Motorcycles provide their riders with a sense of freedom and closeness to the road that no other mode of transportation can match. Unfortunately, this freedom sometimes comes with a price. Motorcycle accidents kill and injure thousands of riders each year. It’s not because motorcycles are overly dangerous, or that their riders are reckless. In fact, in a majority of the motorcycle accidents involving a car or truck collision, the driver of the other vehicle is at fault.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another, you have a right to seek compensation for all the damages resulting from this accident. These damages include pain, suffering, the costs of your medical bills and lost wages. A Winter Haven motorcycle accident attorney can help.
Don’t Agree to a Settlement With the Insurance Company Until You’ve Spoken With Us
After a motorcycle accident, don’t agree to any settlement with the insurance company until you’ve had a chance to speak with an experienced attorney. The insurance companies don’t care about the long-term, ongoing medical expenses your injuries may require. They just want your case to go away as quickly and as cheaply for them as possible.
Winter Haven motorcycle accident attorney Tania L Rivas and the Rivas Law Group have been successfully representing victims of motorcycle accidents for over 20 years. We have helped clients in Winter Haven, Lutz, Lakeland and neighboring communities win substantial settlements in a wide variety of motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle Accidents Involving Other Vehicles
A majority of motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles happen when the other vehicle fails to see the motorcycle while changing lanes, pulling into traffic or going through intersections. Injuries sustained in these kinds of motorcycle accidents can be severe and even fatal, including brain and spinal cord injuries, broken bones, damage to internal organs, road rash, disfigurement and paralysis. These injuries often require expensive, ongoing medical treatment and physical therapy and may leave you unable to work ever again.
Single Motorcycle Accidents
Unfortunately, the major culprits in single motorcycle accidents are the riders themselves. The leading causes of single motorcycle accidents are speeding and DUI. However, this is not always the case. Defective parts, improper road maintenance and road debris can result in single rider motorcycle accidents. These can be tough cases to prove and require the attention of a motorcycle accident injury attorney with the expertise and dedication to uncover the real causes of the accident and establish who is responsible.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
The moments following a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Taking the right steps can protect your health, your legal rights, and ensure you have the evidence needed to pursue a claim. Here’s a crucial guide on what to do after a motorcycle accident:
1. Check for Injuries and Call for Help
- Ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move yourself and your motorcycle to a safe location out of traffic.
- Assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately for any serious injuries or if anyone appears unconscious.
2. Secure the Scene
- If you’re able, turn on your hazard lights and use cones or flares to warn other drivers of the accident.
3. Exchange Information
- Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of all involved drivers.
- If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information as well. Their testimony can be valuable later.
4. Report the Accident
- File a police report, even for minor accidents. The police report will document the scene, details of the accident, and any witness statements.
5. Document the Scene
- Take pictures of the damage to your motorcycle, the surrounding area (including traffic signs and signals), and any visible injuries.
- Note the road conditions, weather, and time of day.
6. Seek Medical Attention
- Get a medical evaluation, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline can mask injuries, and some injuries, like internal bleeding, may not present immediate symptoms.
- A medical evaluation will create a record of your injuries and ensure you receive proper treatment.
7. Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
- An experienced Winter Haven motorcycle accident attorney can advise you of your legal rights and help navigate the insurance claim process.
- They can assist you in gathering evidence, dealing with the insurance company, and negotiating a fair settlement.
By following these steps after a motorcycle accident, you can prioritize your health, gather important evidence, and protect your legal options. Remember, this is just a general guide, and the specific actions you take may vary depending on the circumstances of your accident.
How an Experienced Winter Haven Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
Tania Rivas and the attorneys at the Rivas Law Group are totally committed to the welfare of our clients. Our only goal is to obtain the compensation you deserve for all the pain and suffering caused by your accident. We do this by gathering the evidence needed to establish proof as to who was actually responsible for your accident.
Our team will go over your medical bills and consult with experts to determine the true extent of your financial damages. We use these facts in our negotiations with the insurance companies. They’ve dealt with us before and know we mean business. They know if we don’t reach a settlement that meets your needs, then we are ready, willing and able to argue your case in front of a judge and jury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents
What are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida?
Most of us know that riding a motorcycle can be dangerous because it lacks the enclosure and safety restraints of a car. Here is a list of some common causes for accidents while riding a motorcycle.
• Other Vehicles– drivers in other vehicles sometimes get distracted or simply don’t see motorcycles.
• Rider Error– Speeding and DUI’s are the most common causes of single vehicle motorcycle accidents.
• Mechanical Failures– worn or defective parts cause many accidents in Florida every year.
• Environmental Factors– Wind, Rain, and blowing dust can all be a hazard for riders.
• Road Hazards– Trash and debris on the road, and poorly lit or poorly maintained roads are all much more dangerous for motorcycles than cars.
What Are the Most Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents?
Some of the more common injuries from motorcycle accidents are:
• Road rash- can range from mild to extremely severe
• Bone fractures- fractures have the potential to permanently disable or disfigure a victim
• Head Injuries- skull fractures, concussion, traumatic brain injury
• Neck Injuries
Make sure you are taking proper precautions to reduce the chances of getting in an accident!
How Do I File a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another person, the law gives you the right to seek damages for those injuries. If possible, you should try to gather as much evidence at the scene of the accident as possible. Insurance info and contact info of the drivers involved, pictures of the accident scene, and contact info of witnesses can also be very helpful as you build your case.
File a Police report and seek medical attention. Having official records of the accident and your injuries are important as well. Make sure to keep all of your paperwork!
Finally, you should contact a personal injury attorney with experience negotiating and litigating motorcycle accident claims.
The Rivas Law Group is here to Protect Your Rights after your Winter Haven Motorcycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Winter Haven, Lomas, Lakeland and other South Florida communities, the most important thing to do is get the medical treatment you need and reach out to Winter Haven motorcycle accident attorney Tania Rivas.
Call us at (877) 299-5539 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We’re eager to speak with you – in Spanish or English, whichever is most comfortable for you – and discuss the facts in your case. We are here to answer any questions you may have and provide professional advice on the best way to move forward with your case.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis. This means there is no cost to you for accepting your case and we only collect our fee after we’ve gotten you your settlement. Our firm also serves victims of motorcycle accidents in Lakeland.
