Individuals who suffered injuries and damages due to another’s negligence and want to preserve their legal rights need to know what to do after a motorcycle crash. At the accident scene, you should:
- Remain at the scene until the arrival of police.
- Dial 911 for law enforcement and medical help.
- Try to take pictures of the accident scene and vehicles if possible.
- Stay calm and try not to argue with other drivers or admit fault.
- Collect contact details of any witnesses.
- Get insurance information and contact details of the at-fault driver.
- Contact a motorcycle or car accident lawyer Fort Lauderdale who handles motorcycle accidents.
After the motorcycle accident: Here’s what to do next
Knowing which actions to take in the days after a motorcycle crash can help you recover your due later.
Seek Medical Advice
An important thing to do after an accident is to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have not done so. There are two main reasons for this.
First, several potentially serious injuries may not manifest or show symptoms for days or possibly weeks, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to the Mayo Clinic.
Other injuries that may have delayed symptoms can include:
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Back injuries (e.g., a slipped disc or a back sprain)
Second, getting prompt medical attention will also provide you with a record of your injuries. A medical report will be an absolutely crucial piece of evidence if you are later considering holding the at-fault party to account for your injuries. Without proving your injuries and damages, you will be unable to recover compensation.
Seek counsel from a motorcycle or car accident lawyer
When it comes to motorcycle crashes, it is never too early to seek legal advice and protect your legal rights. Getting in touch with a lawyer who can advise you on how to handle your motorcycle accident case as soon as possible can be a good first step.
Your Fort Myers car accident lawyer can get to work immediately and gather evidence for your case and communicate with the relevant insurance companies to ensure you are not leaving any money on the table. Without legal representation, you:
- Might not know all your legal rights
- May not understand your case’s true worth
- Could incorrectly calculate your damages
- Risk accepting a too-low settlement offer from an insurance
- May have to face the other side’s lawyers at court
How much time do I have to take legal action?
Knowing the right timing for your lawsuit can be crucial if you want to recover adequate damages. Victims who suffered significant and life-changing injuries, in most instances, are better off waiting until they have reached maximum possible improvement. Others may wish to wait until they have recovered fully.
Immediately after an accident, it can be next to impossible for medical professionals to know the full extent of medical treatments a person might need. They also may not be able to determine if the person can work again or return to their profession.
Waiting too long to initiate a lawsuit, on the other hand, can come with several pitfalls also, such as:
- Important evidence can disappear over time.
- Eyewitnesses may move away or forget important details.
- Victims could miss the deadline for filing a lawsuit.
Per Florida Statute § 95.11 (3)(a), motorcycle accident victims generally have to file a personal injury lawsuit within four years. Family members who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash generally have only two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
A lawyer can help determine the best possible timing for filing your lawsuit for your motorcycle accident. Your attorney can advise you on your best next steps and the perfect timing for getting justice.
How can a motorcycle accident lawyer help me?
Working with a lawyer can take a weight off your shoulders and offer peace of mind as you recover from your motorcycle accident. However, an attorney can also help in practical ways such as:
- Fighting for your interests
In theory, getting your due should be straightforward. If another party caused your accident and injuries, their insurance is generally responsible for your damages once your personal protection insurance coverage is exhausted.
However, not all insurance companies play nice. An accident lawyer can represent you and negotiate for a fair settlement from the insurance company.
- Prepare your case against the at-fault party
Your accident lawyer will aim to build a comprehensive case against the at-fault party by gathering evidence that proves fault and collecting proof for your damages. They may also engage expert witnesses to strengthen your case against the negligent party.
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