St. Augustine Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
Motorcycle collisions can be extremely dangerous and, often, deadly. In most road and highway accidents, such as those on I-95, the motorcyclist is thrown from the motorcycle into the street or onto other vehicles. This can result in head trauma, traumatic brain injuries, serious lacerations, and many other severe injuries.
While motorcyclists are not covered by personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, they are also not bound by its restrictions. Injured bikers may be able to seek damages from the at-fault driver or party who caused the collision.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, or if your loved one died in a fatal collision, turn to the team at Canan Law. With more than 60 years of combined experience, our St. Augustine motorcycle accident attorneys understand the devastating impact motor vehicle accidents have on victims and their families. We are ready to stand up for you and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
Motorcycle Lawsuit FAQs:
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet at the time of my accident?
Failing to wear a helmet while riding your motorcycle may lead to more serious injuries if you're involved in an accident, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you won't be able to recover compensation. In some cases it may reduce your settlement amount if the jury believes a helmet could have prevented you from suffering such serious injuries, but you should still be able to recover some compensation.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Because motorcycle accidents are often extremely serious, the first thing you should do if you were involved in a collision is assess yourself and others for injuries and, if necessary, call 911. If anyone was injured, you should also contact local police and have them come out to the scene of the accident to file an official accident report.
If possible, after a motorcycle accident, try to do the following:
- Remain at the Scene: Often referred to as “hit-and-runs,” fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime in Florida. By law, you must stay at the scene to exchange information with the other driver and render reasonable aid to anyone who is injured.
- Check for Injuries: In many cases, motorcyclists involved in crashes with other vehicles sustain severe injuries, requiring emergency medical aid. However, if you do not need emergency attention, you should still check yourself for injuries and determine whether to call 911.
- Call the Police: Florida law requires you to report any accident that results in injury, death, or damage that renders a vehicle inoperable within 10 days. You are also required to report hit-and-run accidents, as well as collisions with commercial vehicles.
- Exchange Information: Exchange insurance information and contact information, including names and addresses, with the other driver or anyone else involved in the accident. Try to remain calm and avoid assigning (or admitting) fault.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take pictures of the scene of the accident, including the position of your motorcycle and any damage it sustained. You should also document your injuries and everything you can remember about the accident.