What to Know if You’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident in Florida
Florida offers the perfect climate for motorcycle riders, and combined with permissive helmet laws, the state is full of thousands of riders who take to the road on their motorcycles. Florida has the second-highest registered motorcycle population in the United States, but it also has the highest number of motorcycle-related fatality accidents every year.
The 2016 report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles showed that there were 10,331 accidents that involved motorcycles that resulted in 8,256 injuries and 515 fatalities. Motorcycles only make up three percent of all registered vehicles but are involved in over 20 percent of the fatality accidents in the sunshine state.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
With such startling statistics, it is important to understand the kinds of accidents that often involve motorcycles. While some are the result of the motorcycle driver’s own mistakes, some are due to the following reasons:
- Distracted drivers
- Aggressive drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Drivers that violate traffic laws
- Road hazards
- Defective motorcycle parts
While this list doesn’t represent all of the factors that can result in motorcycle accidents, it shows how the negligence of another party can quickly result in serious injury or even death of a motorcyclist.
Steps to Take if You’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are certain steps that you should try to do if you are able to.
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Don’t leave the scene of the accident. Stay calm and check for injuries. If necessary, call 911 to get emergency medical help.
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Call the police and report the accident.
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Exchange names, contact information, and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident.
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Get the names and contact information for any witnesses of the accident.
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Take pictures of the vehicles involved as well as the scene of the accident.
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Don’t make any statements of fault to any other parties including the police and insurance adjusters, even if you feel like you might have been partially responsible for the accident.
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Make notes about the accident because you may have to recall all the details later in court and they won’t be as easy to recall later.
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Even if you think you haven’t been injured, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible and have the accident documented in your chart. Some injuries don’t show symptoms for days or even weeks after the accident.
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Keep a record of all your expenses including things like vehicle rentals, medical and prescription expenses, household help, etc.
Most Importantly, Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
People who have representation from an experienced personal injury attorney receive three and a half times more settlement money than those who represent themselves according to the Insurance Research Council. That is why it is important to contact a knowledgeable, experienced Florida attorney at Leifer & Ramirez. We can guide you through your case and make sure that you get the treatment and compensation that you deserve while you recover from your injuries. Contact us today for a consultation at one of our convenient Florida locations.
Resources:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2016.pdf
orlandosentinel.com/news/traffic/os-motorcycle-deaths-bike-week-20170311-story.html
