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How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim After a Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident in Florida?
Motorcycles are a reliable mode of transportation for many people. For some, the ease of maneuverability and low gas cost are what appeal most. For others, it’s the lure of the open road and the sense of freedom and independence that comes from riding a motorcycle. Ever since some of the first motorcycles were assigned to American and British soldiers in World War II, the vehicle has become an icon of rugged individuality and exciting, efficient transportation.
Riding a motorcycle does not come without its dangers, though. In Florida, motorcyclists represent 3.5% of all vehicles on the road but account for 17% of deadly crashes. Over ten years, there were 75,049 motorcycle-involved accidents in Florida. Thirty-three thousand of these accidents involved minor injuries. Nearly 20,000 of these accidents involved incapacitating injuries. This means that if someone is involved in a motorcycle accident, there is roughly a 71% chance they will experience some injury.
Because riders on motorcycles are less guarded than in cars, injuries incurred in motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe. This means they can be more expensive and have a longer recovery time. This is why if you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to consult an experienced personal injury attorney.
What Kind of Injuries Can I Get in a Motorcycle Accident?
Depending on a rider’s level of personal safety, motorcycle accidents can be especially traumatic. This is because, in an automobile accident, the car’s structure takes a great deal of damage. Most cars are designed with a feature called a crumple zone. A crumple zone is a part of a car meant to absorb the impact of a collision. This reduces the likelihood of injury to the driver and passengers. Crumple zones were first invented in the 1950s and became widespread in the 1980s.
While motorcycles have come with their own safety features for several years, riders are still more exposed than in an automobile. Even if a rider is practicing motorcycle safety and wearing a helmet and other protective gear, there are numerous risks to motorcyclists and their passengers, including but not necessarily limited to the following:
- Broken Bones
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Head Trauma/Traumatic Brain Injury
- Road Rash
- Full or Partial Paralysis
- Eye Loss or Damage
Any one of these injuries can be incredibly expensive to treat. 67% of people hurt in motorcycle accidents sustain injuries to at least two different parts of their bodies. Treatment can also be extremely long. This can severely impact someone’s ability to hold a job or meet family commitments. This is why it’s important to seek compensation in the event you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident.
How Can I File a Personal Injury Suit in Florida?
Anyone can file a personal injury suit in Florida. However, compiling proper information, evidence, and documentation is essential before filing a suit. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may find yourself in a “he said, she said” situation. If you go into court unprepared, you may find yourself facing the person who injured you with no more evidence than your own word. If this happens, a judge or jury may not favor you. This is why you need to come prepared with as much evidence as possible.
You must contact the police right away following a motorcycle accident. Calling the police means an officer will file a report. This report will contain interviews with everyone at the accident scene, including yourself, the other driver, and any passengers or witnesses. The report should also include photos and a statement from the officer. This will be essential in establishing basic facts about the case in court.
It’s also important you go to the hospital. This is regardless of whether you are seemingly injured or not. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not be readily apparent. Some of the most dangerous injuries a person can sustain, including head trauma, may not ever be visible. Going to the hospital will ensure your health and safety and create further documentation and records to bring to court.
It is also important to gather any evidence that may support your case. This can include any cell phone footage or photos, footage from nearby security cameras, or witnesses to the accident. The more information you can bring to your case, the higher your likelihood of success. A personal injury attorney will be able to help you go through all the necessary steps to win your case.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Florida?
Motorcycle injuries are more severe and expensive than injuries sustained in an automobile. This is why if you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us right away.
The attorneys of Idrizi Law Group have extensive experience in filing personal injury suits for motorcycle riders. We know how traumatic injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can be and how difficult it can be to seek compensation. We work with every one of our clients through both the recovery process and the lawsuit, ensuring they’re cared for every step of the way. The attorneys of Idrizi Law Group don’t consider their job done until our clients are compensated for their injuries and suffering and on the road to recovery. We want to see their clients back on their bikes and out on the road again, enjoying their best lives.
Riding a motorcycle can be an enriching experience. It can also be potentially hazardous. That doesn’t mean motorcycle riders should have to suffer from expensive and painful injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Idrizi Law Group today at 707-926-4924.
