Motorcycle accidents are often more serious than car or truck accidents because riders lack safety protections found in automobiles. Even if a rider is wearing a helmet, a motorcycle accident will cause a person to be thrown from the bike or impact the ground. Consequently, motorcycle accidents typically result in more serious injuries as compared to automobile or truck accidents.
Have you or someone you know been involved in a motorcycle accident? It is important to hire a Florida attorney that has the experience to handle your case. With over 30 years of experience serving Jacksonville, Mr. Gibbs and his team will fight to deliver the compensation you deserve. Call us to schedule your consultation today.
Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident in Florida:
Step 1- Call 911
Accident victims often debate whether to call the police. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Florida, call 911. Emergency dispatchers will send personnel required to secure the scene, including paramedics if needed. The responding officer will create an accident report that is often used as evidence by your attorney when litigating your case. When you call 911 stay calm and professional. You do not need to discuss who is at fault or provide specific details to the dispatcher. Simply relay the facts and relevant information such as- where the accident took place, if there are any injuries, etc.
Step 2- Document Accident Scene
If you can safely document the accident scene, it is recommended you do so. Use your phone to take pictures and videos of anything you think might be relevant to your case. Document the position of vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, street signs, and even the other driver. Video preserves oral statements, and can capture bad behavior such as aggressiveness or slurred speech. Do not be afraid to roll video as you are talking to the driver and witnesses at the scene.
After documenting the scene, record your “own” account of what happened. Simply go over the basics: The time and day. Where you were traveling. What direction you were traveling. How the accident occurred. What direction the vehicle that hit you was traveling. And anything unusual you saw or noticed i.e. driver swerving, speeding, or using a cellphone.
Step 3- Get Driver / Officer Information
Obtain and exchange insurance information with all parties involved at the accident scene. Ask for traditional contact info too, such as- name, address, phone number, and email address. Additionally, ask the responding officer for their general information- name, contact info, and badge number.
Step 4- Seek Medical Treatment
It is important to seek medical treatment immediately after your accident. A medical professional will document your injuries and recommend treatment options that will act as evidence when seeking compensation. Shock and subsequent adrenaline rush after traumatic accidents can delay your body’s ability to detect injury. Even if you smoothly laid the bike down, and feel “ok,” go see a doctor immediately after being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Step 5- Contact Insurance Company and Experienced Lawyer
Our law firm, the Law Office of Craig Gibbs, specializes in personal injury law. It is all we do. We handle the following types of cases: car wrecks, truck wrecks, motorcycle crashes, crashes caused by DUI drivers, job injuries, wrongful death, workers compensation, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, prescription drug errors, birth injuries, defective product injuries, slip and falls and much more. If you were hurt because of someone’s negligence or carelessness, call us now. Mr. Gibbs has years of experience fighting insurance companies and he will use that experience to get you the compensation that you deserve. Best of all, all consultations are free and you pay no fees unless we win your case!