Being involved in a motorcycle accident may feel incredibly jarring. In the chaotic aftermath of the crash, you may not know up from down, let alone have the wherewithal to determine what to do next.
However, the actions you take in the hours and days after your accident significantly impact the compensation process. Review these five essential steps to know what to do after a motorcycle accident in Florida.
1. Call the Police and Paramedics
Your first priority after a motorcycle crash is safety. Move out of the roadway if possible and call 911.
A police officer will come to the scene to direct traffic away from the vehicles and create a police report. This is their record of how the crash happened, who it involved, and who was at fault. The police report will prove helpful during an insurance claim or lawsuit.Â
You should also request that paramedics come to the accident scene, even if your injuries only seem minor. They will assess your injuries and determine whether you need to go to the hospital. Often, the sooner you seek treatment, the better your recovery outcomes will be.
2. Take Photos and Videos of the Scene
If you can safely do so, taking photos and videos of the accident scene will significantly bolster your claim down the line. These records will help paint a picture of how the accident happened. Once you leave the scene of the crash, much of this evidence will disappear.
If you are not able to take photos and videos yourself, ask a bystander to take them for you or double-check that the police officer has taken them as part of their report. This is also a good time to write down the contact information of anyone who saw the accident. They can provide witness statements to support your case.
3. Seek Medical Attention, Even If You Feel Fine
The next step to take after a motorcycle accident in Florida is to seek medical treatment, even if you feel okay. The adrenaline from the accident may lead you to overlook significant injuries. It’s worth seeking an evaluation from your physician to ensure nothing is wrong.
Medical documentation will also support your insurance claim or lawsuit. It will help tie your injuries directly to the accident and show that they were not pre-existing or from some other cause. If you were to wait a few weeks to go to a doctor, you may have trouble proving that the ailment resulted from the motorcycle accident.
You can also keep other injury documentation, such as a journal of your symptoms, to support your claim.
4. Let Your Insurance Company Know
Call your insurance company within a day or two of the accident to notify them, even if another driver was clearly at fault. Your insurer will request a copy of the police report and conduct its own investigation to determine which party was responsible. They may also contact the other driver’s insurance company and start a claim.
Either way, your insurer will need to know that your motorcycle endured damage and that you are not driving it at the moment. They may adjust your policy accordingly.
5. Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Florida
Motorcycle accidents often produce serious, life-altering injuries. These expensive cases benefit from the help of experienced legal professionals.
Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney may improve your chances of securing adequate compensation. It will take the stress of the accident off your shoulders while you focus on healing.
Seasoned attorneys know how to navigate the evidence collection process and gather compelling proof to support your case. They are also skilled in negotiating with insurance companies and seeking the maximum compensation.
At Steinberg Law, P.A., we help clients know what to do after a motorcycle accident in Florida. Let our attorneys fight for your rights and guide you through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Contact us today at 877-783-4611 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.
