Being on a motorcycle comes with some inherent risks. Riders love the feeling of freedom on the open road, but they know they’ll also be in more danger than the occupants of four-wheel vehicles should an accident occur. Unfortunately, motorcyclists often face steep challenges when they try to obtain compensation for their injuries when a negligent motorist causes a wreck.
That’s why it will be so important that you find an attorney who knows how to defeat those challenges. The Eberst Law Firm has a team of skilled legal representatives who have an extensive track record of helping bikers get the money they deserve.
If you’ve been involved in an accident on your motorcycle that was someone else’s fault, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can schedule a free case review by using our online form or by calling 888-CALL-JON.
What to do Immediately Following Your Motorcycle Accident
Any kind of vehicular accident will obviously cause a lot of stress. It can also result in a great deal of confusion, as well as a lot of pain. You may be dazed, and not know what to do. But it will be extremely important to keep your head, as difficult as it may be. These are some of the most important things to keep in mind should you be in a motorcycle wreck.
Keep Protective Gear On
More than likely, you’re going to be in a state of shock after a bike wreck. It’s one of the most stressful experiences anyone can go through. But try to remember to keep all of your protective gear on – even your helmet. If you should fall, your gear will help you avoid suffering an even worse injury.
Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention
This will be the most important thing you can do after a motorcycle accident. Check to see if you’ve been hurt, and then, if possible, check on anyone else who may have been involved. Call for immediate medical attention, even if you don’t feel you’ve been hurt that seriously.
In many instances, a person will experience a sudden increase in adrenaline after an accident. This can mask any injury that may have occurred. Also, some injuries associated with motorcycle accidents aren’t readily apparent. Symptoms might not develop for days or even weeks.
You not only have to think of your physical health, but you’ll also need to keep your potential legal case in mind. If you don’t seek medical help, that could hurt the credibility of your case. The defendant’s insurance company may claim that since you didn’t get treatment, you must not have been hurt as badly as you say you were. This could eventually result in you obtaining far less compensation than you deserve.
Gather Info at the Scene of the Accident If You Can
It might seem to be a lot to ask of someone in the fog of a motorcycle collision, but it will be critically important to gather as much information as you can from anyone who saw the accident.
At the very least, try to get their names and contact information. Use your smartphone to take pictures of the scene, including all property damage, any traffic signals, and the condition of the road. All of this could be powerful evidence that will ultimately help you prove your case.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
You will find it almost impossible to obtain fair compensation if you don’t have the help of an attorney. Don’t expect the negligent party’s insurance company to just hand you a huge pile of money out of compassion for your suffering. That company is going to do whatever it can to either pay you nothing, or as little as possible. An attorney will make sure your rights are protected at all times, and will also make sure that insurance company representatives don’t take advantage of you.
An attorney will also give you sound advice on how to protect your case, such as staying off of social media. You’d be surprised at the reach of an insurance company. The one involved in your case will very likely scour your accounts, and use anything you post against you. Just steer clear of these sites entirely until your case is resolved.
An Attorney Will Collect Documentation and File Your Lawsuit
Your attorney will not only document the damages, you’ve incurred due to the accident – such as lost wages, medical expenses, and others – but will also take care of the mountain of paperwork your case will generate.
You have enough to worry about. The last thing you need to deal with is a bunch of bureaucracy. Let your attorney handle that for you.
Your Attorney Will Fight for the Best Settlement on Your Behalf
There’s a pretty good chance you’re going to deal with some bias during your motorcycle accident case. That’s because a lot of people assume these accidents are always the biker’s fault. They have preconceived notions that riders are risk-takers, and that they’re always reckless when they’re on the road.
An experienced attorney will know how to deal with that bias, and won’t let the insurance company use it against you. Attorneys with The Eberst Law Firm know how to convince insurers that it wouldn’t be worth the time and expense to take your case to trial. We gather the proof it takes to make your case as strong as it can possibly be.
What Happens if Your Case Goes to Trial?
The vast majority of motorcycle accidents reach a settlement. However, there are times when this kind of legal case will find its way into a courtroom. You, the plaintiff, will have to prove that the defendant was negligent, and this negligence resulted in the accident that led to your injury. An attorney will argue on your behalf that you deserve the compensation you seek.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today to Start the Process of Filing Your Lawsuit
The attorneys with The Eberst Law Firm have a deep understanding of Florida’s motorcycle laws and know-how to help our clients win. Learn more about what we may be able to do for you by contacting us online or calling 888-CALL-JON for a free consultation.
