Tampa Motorcycle Accident & Injury Attorney
Were you injured while riding your motorcycle in the Tampa area?
Motorcycle accidents are scary and nerve wracking. The legal process after a motorcycle accident can be even worse. Insurance carriers make it extremely difficult for motorcyclists to recover fair compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering.
No motorcycle accident or accident claim is the same. That is why it is important to speak with a trusted Florida motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can discuss your case with you in detail.
At Knapp Accident & Injury Law we have the expert knowledge on how to deal with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident so that you and receive the compensation you properly deserve.
Do not sit and worry about medical expenses or your future alone. Let Knapp Accident & Injury Law give you some peace of mind during these scary times. We encourage you to call us at (813) 568-3724 for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
The first thing you should do immediately after a motorcycle accident is seek medical attention, your safety is top priority. Because your adrenaline is running after an accident, it is normal for you to think you are okay when in fact a couple days later, you could be in immense pain.
If you are able to take or collect any photos of the vehicles and crash scene at the time of the accident that is very helpful to your case. A motorcycle accident attorney will also be able to go back to the scene of the crash to do anything further investigating they might need for your claim.
It is also important that you gather the at fault drivers’ information as well, including their name, phone number, photo of their driver’s license if possible, and insurance information. If there were any witness to the accident you should collect their information as well as any statement they might have.
When police arrive, they will most likely obtain this information as well for the police report, but it can never hurt to get it yourself if you are able to.
A motorcycle personal injury attorney will be able to help you with any next steps including notifying your insurance company if you do not do that yourself. Make sure, however, that you do not give any statement to the at fault parties insurance company should they ask.
After a motorcycle accident, remember:
- Receive medical treatment
- Collect any information/photos
- Call a qualified Florida motorcycle accident attorney to consult with about your options
What Injuries Can Be Caused in a Motorcycle Accident?
Part of the thrill of riding a motorcycle is feeling the wind rushing around your body, however, what makes bikes the most fun, also makes then extremely vulnerable.
Unlike cars, motorcycles are completely open, leaving the rider at a high risk of suffering serious injuries if they get into an accident. If the person or people on the motorcycle are also not wearing a helmet, this can further the injuries by an even greater amount.
The following are common injuries you could sustain if you were in a motorcycle accident:
- Road rash: This happens when your body slides across the road, or any surface, creating abrasions and cuts on the skin.
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Concussion: When the brain bounces or twists around in the skill after a bump to the head or hit to the body
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Disfigurement
These injuries can change depending on the severity of the accident and what is worn while riding a motorcycle. Protective clothing, shoes, and helmet can make all the difference when you are in a motorcycle crash.
Although you have the power to make safe decisions on the road for yourself, you can’t always count on others to do the same.
Insurance companies take advantage of people who do not understand personal injury claims. We want to make sure that you do not get taken advantage of. You deserve to be fully aware of everything you are entitled to and a motorcycle personal injury lawyer will be able to help with that.
If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident, please do not hesitate to reach out to us on our website or by phone at (813) 568-3724.
What Compensation Could You Receive for a Motorcycle Accident?
The most obvious cost you might think about after an accident is probably medical expenses. And while compensation can absolutely be recovered for that, a qualified Florida motorcycle injury lawyer could also help you receive compensation for the following:
Lost Wages: Any accident, but motorcycle accidents specifically, can result in severe injuries. Unfortunately, victims of these accidents often have to miss work either because they are unable to go because of the severity of the injuries or even missing work to attend doctors’ appointments because of these injuries. You can receive compensation for any time you have missed work due to these injuries.
Past and Future Medical Expenses: Of course, you may also receive compensation for any medical expenses related to the accident, even for those in the future. These can include:
- The ambulance ride to the hospital if you took it
- Hospital care
- Doctors’ appointments
- Surgery if it was or will be needed
- Rehab/Physical therapy
Pain and Suffering: A motorcycle accident does not just leave you with physical injuries but mental ones as well. Injuries from a bike accident can prevent you from doing the things you love to do most, such as golfing or picking up your grandbabies. Victims of these accidents are entitled to compensation for this form of suffering as well. A few examples of pain and suffering you could receive compensation for are:
- Mental health issues or impairment such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain due to your injuries from the accident
- Diminished quality of life due to the injuries
When it comes your quality of life and your future, you deserve to leave the table knowing you did everything in your power to get the settlement you deserve. A skilled Florida motorcycle accident attorney in your area is your best bet at helping you receive all you are rightfully entitled to. At Knapp Accident & Injury Law, you will never have to fight alone.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Common Causes
Florida has some of the most beautiful scenery to view while cruising on your motorcycle, but safety should always be number one priority. Here are some motorcycle statistics to keep in mind while you’re on (and off) your bike:
- In the year 2020 there were 516 motorcycle fatalities
- Those motorcycle fatalities accounted for 15.5% of all traffic fatalities in Florida that year
- Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 69%
- Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death by 37%
- In Florida, roughly 17% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve someone who is impaired by alcohol
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of things such as:
- Driving under the influence
- Texting and driving
- Not checking blind spots
- Sudden breaking
- Being cut off while driving or at an intersection
- Cars not yielding to the amount of space needed between then and a motorcycle
- Car doors being opened
- Conditions of the road
- Motorcycle defects
- Speeding
Unfortunately, most motorcycle crashes are caused by others simply not paying attention. That is why it is so important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings when on the road, and always wear the proper safety gear.
Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Crash Attorney?
Getting into a motorcycle accident can change your entire life Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries because of how exposed the rider is. Some injuries can take months or even years to heal. And some injuries are lifelong.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, it can be daunting. You deserve to rest easy knowing that your current medical bills, and any future medical bills resulting from this accident, are taken care of. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can do that for you.
Your main priority after an accident should be getting better. That is why contacting a motorcycle accident attorney after your motorcycle accident is so important. A motorcycle wreck attorney can start to gather any information and evidence from the crash. This can include:
- Photographs from the motorcycle accident scene (including any vehicles and the surrounding area)
- Police reports
- Collecting any witness statements
- Recreating or reconstructing the accident or scene to determine what happened
- Reviewing any medical records
- Contacting the insurance companies on your behalf
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer can not only make all the difference in presenting your case to the insurance companies, but also take much of the pressure of your own back so you can spend your energy where it matters, healing.
Contact Knapp Accident & Injury Law After Your Tampa Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, it might not be clear what steps you should take next. If you or a loved one has been the victims of a motorcycle accident in Florida, you do not have to go through this process alone.
At Knapp Accident & Injury Law we want to be your advocate and help you every step of the way. It is important to us that you can focus on recovery and have the peace of mind that we will do everything we can to make sure you receive a settlement offer you deserve.
You need a lawyer that will meet all of your needs and make you feel comfortable during the legal process and our motorcycle accident law firm is here for you. If you would like help with your motorcycle accident injury claims, you can always contact us through our website or reach us on the phone at (813) 568-3724.