The choices you make after an accident can have a very serious impact on receiving and maximizing your coverage and compensation after suffering through the trauma from a motorcycle accident.
After the crash, it is important to get off the road as soon as possible, to somewhere safe. Then take a moment to assess your physical condition for any trauma or injuries. It is also a good idea to take a mental note of what specifically took place in the crash and possibly jot down the details while they are fresh in your mind. Also, strongly encourage witnesses to stay at the scene until the police arrive so that their statements and information can be taken down. Often the question of liability for causing an accident turns on whether or not it was observed by independent witnesses and not just the participants or their friends and families who are considered to be biased.
When the police arrive, it is extremely important to be cautious in what you say. Nervousness after an accident can lead to misspeaking or admitting fault when the accident was not actually caused by you. Something that is as simple as “I’m okay” can be used against you later in pursuing compensation.
Key tips to protect you and to remember are providing a report to the police at the scene and preserving all evidence. Be sure to take as many photos as possible and seek medical attention immediately. Retain all of the medical records of treatment and fees. Keep your helmet for our records and do not use your helmet again. It is also imperative that you do not speak with the insurance company until you have spoken to us about your accident. To best protect your legal rights and maximize your possible compensation, please call Chris DeBari at (727) 656-7852 before calling your insurance company. Early intervention by a qualified attorney could affect the outcome of your case.
In just a split second, a negligent driver can change the life of a motorcyclist forever. Many motorcycle accidents occur in the Tampa metro area because the driver is not sufficiently aware of his or her surroundings and / or is not looking in the direction of the motorcyclist. Because motorcycles are sometimes hard to see among larger vehicles and trucks, a negligent Tampa driver many times will misjudge the distance or speed of the motorcycle. Driving under the influence or distracted driving where the driver is distracted by a cell phone, web browsing, or text messaging is often a cause of motorcycle accidents. Sadly, all too often, motorcycle injury victims are left with life-changing injuries and possibly years of rehab and medical care. Families who have lost a loved one to a motorcycle accident can be left with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills and funeral expenses. At the Law Offices of Christopher DeBari, our Tampa personal injury attorneys help the victims of motorcycle accidents and their families with personal service and a dedication to justice.
If you have been in a recent motorcycle accident and would like to discuss your legal rights, please complete the online form here – Tampa Motorcycle Accident Attorney.
