Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Boynton Beach

Motorcycle accidents in Boynton Beach can result in devastating injuries, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Donaldson & Weston’s experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are here to provide the legal support you need to seek justice and fair compensation. Contact us today at 561-786-3369 for a free consultation and let us help you understand your rights and options.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering events, especially in a state like Florida, where riding is a popular pastime. Whether you’re commuting through Boynton Beach or taking a scenic ride along the coast, the aftermath of a motorcycle accident requires careful action to protect your health, rights, and potential claims. In Florida, understanding the steps to take after a motorcycle accident is essential for ensuring that you receive the proper medical care and any compensation you’re entitled to.

Assess Your Health and Safety

The first step after a motorcycle accident, no matter the severity, is to check for injuries. It can be difficult to assess the extent of your injuries right away, as adrenaline often masks pain. However, you should stop and evaluate how you feel. If you’re able to, move away from any potential danger, such as oncoming traffic, and avoid moving if you suspect a spinal injury.

If you’re injured, try not to panic. Focus on calling for help and following the instructions of medical personnel when they arrive. Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, might not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

In Florida, it’s important to report the accident to law enforcement as soon as possible. Calling 911 ensures that emergency medical services (EMS) and police can respond to the scene quickly. Police officers will investigate the accident, take statements from witnesses, and file a report. This report will be crucial later if you pursue a personal injury claim.

When law enforcement arrives, be sure to provide a clear and accurate account of what happened. Avoid admitting fault, as that could complicate your case later. Even if you believe you might have contributed to the accident, it’s best to let the investigation determine fault. Be polite, cooperative, and stick to the facts when speaking with officers.

Gather Information

If you’re able to, gather as much information from the scene as possible. This information will be important if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. Key details to collect include:

• Names and contact information of all parties involved (including witnesses)
• Insurance details of all drivers

• Vehicle registration information
• Driver’s license numbers
• License plate numbers
• Photographs of the scene, vehicles, and any visible damages or injuries
• The names and badge numbers of any responding officers

You should also try to take pictures of the surrounding area, including traffic signals, road conditions, and any other factors that might have contributed to the crash. Documenting everything will help establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and can be useful evidence later in the claims process.

Avoid Discussing Fault

It’s natural to want to explain what happened, especially if you’re feeling the shock of the accident, but it’s important not to make any statements about fault at the scene. Even something as simple as, “I didn’t see the car coming,” or “I didn’t have time to react,” could be interpreted as an admission of liability. Always remember that the insurance company and the court will look at all the evidence to determine fault. Leave those discussions for the investigation phase.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, it’s crucial to visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Motorcycle accidents often result in injuries that aren’t immediately apparent, such as internal injuries, soft tissue damage, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Some injuries can worsen over time, so a timely medical evaluation is critical.

Keep all of your medical records, bills, and diagnostic results, as they will play a significant role in your injury claim. If you don’t seek medical care right away, it can be harder to prove the extent of your injuries, which may hurt your chances of receiving compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After you’ve taken care of your immediate health needs, you should notify your insurance company. Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that your own insurance will typically cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries exceed the limits of your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

When contacting your insurance provider, be honest and provide the information requested. However, refrain from admitting fault or offering an opinion on how the accident occurred. Let your insurer know that you’re still gathering information and that you will keep them updated. They may send an adjuster to assess damages and begin the process of handling your claim.

Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Florida motorcycle accidents can be complex, particularly if liability is disputed. Even if you believe the other party is clearly at fault, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. An experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation.

An attorney will help gather the necessary evidence, speak with experts if needed, and guide you through the steps of pursuing a claim. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better, as there are time limits for filing personal injury claims in Florida (known as the statute of limitations). The right lawyer will help ensure you don’t miss important deadlines or make costly mistakes.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

Once you’ve seen a doctor, it’s important to follow their treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. If you miss medical appointments or fail to follow prescribed treatments, the insurance company may argue that you’re not seriously injured or that you contributed to your own recovery delays.

Keep detailed records of all treatments, including physical therapy, medication, and any other recommended care. These records will help support your claim by demonstrating the ongoing impact of your injuries and the necessary care you require.

Keep Detailed Records of Your Damages

Throughout your recovery, keep a log of any expenses related to your injuries. This includes medical bills, prescription costs, travel expenses for doctor’s visits, and any lost wages if you miss work due to your injuries. If your injuries cause long-term pain or disabilities, you may be entitled to compensation for these non-economic damages as well.

You should also document how your injury has affected your daily life. If you can no longer participate in activities you once enjoyed or need help with basic tasks, these impacts can be part of your compensation claim.

Consider Your Options and the Potential for a Lawsuit

In some cases, the insurance company may offer a settlement to resolve your claim. However, if the offer is too low or if liability is in dispute, you may need to take your case to court. Your attorney will advise you on whether a settlement offer is reasonable or if you should pursue further legal action. Going to court can be time-consuming and costly, but it might be necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Your Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Boynton Beach

Recovering from a motorcycle accident in Boynton Beach requires experienced legal support you can rely on. At Donaldson & Weston, our motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to providing personalized representation tailored to your unique situation. Contact us today at 561-786-3369 for a free consultation and learn how we can assist with your claim.