What Should I Do If I Was Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Miami?
October 2, 2022 | Sagi Shaked | Motorcycle Accidents
While all motor vehicle accidents are potentially dangerous, motorcycle accidents tend to be even more so. The motorcyclist may be unconscious, and you may be confused about what to do. However, that does not necessarily mean that the accident is your fault.
Below, the motorcycle accident lawyers from Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers discuss the most important steps to take after a motorcycle accident.
Check for Injuries
The most important thing to do after a motorcycle accident is to check if you, your passengers, or anyone else is injured. Because motorcycles are much smaller and lighter than regular vehicles, motorcycle accidents may involve serious injuries. Drivers and occupants in passenger vehicles can also suffer catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash or other soft tissue injuries
- Neck or back injuries
- Arm or leg injuries
Pedestrians can also be severely injured if they are involved in accidents with motorcycles. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and request an ambulance.
Report the Accident
Florida law requires you to report any accident in which you are involved that results in:
- Bodily injury
- Death
- Property damage in excess of $500
That amounts to nearly every motor vehicle accident. Remain at the scene of the accident and wait for a law enforcement officer to respond. The officer can complete an accident report, which may provide critical information you will need to make a claim, including:
- The other driver’s name and contact information
- The time and date of the crash
- Statements of all parties involved
- Witness contact information
- The exact location of the crash
- Roadway and weather conditions
- A description of any property damage
Ask the officer how you can get a copy of the report once it is finalized.
Document the Accident
The accident scene may be quickly cleaned up so that it does not pose a hazard to other motorists. Therefore, it is critical that you document as much of the accident scene as possibly by:
- Taking photographs of the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle, your injuries, any traffic signs or devices that may be relevant to the accident, and wide shots of the accident scene
- Collecting the names and contact information for any objective witnesses who saw the accident
- Writing down a summary of what you remember about the accident while your memory is fresh
An experienced car accident lawyer can use this valuable evidence to fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Minimize Conversations
While it is important to report the accident and exchange information with other drivers, your communications should be brief. Be polite, but avoid getting into long conversations about the accident, blaming the other driver, apologizing for the accident, or having any arguments with other people involved. Avoid making any statements to the police or insurance company in which you theorize about how the accident occurred. Instead, stick to the facts and let the police do their job.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Many insurance companies require you to report any accidents you are involved in, even if the accident was not your fault.
A Knowledgeable Miami Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help investigate the accident, gather evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, and represent your interests throughout the process. Having someone handle the legal process for you can give you peace of mind while you focus on your recovery.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami motorcycle accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191