Motorcycles are a common sight on the roads of America, and Florida has the second-highest number of registered motorcycles in the United States. Many bicyclists worry about getting hit by cars, but motorcycles can also present a risk of crashes to cyclists.
When you are hit by a motorcycle in the bike lane, it is important to know how to react so that you can receive compensation for your injuries. This article will discuss what options victims have against motorcyclists who crash into them in bike lanes. To discuss your specific situation, contact a Tampa and Sarasota bicycle accident lawyer.
Receive Medical Attention
If you are hit in the bike lane by a motorcycle, it is important to receive medical attention at once. This can be done through your healthcare provider, an urgent care, or even an emergency room visit if necessary.
If you did not have time to take care of this before getting into contact with law enforcement, then ask them for help finding appropriate treatment options that will cover all costs related to your injuries and recovery.
Report the Incident to Local Law Enforcement
Once you’re sure that you’ve received adequate medical assistance and given any information needed about what happened, report the incident immediately to local law enforcement. Depending on where the accident occurred, they may call in a motorcyclist’s license plate number from their dispatch system without needing eyewitness testimony. Calling 911 is also important for creating a police report that can be used to help show liability for the crash.
Get the Personal Information of the Motorcyclist
Collect any information you can about the motorcyclist, including their license plate number and name. This is important for both getting compensation from them in court as well as keeping track of your legal case against them by having a fuller picture of what happened on that day.
Gather Evidence to Present in Court
There are many different types of evidence to collect following an accident with a motorcycle while riding in a bike lane:
- Photos or videos taken at the scene (if available)
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Receipts for medical bills incurred due to injuries sustained during the incident
Keep Records of Your Recovery Process
One of the hardest parts about recovering from a motorcycle crash is remembering how many steps remain before fully healing. It’s highly recommended to write down all appointments and visits related to your recovery.
For example, you can write down the time and date of a doctor’s appointment, what type of injury it was for (e.g., broken arm), and who performed the procedure along with their contact information in case there are any follow-up questions or concerns.
Evidence such as this will come into play if your motorcycle crash incident goes to court so that all evidence is presented clearly in order to prove fault against someone else other than yourself.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
If you want to pursue legal action against the motorcyclist that crashed into you, then there are many personal injury attorneys who will be able to help.
These professionals can take on your case and fight for compensation so that you don’t have to worry about being taken advantage of by a negligent driver or an insurance company.
Contact a Florida Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been hit in the bike lane by a motorcyclist, Matthews Injury Law can review your rights and a possible case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our award-winning legal team.
