Motorcycle Accident Case? Sarasota Accident Lawyers at Jodat
March 7, 2016
Sarasota Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
For most people, a motorcycle accident is a life-changing experience. Fortunately, when someone else is at fault, the law provides injured riders with an opportunity to recover just compensation. In this article, we discuss some of the keys to filing a successful lawsuit or insurance claim following a motorcycle collision. Contact us directly to get Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyers on your case.
IMPORTANT: While the items discussed below are important aspects of most successful Sarasota motorcycle accident claims, if you read the list and are questioning your right to compensation, you should still consult an attorney about your case. Each situation is unique, and an experienced motorcycle accident attorney will be able to thoroughly evaluate the facts of your case and determine if you have a reasonable chance of winning compensation.
Keys to a Sarasota Motorcycle Accident Claim
- You Have Evidence from the Accident
In order to convince an insurance company to settle or a judge to rule in your favor, you will need to have evidence supporting your claim. Personal injury cases are centered on the legal concept of “negligence,” so the evidence will need to suggest that someone else was negligent in causing your injuries. Read about some examples of negligent driving that commonly lead to motorcycle accidents.
This evidence may include:
- Your damaged helmet, shoes, and clothing
- Photos of the scene of the accident
- Photos of any damage to the negligent driver’s vehicle
- A copy of the police report
If there were any witnesses to the accident, you should try to obtain their contact information as well. They may be able to provide valuable testimony to help support your version of what happened.
- You Have the Driver’s Insurance and Contact Information
You can’t file a claim for damages if you don’t know who to sue. Hopefully, the driver who hit you stopped and voluntarily provided you with their insurance and contact information. If not, this isn’t necessarily the end of the world. A witness may have jotted down the driver’s license plate number, or a traffic camera or private security cam may have captured the incident on video.
- You Sought Medical Attention and Followed Your Doctor’s Advice
Even if your bike was totaled, in most cases, the majority of your damages will relate to your personal injuries. These damages will include things like compensation for your current and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In order to prove the extent of your injuries, you need to see a doctor after the accident. Just as important, you need to follow your doctor’s advice. If your doctor tells you to rest and you go back to work the next day, the insurance companies will try to use this against you.
- You Haven’t Said Anything You Shouldn’t Have to the Insurance Companies
Speaking of insurance companies, you should avoid speaking to them following your Sarasota motorcycle accident. The insurance companies’ adjusters and investigators get paid to minimize accident victims’ claims as much as possible. In addition, insurance companies record their calls, and anything you say that may call your claim into question will be used against you. Speak directly with Jodat Law Group – our Sarasota Motorcycle Accident Lawyers will help you get back on your feet.
- You Were Not 100 Percent at Fault in Causing the Motorcycle Accident
Florida is among a minority of states that follow a rule known as “pure comparative fault.” What this means is that, even if you were 99 percent at fault in the accident, you are still entitled to recover one percent of your losses. Of course, if you were 99 percent at fault and only suffered minor injuries, it may not be worth the effort and expense to file a claim for damages.
On the other hand, if your case is more like 50/50, it may be a different story. In any event, before you make any decisions about your legal rights, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation.
Speak with Sarasota Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Jodat Law Group!
Our attorneys have decades of experience representing Sarasota motorcycle accident victims in Florida. To find out if you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, schedule a free consultation today.