Every year, around 8,000 victims are injured in motorcycle accidents in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If you’re one of them, you may already be experiencing the devastating losses.
Fortunately, you do have rights under state law and a skilled Florida motorcycle accident attorney can help. However, some matters are in your hands, so here’s a short list of what to do in the immediate aftermath.
Unless you’re incapacitated or already being transported by ambulance, you should call 911 for assistance as soon as you’ve safely settled your vehicle. Tell the dispatcher the critical details and the level of services you require, based upon the severity of your own injuries and any others who were hurt.
You should request the names, license plate numbers, and contact details for all motorists involved in the accident, regardless of who you think was at fault for the crash. In addition, ask for insurance policy information. If you’re entitled to seek compensation for your losses, you’ll typically start by filing a claim with an insurance company.
Beyond the basic information, don’t get too chatty with anyone else at the scene of the motorcycle accident. Avoid any conversations regarding your own actions or conduct by other drivers. You could accidentally reveal key details about fault and the nature of your injuries, or you may make statements that adversely affect your rights.
If you’re physically able based upon your injuries, do your best to document the scene of the motorcycle accident. Use your cell phone to take pictures of:
Plus, you should try to get contact information from individuals who were NOT involved in the crash – but who may have observed it. These eyewitnesses may be able to provide critical details. If there are any businesses near the scene that may have surveillance cameras, jot down the names.
This location of this item on your To-Do list will depend on the severity of your injuries, but you should seek treatment immediately after the collision. Medical care is essential for your health and well-being, and it can also impact your injury claim.
As a final item on your To-Do list after a motorcycle accident in Florida, you should reach out to a personal injury attorney for assistance. The process of filing an injury claim is complicated, and these matters are even more complex if you need to go to court to enforce your rights. For more information, please contact Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon in Pensacola or Miramar Beach. We can schedule a free case assessment to explain how these cases work and tell you about our legal services for clients throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast.