Have you been involved in an accident involving your motorcycle? Our motorcycle accident attorney specialize in getting you the compensation you deserve. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Florida has the most motorcycle fatalities in the nation. In 2015 4,976 people died in motorcycle crashes, an increase of 8.3% from 2014, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2014 motorcyclist were 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash than occupants of an automobile, and almost five times more likely to be injured per vehicle mile traveled. Growney, McKeown & Barber, P.A. has been representing injured motorcyclists in St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay area, and throughout Florida for over 25 years. We understand how traumatic a motorcycle accident can be and the seriousness of the injuries a motorcycle accident victim can sustain.
We understand the difficulties that can be faced by a motorcycle injury victim. It is important that you receive proper medical treatment. We vigorously work to obtain full compensation for your injuries, including:
- Damages in wrongful death cases
- Compensation for scarring
- Lost wages
- Medical Expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring
- And any other damages allowed by law
If you have been involved in an accident where you were on a motorcycle, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you understand your rights.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, the following information may be helpful.
1. STOP
Florida law requires drivers to stop and exchange information with other drivers at the accident scene. If the other driver fails to stop, try to note their license plate number & description of their vehicle before they leave the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident can be a criminal offense.
2. CALL THE POLICE
Cooperate fully with law enforcement officers.
3. OBTAIN MEDICAL ATTENTION WHEN NECESSARY
Cooperate with emergency medical personnel and go to the hospital in an ambulance if you are injured. Injuries are not always felt immediately. You may experience pain or stiffness hours or days after an accident. When speaking with a doctor, be sure to discuss all of your injuries. If you have any observable injuries, be sure to photograph those injuries.
4. EXCHANGE INFORMATION
Obtain important information about the accident for your motorcycle accident attorney. Do not comment or make statements to the other driver or witnesses about the cause of the accident. Speak only with the police officer about the facts of the accident. Information you should obtain about the accident include:
- Name, address, and driver’s license number of the person driving the vehicle
- The VIN number, Tag number, make model and year of the vehicle
- The other driver’s insurance company and policy number
- The names, addresses and phone numbers of any passengers in the vehicle
- Any statements made by the other driver about the accident
- The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses to the accident
- Information about the accident including but not limited to the date and time, location, points of impact, speed of both vehicles, and whether the vehicle’s airbags engaged
- The name and agency of the police officer investigating the accident as well as his crash report number
5. DOCUMENT THE SCENE
Take photographs using a cell phone or disposable camera of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and all involved vehicles, if possible, before the vehicles are moved.
6. INSURANCE INFORMATION
Report the accident to your insurance company. Wait to make statements to the other driver’s insurance company until you have consulted with an attorney.
7. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Consult with an attorney regarding your rights and the steps you should take to protect those rights.
8. SOCIAL MEDIA
Consult with an motorcycle accident attorney before posting about the accident on any social media platform.
Our office offers a free guide of “What to do in case of an Accident.” We invite you to stop by our office, meet our attorneys, and pick up a copy of the guide.
Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers keep you informed throughout every step of your case, ensuring you can make informed decisions. We are always available to answer questions and discuss your concerns. We provide a free consultation and there are no fees or costs to you unless we can make a recovery on your behalf.