Motorcycle accidents happen every day in Florida. In 2021, one of the first motorcycle accidents of the year happened on New Years’ Day. The hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Clearwater resulted in critical injuries for a motorcyclist. The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision, a 36-year Clearwater man, was later charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an injury crash, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Unfortunately, incidents like this one happen far too frequently.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported that in 2020, there were 7,978 motorcycle accidents in Florida, resulting in 6,917 injuries and 498 deaths. Without the protection offered by a vehicle, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputation injuries, and broken bone injuries.
At the Coleman Law Group, we have seen firsthand how a motorcycle accident in Florida can cause a catastrophic injury or tragic death. Our founder Constance D. Coleman has experienced the devastation of a motorcycle accident personally, in her immediate family. In today’s blog, we will explore some of the ways you can protect yourself before and after a Florida Motorcycle Accident.
#1 – Carry Adequate Insurance
Florida has the highest uninsured driver rate in the country, and many drivers are not licensed or have had their license revoked, often due to being unable to pay ticket fees. In November 2020, Forbes reported that one in four drivers in Florida doesn’t have insurance, and that there are nearly 2 million drivers on Florida roads that are driving with a suspended license.
If you drive a car or operate a motorcycle in Florida, one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is carry adequate insurance, including both collision and uninsured motorist coverage. Even though uninsured motorist coverage is an additional expense, the risk of being involved in a crash with an uninsured driver is substantial.
#2 – Get Medical Care Promptly
Many people are tempted to go home and rest after an accident. Especially during times when many people are in the hospital due to COVID-19, it may be tempting to avoid an emergency room. However, medical care is important for your own physical well-being, and your future personal injury claim. Your medical records following an accident are important evidence. Getting medical care promptly, and following through with your health care provider’s recommendations is necessary to recover maximum compensation.
#3 – Contact an Attorney As Soon As Possible
Do not provide a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster or accept any compensation offer, without first talking to an attorney. The Coleman Law Group offers a free consultation. If you are navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle crash, we are here to provide guidance and resources, and to help you obtain justice. If we handle your claim, we will build a strong case and hold negligent parties accountable for medical care expenses, future medical care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, we will not waste any time taking your case to court.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you are injured or have lost a loved one in a Florida motorcycle accident, you do not have to fight the insurance companies alone. Contact the Coleman Law Group as soon as possible. If we represent you, we will not charge any legal fees unless we recover money for you.
The post Protecting Your Legal Rights Before And After A Florida Motorcycle Accident appeared first on Personal Injury Law | Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater.
