Picture yourself cruising down the iconic streets of Daytona Beach on your motorcycle, feeling like the king of the road. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing through your hair, and nothing can stop you — until it suddenly does.
The thrill of your ride can quickly become a real-life nightmare if you get into an accident. You don’t want to take the harsh reality of a crashed motorcycle lightly, either. 14% of all traffic deaths in the United States are due to motorcycle accidents.
But don’t let a crash ruin your day or your life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide all the information you need to know if you crash your motorcycle in Daytona, FL. From what to do immediately after the accident to the legal ramifications, we’ve got you covered.
What Does Negligence Mean in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Before we dive into our list of things to do post-accident, it’s helpful to understand the term “negligence.” Why? Figuring out who was negligent in the accident could change the legal proceedings and ultimate outcome of a motorcycle accident case.
Essentially, negligence means that someone failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person.
In the case of a motorcycle accident, negligence could mean that a driver failed to check their blind spot before changing lanes or failed to obey a traffic signal. It could also mean a rider was not wearing safety gear or riding recklessly.
Proving negligence can be complicated, but pursuing a personal injury claim successfully is crucial. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate this complex terrain.
Who’s Negligent in a No-Contact Motorcycle Accident?
What about when a no-contact motorcycle accident happens? If contact occurs, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for the crash. But what even is a no-contact accident?
In these types of accidents, a motorcyclist can lose control of their bike and crash due to another driver’s negligent behavior, such as cutting them off or driving recklessly without direct contact between the two vehicles.
Who is at fault in these situations can be complicated and vary depending on the circumstances. In some cases, the motorcyclist may be partly responsible if they were riding too fast or erratically.
However, if the accident was caused solely by the actions of another driver, then that driver would be considered negligent and held accountable for any damages or injuries caused. Investigating these accidents can require assistance from legal and accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the crash.
In any case, seeking legal guidance as soon as possible after a no-contact motorcycle accident is essential. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation for any losses or damage.
Crashed Your Motorcycle? What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Needless to say, motorcycle accidents can be very dangerous. While a lot is happening (physically and emotionally) after you’ve crashed your motorcycle, staying calm is crucial. Knowing what to do and how to handle the situation can help.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a motorcycle accident in Daytona, FL. Even if you’re feeling alright, it’s important to recognize that various injuries may not be immediately apparent. Shock can mask the symptoms of concussion, whiplash, or broken bones.
Furthermore, adrenaline can mask pain and injury, making you believe you’ve emerged unscathed. Seeking medical attention will help you pinpoint any hidden injuries and treat them before they become more serious. As soon as you are safe, call an ambulance or head to the nearest emergency room to get checked out by a medical professional.
Don’t try to tough it out—you may exacerbate the problem.
Contact Florida Authorities
If you’ve crashed your motorcycle, you next should call 911 to report the accident. Contacting Florida authorities is crucial in getting immediate medical attention for injuries sustained in the crash. Also, reporting the accident promptly is important to protect your legal interests.
After the authorities arrive, they will file an accident report to support your insurance claim and help determine fault if there are any legal proceedings. Be sure to collect the names and contact information of any witnesses and take photos of the scene if possible.
Safety should always be your top priority, so take care of yourself first and let the authorities handle the rest. Yes…this includes staying calm if the accident wasn’t your fault. They’ll make a report of the incident; your lawyer can handle the rest.
Assess the Damage
You’ll undoubtedly have already looked over your bike by now. However, now it’s time to assess the damage. This means checking both your motorcycle and your body for any injuries. As mentioned above, you need to ensure that you are physically okay and can move out of danger if needed.
Additionally, you need to assess the damage to your motorcycle to determine whether or not it is safe to ride. Make sure to take pictures of the damage and any injuries sustained. These pictures can be evidence for your insurance claim or even legal case.
Keep a detailed record of all damages and expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and motorcycle repair costs. Remember, the more information you can provide, the better your chances are of receiving full and fair compensation.
Collect Evidence of the Accident
This goes hand in hand with the tip mentioned above. But it’s always a good idea to keep a detailed record of everything regarding the accident. This includes taking photos of the damage and writing down any witness statements.
Collecting evidence can help with insurance claims and legal cases, if necessary. Additionally, evidence can help determine fault and prevent false accusations. Take photos of the road conditions, broken stop lights, license plates, and anything else that might help you argue your case in court.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for compensation. They can also help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim with insurance companies. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, and a lawyer can work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Additionally, a lawyer can investigate the accident and determine liability, ensuring those responsible are held accountable. These all take time and energy away from your daily activities. More than that, it’s just helpful to have an experienced legal expert on your side (we’ll get more into how they can help you below).
When should you call a motorcycle accident lawyer? It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident.
What to Expect When Working with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
When working with a motorcycle accident lawyer, you can expect their primary goal to seek compensation for any injuries or damages sustained during the accident. They are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and negotiating for their clients. However, they’ll also:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence
- Speak with witnesses to determine who was at fault
- Handle all communication with the opposing party and their insurance company
- Ensure that you receive a fair settlement
Ultimately, a lawyer can help by advocating for your rights. They’ll ensure that you receive proper medical treatment and work towards a resolution that results in fair compensation for your losses.
What Are Recoverable Damages After a Motorcycle Accident?
While working with a legal expert, you might hear the term “recoverable damages.” Or perhaps you’ve seen the term online while Googling for local motorcycle crash lawyers. Recoverable damages are the monetary compensation for your injuries and losses. These damages can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
In motorcycle accidents, damages can be particularly high due to the rider’s vulnerability. In addition to physical injuries, emotional trauma and loss of quality of life are also considered in calculating recoverable damages.
Work with Rich Newsome
Have you crashed your motorcycle in Daytona, FL? Rich Newsome may be able to help. Rich is not only the President of the Central Florida Chapter of ABATE of Florida, Inc., a motorcycle safety and advocacy charity. He’s also the President of the American Council of Motorcycle Attorneys (ACMA), a national association of lawyers representing motorcycle riders.
He’s also a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Trial Lawyers Association, the International Order of Barristers, and the Summit Council, all of which are invitation-only organizations that limit membership to the most accomplished and respected trial lawyers in the industry.
With our team’s expertise and passion for motorcycles, we’re dedicated to helping our fellow riders overcome the legal hurdles that come with a crash. Whether it’s fighting against insurance companies or holding negligent drivers accountable, we’re here to ensure that you get the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Daytona, FL, contact us today for a free consultation.
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