The first priority for anyone following a motorcycle accident in Bradenton Florida,or anywhere in Manatee County is recovery. If you suffered serious and significant injuries following a Palmetto motorcycle accident, including broken bones, fractures, or a traumatic brain injury, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
You then need to consult with an attorney who can help maximize the value of your claim and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to data, the number of motorcycle fatalities in Florida each year has more than doubled in the past twenty years. There has been an average of 550 motorcycle fatalities annually between 2016 and 2021.
Traffic fatalities overall have also increased by approximately 17 percent over the past five years, with motorcycle fatalities going up by 3 percent.
Additionally, most fatal motorcycle accidents in Florida happened during the weekend rather than on weekdays. Most accidents were shown to occur on Saturday, followed by Sunday and Friday.
Medical Care and Treatment
The first step, again, is medical care and treatment. If there are injuries, call 911 from the accident scene. If you can’t call yourself, find someone to make the call. You will then need to exchange information with the other motorists involved and speak with the police officers that arrive on the scene.
Sometimes you may not even realize you are hurt until hours, days, or weeks later. When seeking medical care and treatment, clearly define the pain you are experiencing and any symptoms you have. Always follow up with any treatment recommendations made by the medical providers assisting you.
Reporting a Claim to the Insurance Company
You need to file a claim with your insurance company, whether you sustained injuries or not after a motorcycle accident. Florida is a no-fault state, so your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage should cover your medical bills and all lost wages up to $10,000. This is just the minimum amount of insurance coverage required by the state of Florida.
If your medical bills and damages exceed $10,000 or you sustained a permanent injury as a result of the motorcycle accident, then you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Settling a Motorcycle Accident Case
You can negotiate a favorable settlement in many cases when there is a legal claim against an at-fault driver. A lawsuit may need to be filed if you can’t reach a settlement offer.
The insurance company and adjusters will do everything in their power to pay out as little as possible for your motorcycle claim, especially if you claim there are permanent injuries or you cannot work for a long period of time. This is when expert testimony can prove beneficial for your claim, as you will need to prove the extent of any permanent injuries sustained, lost wages, and lost earning capacity.
How Long Do Motorcycle Claims Take?
When the fault in the accident is clear, most claims are settled quickly. In some cases, even disputed claims are settled within twelve months. However, the compensation claim can take much longer if there has been a serious or life-threatening injury and extensive damages.
Most personal injury cases will go to court within twelve months. However, according to the US Department of Justice, only approximately 3% of personal injury cases actually end up in court.
Following your Bradenton motorcycle accident, you will find it easier to navigate the process if you follow each of these steps and consult with an experienced local motorcycle crash injury attorney. You will have someone on your side fighting for you for fair compensation.
