5 Steps To Take If You’ve Been Injured In A Miami Motorcycle Accident

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Unfortunately, motorcycle awareness is low in Florida, and especially in Miami; a report from Safer America recently revealed that Miami-Dade leads Florida counties in having the highest average number of fatal motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities (most of which were caused by the negligence of the passenger car driver).

Being injured in a Miami motorcycle accident can be a devastating life experience for you and those who love you. The collision and resulting injuries could forever change your life, potentially permanently affecting your physical health, your mental well-being, your relationships, and your finances. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to suffer without compensation; you should be paid the full value of your injuries. However, most motorcyclists don’t know what they need to do – or even where to start – in order to get that compensation, which is why we’re writing this blog post!

Here are 5 steps that Miami motorcyclists can take to pursue the fair amount they deserve after being harmed in a crash!

1) Get Prompt Medical Attention (Even If You Don’t Think You Need It)

Not all serious injuries present themselves right away. If you’re able to walk away from the crash, that’s great, but don’t assume that you don’t need to go directly to the hospital. You shouldn’t just plan on treating yourself at home or resting until you feel better. Adrenaline can keep you from feeling the full effects of the collision, and again, some injuries take a few days to show up even without adrenaline’s presence. You need to undergo a full medical examination as soon as possible after the accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, it may be wise to be transported in an ambulance to the nearest emergency room even if you think you can just drive yourself.

Getting prompt medical attention is first and foremost in your best interests in terms of your health if you’ve been injured in a Miami motorcycle accident, but it is also in your best interests in terms of recovering compensation. Say you go home after the crash because you feel fine, but three weeks later are having trouble sleeping because of a pain in your back. You schedule an appointment with a chiropractor, only to find out you have a herniated disc; it’s most likely a result of the crash, but the insurance company can use that three week gap to say that the injury may not have been caused by your accident, but by something else that happened during that period they weren’t responsible for, so they don’t owe you compensation. That scenario happens often, but it can be avoided if you act quickly and see a doctor!

2) Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Careful About What You Say)

Your insurance policy legally requires you, the policyholder, to report an accident, but you don’t have to report it immediately or at the scene of the accident. You may be shaken up, understandably unsettled, in pain…you don’t yet have all of the details of the crash or know the full extent of your injuries. You can wait until later in the day or the next morning to notify them so that you don’t say anything untrue or accidentally incriminating that could be held against you. When you do talk to them, don’t admit fault by saying “I’m sorry” in any way or agree to sign anything. You do not have to notify the other driver’s insurance company; you should let your attorney do that for you later on.

3) Contact A Local Attorney (Who Handles Motorcycle Injury Claims)

No matter how kind your insurance adjuster/representative seems to be on the phone, insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, not your best interests. They are experts at paying out as little as possible to injured motorcyclists, or not paying out claims at all. Your best chances at recovering full damages lie with a team of legal professionals in Miami who have the experience, resources, and knowledge necessary to fight and win a fair settlement. Lawyers can stand up to the insurance company for you; they know the tactics necessary to get the insurance company to agree to pay you what your injuries are truly worth, and they can represent you at trial if the insurance company won’t comply.

The attorneys you choose matter. At The Florida Law Group, our Miami motorcycle accident lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience. We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients since 1984, and we frequently recover million or multi-million dollar verdicts for our clients. We have been recognized by multiple prestigious legal organizations, including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, for our dedication to winning. We offer free consultations so you can learn more about your options and get to know our team, and you never have to pay our legal fees until we win your case! There’s no risk or obligation in contacting us to discover how we can help you if you were injured in a Miami motorcycle accident.

4) Stay Off Of Social Media (Yes, This Is Necessary)

Many injured motorcycle victims who actually do have a strong case end up sabotaging their own claims by posting, commenting, being tagged in posts/photos, or otherwise interacting on social media. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, stay off your social platforms until you consult with your attorney! Here’s why – even if you’re in immense pain and end up staying home most of the time because of your injuries, anything you post can be used against you by the insurance company. They can point to your social media activity to say that your injuries aren’t as severe as you’re claiming, because they are not impeding you from doing what you are posting about. Posting anything can be detrimental to your case, even if you have a private account, so refrain until you get your settlement!

5) Keep Records Of Bills (As Much As You Can).

Evidence and documentation are going to be critical to your case. When you’re injured and healing, it can be understandably difficult to focus on anything but moving forward and recovering, and your family. Your lawyer can help you procure evidence down the road and help take that burden off you to an extent, but it will be helpful if you can keep track of what your accident is costing you! For example, if you are buying heating pads, or assistive braces/devices, or if you get a medical bill in the mail, keep these receipts in one place. They may prove useful later!

If You Were Injured in A Miami Motorcycle Accident, Call The Florida Law Group Today To Schedule A Free Consultation & Discuss Your Case.

Our Miami office is nearby and accessible to injured motorcycle victims. Contact our compassionate attorneys to find out what we can do for you and how much your case may be worth!