Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Winter Haven
The climate of Polk County is perfect for motorcycle riders. Whether it’s the winter or summer, you can get on a bike and ride in comfortable temperatures. However, there is a disadvantage to living in the area – accidents. Motorcycle accidents occur all too frequently. Often, they aren’t the fault of the motorcycle rider.
If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident, you could be eligible for compensation. With the help of a motorcycle accident attorney in Winter Haven, you could file a personal injury claim against a negligent driver. If successful, you could relieve the financial burden of your accident.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
People often associate motorcycle riders with risky behavior. However, this isn’t the case. Many riders are responsible and safe, following all the rules of the road. Nevertheless, they are still in danger. Other drivers put them at risk.
The following behaviors can cause a motorcycle accident:
- Failing to yield to a motorcyclist
- Roadway obstructions or hazards
- Bad weather that limits a car driver’s visibility
- Distracted driving
At times, another driver is to blame for the accident. For instance, a driver might be looking at their phone instead of watching the road. Or, they could switch lanes without looking in the adjacent lane. Either way, their negligence caused the accident.
However, there could be someone else to blame for the incident. If a construction crew left debris in the road, they might be liable. The government could be liable if they failed to display adequate signage of a sharp upcoming turn.
If you want to seek compensation for your accident, you need to determine the cause of the accident. The negligent party is responsible for your damages, and an attorney can work towards making them pay. You could receive money for all of the bills associated with the accident, as well as money for pain and suffering.
Insurance and Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders can carry different insurance than car drivers. In Florida, car drivers must have a minimum of Personal Injury Protection Insurance. However, motorcyclists do not have any minimum insurance requirements. If they are in an accident, the Financial Responsibility law protects them to a certain degree. You do not need to show that you are permanently injured to receive compensation for pain and suffering. Whether or not you have a lifelong disability, you could seek damages for pain and suffering.
Nonetheless, riders should still look into getting insurance. If you are in an accident with another vehicle, you should have some level of protection. Accident laws only protect you if the other driver is at fault for the accident.
Additionally, some Florida drivers don’t have any insurance. Although they are required to be insured by law, they might be uninsured. Even if they are at fault, their lack of insurance means they can’t afford to pay you for damages. You can get uninsured protection through your insurance to help you deal with uninsured motorists.
Working with a personal injury attorney in Winter Haven can help you understand motorcycle accidents and insurance. They can answer your questions and explain your options.
How to Handle a Motorcycle Accident
Most people aren’t prepared for a motorcycle accident. Even if you’ve been involved in one before, the shock of an accident makes it difficult for people to react in a calm manner. But preparing yourself for how to handle the accident can ease your stress. Here are a few steps you should take after your accident:
1. Move Away From Danger
Immediately following the accident, try to get out of harm’s way. This means moving out of the road and getting away from any gas spills or damaged poles. In some rare cases, bikes can catch fire. You should get far enough away that you are safe from any potential fires or other hazards. If possible, check the other driver and passengers for injuries and get them safe.
2. Call the Authorities
As soon as you are safe, call the police. No matter how minor the accident may be, you should have the police arrive on the scene. They can document the accident in a police report, which may help you demonstrate the other driver’s fault.
If you have serious injuries, you should also ask for the EMS to come to the scene. Although you might not want to deal with the cost of urgent medical care, your health is more important. At the very least, you should visit a doctor shortly after the accident.
3. Collect Your Own Evidence
If possible, collect evidence at the scene. Take pictures of the damage and any injuries. Additionally, take photographs of cross streets and the other vehicle.
Sometimes, witnesses will stick around after an accident. Write down the contact information for witnesses. If you file a claim against the other driver, their testimony could help your case.
4. Keep Track of Your Expenses
A personal injury claim could pay you for all of your accident-related expenses. But if you want compensation, you need proof of those expenses. Save all of your medical bills and receipts for any other expenses. This includes doctor’s office copayments, medications, and therapy.
You could also receive money for any missed time from work. Once again, you should document this. Keep an accurate record of missed time and how much that missed time cost you.
5. Call a Lawyer
On some occasions, the motorcycle rider is responsible for the crash. This was the case for a young Winter Haven motorcycle rider who crashed into a garbage truck. However, most accidents are caused by another driver’s negligence.
An attorney can help you achieve justice. They can take you through the legal steps you need to take for compensation.
Working with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Winter Haven
In 2008, there were 17 fatal motorcycle accidents in Polk County. In many other accidents, the victims sustained serious injuries. A bad accident can destroy a victim’s life and the lives of their family members.
Here at Abercrombie, P.A, we want to help you receive justice. We can stand up to insurance companies and negligent parties to get you what you deserve.
