Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers at Viles & Beckman explain what to do after a motorcycle accident. We work on a contingency fee basis so that we can help you at no cost after a motorcycle accident.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident
The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be disorienting, but seeking medical care is essential. Common motorcycle accident injuries include fractures, torn ligaments, head trauma, internal bleeding, and spinal injuries. Adrenaline may mask the seriousness of your condition, so don’t ignore any pains, swelling, or symptoms. Getting fully evaluated by emergency healthcare professionals right away serves several important purposes, such as:
- Injuries may not be externally visible but could worsen without treatment, like stitches or splints for broken bones. Early intervention can prevent long-term health issues.
- Doctors can thoroughly document the nature and extent of all injuries you sustained through exams, scans, and records. This medical evidence establishes a timeline and baseline for your condition.
- Proper treatment received shortly after an accident looks better to insurance companies and demonstrates you are not exaggerating claims or feigning injury. It strengthens your case for compensation.
- Physicians may need to perform tests or monitoring in the hours after an incident to check for internal bleeding, complicated bone breaks, or head trauma.
So, regardless of how minor things seem, always get checked by a medical expert right away following a motorcycle crash. It helps your health as well as your Fort Myers motorcycle accident case.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Contact the Police About the Accident
Even if a police report wasn’t officially filed at the accident scene, it’s still important to contact the local authorities and provide a statement about what occurred. The Fort Myers Police Department will need details of the crash for their records.
Some key reasons to contact the police include:
- An official police report establishes objective third-party documentation of the incident details like location, weather conditions, signs of impairment, and who was determined at fault.
- Insurance companies often require a police report in order to process related injury claims from the accident. It helps support your claim.
- Filing a report with law enforcement deters the other parties from lying about the circumstances later. It locks in their statements.
- Roadway or vehicle problems that contributed to the crash can be tracked. The police may investigate further if needed.
- You have the right to press charges for careless, reckless, or intoxicated driving behaviors that endangered you. A report allows prosecution if warranted.
So, even if no tickets were issued, be certain to provide your witness account to the local police. Get a case number for your records, too. This important step protects your rights.
Notify Your Insurance Company After Your Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident
You should also notify your motorcycle insurance provider after being involved in an accident. Reach out to them as soon as possible by phone and provide your name, policy number, and a summary of the accident details, such as the location, date, and who was involved.
Ask your insurance representative about the immediate next steps you need to take on your end. You may be required to fill out certain forms, take photographs of the accident scene and vehicles, or collect witness statements within a specific timeframe.
Inquire whether any non-emergency medical consultations or treatments will be covered in the coming days. Some motorcycle insurance policies have provisions to cover minor post-accident check-ups. Your insurance company’s coverage decisions and claims processing could depend on the timely submission of these supporting documents. Before concluding the call:
- Request that the insurance representative send you written documentation of the notice via email or mail so you have a record of the initial report.
- Do not verbally admit fault or sign any documents that dispute another person’s version of events without consulting a lawyer first.
- Only provide factual accounts of the accident details to your insurance company at this time.
File a Fort Myers Personal Injury Claim
The next step you should take after a Fort Myers motorcycle accident is to file a personal injury claim. According to Fla. Statutes § 95.11, you only have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a claim. It’s best to file your claim early on so you don’t have to worry about missing the deadline.
Also, by filing a claim early, you and your motorcycle accident lawyer in Fort Myers will have more time to gather evidence. To file a personal injury claim, you’ll need to provide information about your accident and injuries. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you gather all the information you need for your claim.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Fort Myers
When you work with a Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyer after your accident, you can simplify the legal process and understand your rights. Here are a few key ways our team at Viles & Beckman can help:
We Pursue Maximum Compensation
If your injuries are serious, having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer greatly increases the chances of obtaining a full and fair settlement from insurance companies. Our team knows how to build strong liability and damages cases supported by thorough medical proof from treatments, doctor visits, physical therapy sessions, and eyewitnesses.
This ensures all costs associated with your recovery are properly reimbursed, like ongoing medical bills, missed wages, and long-term care. We request documentation and perform cost analyses to maximize potential economic damages.
Our Legal Experience Navigates Complexities
Motorcycle accident cases involve complex interactions between tort, traffic, insurance, and personal injury law. With years of litigation experience under our belts, our motorcycle accident attorneys understand the technical legalities, statutes, and precedents that factor into correctly establishing liability and maximizing potential payouts for damages. We thoroughly research previous rulings, accurately interpret preexisting medical conditions and their role, determine strategic deadlines to uphold your rights, and evaluate liability exposure and defenses.
We Fight Harder Than Insurers
Insurance providers assign claim adjusters specifically to minimize payouts on purpose as a business tactic. However, our motorcycle accident lawyers are wholly invested in advocating for you, not profits.
We aggressively negotiate with tougher leveraging capabilities, submit comprehensive demand packages complete with rationale, and, if unreasonable denials occur, pursue litigation when needed. This additional experienced legal pressure motivates reluctant insurers to settle at fair agreed amounts to resolve matters appropriately.
Learn More About What to Do After a Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident
After you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, our team of motorcycle accident attorneys in Fort Myers at Viles & Beckman can help you understand the legal process. We’ll also be your source of information for any questions you have.
Contact us today to learn more about what you should do after a Fort Myers motorcycle accident.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form