Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic and devastating, causing severe injuries and fatalities. In Florida, motorcycle accidents are unfortunately all too common, with thousands of crashes occurring yearly. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Lakeland or the surrounding area, you must seek the help of skilled Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyers.
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents resulted in 567 fatalities in 2021. The number of deaths has been fairly consistent since 2015:
2015: 584
2016: 545
2017: 552
2018: 531
2019: 550
2020: 552
These numbers need to be lowered. They indicate the need for greater awareness and safety precautions for motorcyclists and other drivers on the road.
Road hazards: Uneven surfaces, potholes, and debris on the road can all cause motorcycle accidents.
Vehicle malfunctions: When a vehicle’s brakes, tires, or other critical components fail, it can cause an accident.
Weather conditions:Florida thunderstorms and other inclement weather can make the roads more dangerous for motorcyclists.
How to Determine Fault
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident can be a complex process. It requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading up to the crash. Some of the factors that may be considered when determining fault include the following:
If you suffer an injury in a motorcycle accident, your attorney will investigate to gather as much evidence as possible to help build your case. This evidence may include:
Medical records
Documentation of your injuries and medical treatment can help demonstrate the severity of your injuries. Documents can also show the impact of your injuries on your life.
Police reports
The police officer arriving at the accident scene will investigate and file a report. This report will contain the officer’s opinion of how the wreck took place. It could prove to be essential evidence in your case.
Photographs and videos
Pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to your motorcycle can all help support your case.
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to take the following steps:
Seek medical attention: You must see a doctor immediately, even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt. Many injuries don’t show symptoms until long after they first occur.
Report the accident: Contact the police and report the accident immediately. The police report will provide the necessary accident documentation and may help determine fault.
Gather information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident, as well as the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Take pictures and videos: Use your phone or camera to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle.
Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident and provide them with any documentation or information they need.
Don’t admit fault: Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, don’t admit fault. If you do, the opposition will use this against you later in legal proceedings.
What is Motorcycle Bias, and How Could it Affect Your Case?
Motorcycle bias refers to some people's negative attitudes and stereotypes toward motorcyclists. This bias can affect how others perceive motorcyclists, including police officers, insurance adjusters, and even jurors. For example, some people may assume that motorcyclists are reckless or dangerous, even if they are not at fault for the accident.
Motorcycle bias can be particularly problematic in legal proceedings, influencing how an attorney handles a case and how much compensation a jury may award if the case goes to trial. It’s essential to work with experienced Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyers who understand these biases and can work to overcome them in your case.
When Should You Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Lakeland or the surrounding area, it’s a good idea to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help gather evidence, determine fault, and build a solid case to get the compensation you deserve.
Some signs that you may need to hire an attorney include the following:
Serious injuries
If you’ve suffered a severe injury in a motorcycle accident, you may need help getting the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Disputed liability
If there is a dispute about who was at fault for the accident, a lawyer can help gather evidence and build a case to support your claim.
Insurance company disputes
If the insurance company offers a low settlement or denies your claim, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to get a fair settlement.
Alfred
Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.
Erica F.
"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"
T. Andrews
“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”
E. Holland
Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!
C. Smith
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J. Davis
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Contact Osborne & Francis
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, but with the help of experienced Lakeland motorcycle accident lawyers, you can get the compensation you need to recover and move on with your life. If you've suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, taking the necessary steps to protect your legal rights and get the support you need is essential.
Contact Osborne & Francis online or call (561) 264-6238 to schedule a free evaluation of your case. We’ll tell you more about your legal options and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
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