Tampa is a great place to ride a motorcycle, whether you are commuting to work or exploring the roads and scenery throughout the Tampa Bay area. While you’re enjoying your rides, it’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected. Unfortunately, accidents, can happen at any time. If you know in advance what to do after a crash, you’ll give yourself the best chance to protect your health and your finances.
Steps to Take if You’ve Been in a Tampa Motorcycle Accident
These steps provide an overview of what you should do after a Tampa motorcycle accident:
1. Call 911. When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you need the police to come to the accident scene and write a report. If anyone is injured, paramedics are needed to evaluate them and, if necessary, take them to a hospital’s emergency department.
2. If you are seriously injured, you should wait for the ambulance to arrive before doing anything else. However, if you can, have someone get contact and insurance information from the other drivers involved in the accident. Record their license plate numbers and take photos or videos showing the accident scene, including your bike and the other vehicles. Also, take pictures of your injuries.
3. Be careful what you say to anyone present at the scene of the accident. You shouldn’t discuss the accident with the other drivers, passengers, or bystanders. In particular, you should never say anything to indicate that you think you might be at fault for the accident. You can’t tell who was at fault without a thorough investigation, and anything you say could be used against you later. For the same reasons, be careful what you post about your accident on social media. In fact, not posting anything is a good idea.
4. See a doctor in Tampa or anywhere that is convenient for you as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you are injured. You could have serious injuries that you’re not aware of because they have delayed symptoms. The sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner you can get the appropriate care. The doctor’s report will also be useful if you later decide to pursue a claim or lawsuit against the other driver.
5. Keep any personal items that were damaged in the accident, including your helmet and clothing. They might be used as evidence later if you pursue a claim.
6. Start a file containing records of all the information relating to your accident. Include a dated diary in your records noting how you are feeling, including descriptions of any physical pain you are experiencing, psychological difficulties, such as anxiety, stress, or depression, and notes about any restrictions in your ability to do your usual activities. It might be helpful to make daily videos showing what your life is like as you deal with your injuries and the limitations in your daily living routines.
7. Report the accident to your insurance company.
8. Consult a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better. Your lawyer will help protect your rights and advise you on your best course of action. The quicker your lawyer can get started investigating your accident, the fresher the evidence will be to build a strong case for you.
9. Give your lawyer copies of your insurance policies and all the information and photos or videos you have from the scene of the accident to assist in investigating the accident and building your case.
10. Be honest with your doctors and provide all the information requested about your injuries and medical history. Be sure to follow your doctors’ treatment plans.
11. Continue to get all necessary medical care until your doctor says that you have reached maximum medical improvement. When that happens, inform your lawyer so that your legal team can obtain your final medical reports.
12. Save medical bills and receipts for purchases and services you’ve had to obtain because of your injuries and include those in your accident file.
13. If you have had to miss work because of your injuries, keep a diary in your accident file indicating the dates you were unable to work, how many work hours you missed, and how much you lost in wages or salary. Include any bonuses or pay raises you might have missed out on, if applicable.
14. Also include all other expenses that you’ve had because of the accident, such as towing costs, transportation costs, and care costs.
15. If you move or change your email or phone number, be sure to keep your lawyer informed to avoid any delays in their being able to contact you.
Get Experienced Legal Help after a Motorcycle Accident in Tampa
Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer Dennis Hernandez is a fifth-generation Tampa native with more than 25 years of experience helping Tampa accident victims get the compensation they need. He’s also an enthusiastic motorcycle rider, so he understands and is deeply committed to helping other bikers get the justice they deserve.
If you were recently seriously injured in a Tampa motorcycle accident that was at least partially someone else’s fault, Florida law gives you the right to pursue substantial compensation from the at-fault parties. Call the Dennis Hernandez law firm at 855-529-3366 or fill in the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on our website to get the expert legal help you need after your Tampa motorcycle crash.
