A motorcycle accident can be physically devastating, but it does not have to be financially crippling. By following a few simple rules, you can minimize the potential damage to your finances. But, first of all, always prioritize your safety. If you have been injured, you should immediately move away from the scene of the accident if you can and call 911. If the accident has happened due to someone else’s negligence, we’ll talk about how you can file a claim for damages later in this article.
We’ll also talk about why it’s a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney about your case and not to trust insurance companies blindly after a crash. Most insurance companies want to pay as little as possible after a wreck. They are trying to protect their bottom line, so they will try to minimize your claim. While you should be wary of any settlement offer that does not come with a high dollar value, it’s a mistake to accept an offer that seems too good to be true. This will only make your situation even more difficult.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Tampa:
Following the right steps after a motorcycle accident is important and will maximize your chances of getting appropriate compensation.
1. Seek medical care even if you feel fine.
If you’ve been injured in the accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. It’s best to see a doctor even if your injuries are not life-threatening. If you’re in mild pain and feel disoriented, you should take some time to calm down and then find your way to hospital. While you’re at the hospital, try to get a photo of the damaged bike. If you can, take pictures of the damaged bike to document the damage.
After an accident, it’s important to gather as much documentation as possible. Photos and videos can show the extent of your injuries. If you’re hurt, you may need to undergo continuous treatment for weeks. If you have a permanent injury, contact your attorney immediately. A Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to help you get the best compensation for your medical bills. It is crucial to get the necessary care after a motorcycle accident in Tampa.
2. Call the police or ask someone nearby to call them
The next thing to do after a motorcycle accident is to contact the police. The police will file a police report, which will be useful in establishing liability and seeking monetary compensation. Once you’ve filed a claim, you can then begin collecting evidence to support your case. This is an important step in your motorcycle accident recovery. If the other driver is at fault, you should be able to seek financial damages from the responsible party.
It’s important to contact the police and make sure everyone is safe. Having a police report will prove crucial later on when it comes to filing a compensation claim for a motorcycle accident. Besides the police report, you should also collect the insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident, so you can get in touch with them. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
3. Collect as much evidence as you can from the scene
A photo or video of the accident scene is important, so that you can use them later in court. If you’re injured, you may want to ask witnesses to provide testimony and contact information. Take pictures of the crash scene and the damage to your bike. You can also get witnesses to testify in your case. If you are in the hospital, ask a friend to take photos of the crash scene and the other driver’s car. You should also request a copy of the police report. This will be crucial for your case. Make sure to follow all traffic laws and take photographs of any vehicle that may have caused the accident.
Use the contacts you collected from witnesses to see if they took any pictures or videos; they may have captured from angles that you didn’t. It’s important to collect this information so that you can make the best claim possible.
4. Call a Tampa motorcycle accident attorney
While you are not obligated to seek legal advice, having a thorough attorney can be the difference between ending up with crippling medical and legal debt or recovering financially afterwards. A Tampa personal injury lawyer can begin gathering evidence to present to the insurance company. If the accident is minor, you don’t need to talk to anyone at the scene. It’s important not to admit fault because your statements could be twisted and you could lose out on compensation. Furthermore, the insurance company may try to get you to confess to something, which won’t help your case.
Your attorney can explain your legal rights to you. They will also be helpful in the process of gathering evidence, explaining what the claims procedure should be, and navigating crafty insurance companies and their agents.
If you’re not able to make the call, ask any of your friends and family to do so.
5. Call the insurance company.
Florida is the only state in the country that does not mandate insurance for motorcycle riders. However, while it is not mandatory, it is very highly advisable to have one. Personal Injury Protection policies come in handy when you get into an accident. You will be covered to the extent of your damages. If you’re insured, they would be your first point of call.
The insurance company must act in good faith, so it’s essential to call your insurance provider immediately. If your insurance company has a plan for the accident, it may be wise to get a copy of the policy. Your attorney will fight the denial and ensure you get a fair settlement if the insurance company denies your claim.
If you’re not insured and you’ve been hit by an at-fault motorist, you will get their insurance information and call them. All motor vehicle drivers are required by Florida law to have a PIP policy of at least $10,000. They would be the ones to reimburse you. If the other party did not have the insurance coverage, they are personally responsible for your damages.
After an accident, avoid making statements or giving statements to the at-fault’s insurance company without talking to your attorney. This can lead to a twisted statement that can cost you valuable compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize the liability of their clients by getting you to admit fault or to reduce your damages. Your attorney will be able to negotiate a fair amount with the insurance company.
Remember, the sooner you get your claim approved, the better your chances of recovering monetary compensation.
How to File a Personal Injury Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in Tampa
Ask your attorney to contact the insurance company and file a claim. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. While insurance adjusters represent the insurer, it is important to remember that they are not your advocate. The insurance adjuster will try to convince you that you were at fault for the crash. You should speak to a motorcycle accident attorney first.
The deadline for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit is different. Personal injury claims must be filed within four years after the accident. If someone else was responsible for the accident, it is their responsibility to file a wrongful death suit. If the other party was at fault, it is your right to seek damages. The Florida law requires that an injured person file a lawsuit within two years of the accident. Regardless of the type of case, the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit is short.
What kind of compensation can you get after a motorcycle accident in Tampa?
It is your right to make sure you are compensated for your losses. The insurance company should pay you the full amount for your injuries. The insurance agent may not give you the full compensation you are entitled to. Do not ignore your rights to compensation.
Your compensation will vary depending on the nature of the accident. If you were injured in a car accident, the insurance company may not be able to cover your medical expenses if you had not taken a motorcycle insurance cover. However, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, the other party’s insurance company may be able to cover the cost of your recovery. For more information, contact your lawyer. When you have been injured in a motorbike accident, it is imperative to seek the highest compensation possible.
Aside from medical bills, a personal injury attorney will provide a detailed analysis of your injuries. Keeping detailed medical records and copies of medical bills is important. These documents will demonstrate what you suffered from the crash. If you have sustained a spinal injury, you should contact a Tampa personal injury attorney to file a claim. Although the insurance company may not agree to cover the full amount of your expenses, you are entitled to compensation if you have been injured in a motorbike accident.
Depending on the extent of your injury and the degree of fault the court assigns you, you could be eligible for partial or full compensation. A Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Unquantifiable anguish and pain and suffering caused by the motorcycle accident.
- Lost wages for the period of recovery
- Medical bills and long term care.
- If you are the victim of a serious crash, your spouse may be entitled to additional compensation.
Motorcycle Insurance Laws in Tampa
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, you may be wondering about motorcycle insurance laws in Florida. The first thing you should know is that it is NOT a legal requirement to have insurance when driving a motorcycle in Florida. The law requires drivers to give motorcyclists the right of way. Failure to yield the right of way could result in a fatal crash, and distracted or drunk driving can be just as dangerous..
If you don’t carry motorcycle insurance, you will not be covered in case you are involved in an accident. Although you don’t have to purchase insurance to drive a motorcycle, you will be responsible for any medical expenses if you don’t have it. A DUI or other criminal conviction will not compensate you for any damages you sustained in an accident. In addition, a criminal charge will not pay for mounting medical expenses.
A case for getting non-mandatory insurance cover for your motorcycle
Even if motorcycle insurance is not mandatory in Tampa, you should consider getting it. In Florida, a motorcyclist must show proof of financial responsibility prior to an accident. Getting proof of financial responsibility will help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident. You may be able to get a self-insurance certificate or post a surety bond with a licensed company. By obtaining a self-insurance certificate, you can show that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of an accident.
The Tampa area is one of the most dangerous cities in Florida for motorcyclists. Many speeding cars and drunk drivers fail to watch for motorcycles. If you are injured in a collision, you are required to get compensation from the negligent driver’s insurance. If the other driver is at fault, you will be liable for the damages caused by the accident. You may be able to file a criminal charge. However, it will not pay your mounting medical expenses.
Having a motorcycle insurance policy will protect you against any lawsuits related to an accident.
Having a motorcycle insurance policy will protect you against any lawsuits related to an accident. If you are injured, you need to be compensated. You have to pay for damages if you are unable to pay. You should also have a lawyer on your side who can help you with your claim. Having a lawyer in Tampa will help you avoid unnecessary legal fees and court costs. This is because your attorney will work hard on your behalf.
In Tampa and the surrounding areas, motorcyclists are among the most endangered types of road users. Speeding cars and drunk drivers fail to share the road and fail to watch out for motorcycles. If you are injured by a reckless driver, you may be able to file a civil suit. The criminal charge will not reimburse you for damages or cover mounting medical expenses. Therefore, it is crucial to have motorcycle insurance to protect yourself.
Contact Coleman Law Group, Tampa-based motorcycle accident lawyers, as soon as possible after the accident. We will help you win the fight against insurance companies that don’t want to pay you out and help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet as soon as possible.
