What Steps Should I Take Following a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?

Many motorcycle accidents, unfortunately, result in severe injuries due to the lack of physical protection motorcyclists have while riding. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, continue reading to learn the steps you should take immediately following your accident. If you require assistance with an upcoming personal injury claim, look no further than our experienced Florida personal injury attorney. Here are some questions you may have regarding motorcycle accident and personal injury claims:

What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?

Motorcycle accidents are often caused by negligence. This means that many negligent auto drivers will walk away unscathed while the motorcyclist may not be so lucky. The most common forms of negligence to cause motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Speeding
• Driving while distracted
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driving while tired or fatigued
• Reckless driving
• Eating, smoking, or navigating directions while driving
• Tailing motorcyclists
• Texting while driving
• Failure to comply with traffic lights, signs, and other road rules
• Failure to look before merging or changing lanes

Accidents can also be caused by outside factors besides negligence including the following conditions: road conditions, weather, or defective motorcycle or auto parts. If the cause of your accident was a defective auto part, you may have a valid product liability case.

What should I do after a motorcycle accident?

While you are still at the scene of your accident, it is important to have a plan. Take the following steps to protect yourself and to set yourself up for a successful personal injury claim, should you choose to take legal action in the future against the negligent party responsible for your damages:

1. Alert the authorities. Be sure to request medical assistance. The police will create a police report that can later support a future claim.
2. Seek immediate medical attention once the ambulance arrives.
3. Collect all relevant medical documents.
4. Collect the other party’s insurance information.
5. Take photographs of the damage caused by the accident.
6. Collect any witnesses’ contact information.
7. Reach out to a personal injury attorney who will work to satisfy the burden of proof to recover the compensation you require to heal.

It is also important to note that most motorcyclists are not allowed to have PIP insurance, a form of no-fault insurance. This is another reason why it is so necessary for motorcyclists to retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney.

What is the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims in Florida?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally four years in Florida. This means that you will have four years from the date of your motorcycle accident to take legal action against the negligent party responsible for your accident. Failure to file your claim within this timeframe may result in you being barred from suing. To get started with this process as soon as possible, contact our firm.

Contact Our Experienced Florida Firm

If you have been injured in an accident due to no fault of your own, you need an attorney who truly cares about your right to heal. Merricks Law Group handles a wide array of injury claims, including injuries sustained in auto accidents, slip and falls, and more. Contact Merricks Law Group today.