Tampa is a sunny city, with as many as 244 days per year of at least some sunshine. That makes the weather perfect for motorcycling. But the fun can end in disaster if a motorcycle accident occurs. Sadly, these crashes happen far too frequently in Florida.
There were 7,978 motorcycle accidents in Florida in a recent year, according to the most current statistics available from the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Those collisions resulted in nearly 500 deaths and more than 6,900 injuries.
Motorcycle accident data for Tampa and the surrounding Hillsborough County communities is similarly tragic. A total of 576 crashes left 28 people dead and 526 injured.
Knowing what to do after a motorcycle crash in Tampa can be difficult, especially if you’ve been hurt. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Brooks Law Group have put together the top five things that you should do to protect yourself and any future legal claim you may need to file.
Five Steps to a Solid Motorcycle Accident Claim
Check for injuries. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries. After all, there is little to shield bikers from the harsh impact of a collision. Check yourself and anyone else in the accident for injuries. If you’re too hurt to move, call 911 and wait for medical assistance.- Take photos. If you’re able, take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. This should also include any environmental evidence that could be relevant, such as a pothole or debris in the roadway.
- Gather information. You’ll need the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information of everyone involved in the motorcycle accident. Make sure to get contact information from any witnesses. Insurance companies take witness testimony very seriously. They consider witness testimonies unbiased accounts of what happened during the accident.
- Call the police. The Tampa Police Department responds to all accident calls. Depending on the location of the crash, a police officer or member of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will respond to the scene. Be sure to get an accident report, which most insurers require to begin the claims process.
- Contact your insurance company. Keep your statement brief. All you need to do is report the motorcycle accident and provide the insurer with the information of all parties involved. Do not answer questions about whether you are hurt or agree to provide a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Do I Need a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
In minor fender benders with no injuries and minor property damage, you likely don’t need an attorney to reach a fair settlement agreement. But if you suffered serious injuries or someone was killed in a motorcycle accident, you need to contact a lawyer right away.
Insurance companies make it difficult for people injured in motorcycle accidents to claim the compensation they deserve. Adjusters may claim that your actions caused the accident and your resulting injuries. A tough motorcycle accident lawyer can refute these claims and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, call or contact Brooks Law Group today for a free consultation.
