can help you when the worst happens!

Motorcycles and Understanding Safety Concerns

If you are a motorcycle rider, you already understand many of the safety concerns that face you. You’ve made the choice to balance those concerns with how much fun riding can be and the exhilaration of the open road. It is entirely possible to balance knowledge with your desire to experience the benefits and fun of motorcycling.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, reported a 5% decrease in riders killed in motorcycle accidents for 2018. Regrettably, with 4,985 deaths that year, motorcyclists are far overrepresented in traffic fatalities.  

The NHTSA recommends some steps you can take to be a safer motorcycle driver:

• Make sure you are properly licensed
• Practice operating your motorcycle in a variety of conditions
• Do a safety check before each ride
• Wear the proper protection
• U.S. Department of Transportation helmet
• Arms and legs completely covered
• Ideally wearing heavy denim or leather
• Boots or high shoes to cover ankles
• Gloves
• Bright colored clothing with reflective material
• Ride responsibly and obey traffic laws
• Be drug and alcohol-free while riding

Even when taking all the precautions you can, motorcycle accidents in Florida are still occurring at alarming rates. According to Ride Smart Florida, there were 531 motorcycle fatalities in 2018.

Fatalities aren’t all you need to worry about, though. Ride Smart Florida also notes that 2,130 motorcycle riders were injured during 2018. These injuries required medical attention and could have had lasting effects on the drivers.

What to do After an Accident

The moment immediately after a motorcycle accident can be a very scary time. This period of time is crucial though, so it can be helpful to know what to do ahead of time. Documenting the accident and your injuries early on can help with any legal case you may have down the road.

1. Let a doctor examine you after an accident – No matter how tough you are, a doctor examination is essential to rule out injuries that you may not visibly see, such as a concussion.
2. Contact information for everyone involved – The more information the better. Get names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information.
3. Take pictures – Get photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and your injuries.
4. File a police report – Even if you do not believe you have a legal case or any criminal activities have happened, a police report is an official record of the accident and should be obtained.
5. File an insurance claim.
6. Keep all receipts and documentation.
7. Journal your daily interactions regarding the accident as well as physical and mental concerns that you have after the accident.
8. Hire a lawyer. 

How a Lawyer Can Help

Hiring an attorney can help ease the stress on you throughout the process after a motorcycle accident in Florida. An attorney can help you navigate the medical and legal system which can be extremely overwhelming after a traumatic incident.

If you did not seek the assistance of a lawyer right away, it isn’t too late. Even months or years after an accident, a lawyer may be able to help with your case. In many situations, individuals are continuing to struggle with pain, work, and other financial issues due to a motorcycle accident long after the event, and seek an attorney for help.

Obviously, having a lawyer by your side right away is the best possible option though. Your lawyer can interact with insurance companies, mediate medical bills, and guide you to help reduce the stress on you.

Your motorcycle accident attorney will help with:

• Investigating your claim
• Gathering evidence
• Negotiating with insurance
• Filing legal motions
• Representing you in a trial

It is in your best interest to find and hire your motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. You will want someone on your side! You will want an advocate in your corner while you are recovering and your lawyer is a great resource.

Getting the Help You Need

At Shane Stafford Law, we are ready to set up a consultation with you and discuss how we can help! Our motorcycle accident attorneys will help you navigate the legal process that is ahead. We understand that motorcycle accidents don’t just involve physical injuries. You may be suffering from mental trauma, pain, loss of earnings, and future medical expenses.

Your attorney will listen and help make sense of your complex case. Contact the Stafford Firm for a free consultation today! We can walk you through the process of a motorcycle accident in Florida. We are open Monday – Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. You can reach us by calling (561) 540-4533 or visiting us at 2290 10^th Avenue North, Suite 302, Lake Worth, Florida 33461

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