Motorcycles represent the thrill of tackling the open road, but it is also a risky activity. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that when motorcycle accidents occur, the rider was 27 times more likely to die than a car driver.
While helmets can decrease significantly the amount of head injuries incurred during an accident, when they occur there’s a higher likelihood the driver will have injuries.
For those who have been involved in motorcycle accidents, here are some examples of when to seek an attorney.
You Need Legal Guidance
Sometimes you are unsure of where to start after an accident occurs; this is where reputable legal advice can be helpful. A motorcycle attorney works on your behalf to gain a better understanding of what happened during the accident, the steps you took afterward and what care you might need—both from a medical and financial standpoint—moving forward.
By seeking legal advice, you’ll receive a fresh perspective on the next steps you should take and you’ll have an advocate working on your behalf to help you at every turn.
You Require Medical Care
A motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries, amounting to significant medical bills. When this unfortunate event happens, you’ll want someone on your side who understands Florida motorcycle laws and will work hard to help you potentially receive the compensation you need to pay for your medical bills and other expenses.
If you have been in an accident, it’s important that you take swift action, as Florida has a four-year statute of limitations concerning lawsuits filed for motorcycle accidents. Furthermore, the longer you take to file your claim, the less you and/or other witnesses might be able to recall specific details pertaining to the accident, making your case more difficult to present.
Insurance Won’t Pay Its Fair Share
There’s a misconception that when an accident occurs the insurance provider will pay out to protect its customer. Insurance companies concern themselves first with their financial bottom line, so it isn’t surprising to find instances where the insurance values your claim well below what you should receive or they deny your claim outright.
When these events happen, it could leave you on the hook for unexpected medical expenses, crippling your finances. Therefore, seeking legal guidance, especially before giving information to your insurance provider, helps you to take the action necessary to protect your best interests.
