What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Jacksonville, Florida (2024)

Each year, the state of Florida experiences a significantly higher number of accidents than many other states. In 2022 alone, there have been almost 400,00 accidents reported around the state. Those statistics show that a motorcycle accident can happen to any driver. It is important to always be as safe as possible when driving and to know the risks to avoid accidents as much as possible.

Common Types of Accidents in Jacksonville

Single-car accidents are often not the most common type. Drivers may experience an accident caused by another driver on the road, a distraction like an animal or text messages, or motorcycles. These various types of accidents are tracked throughout the year, and the information is compiled. As of December 15th, 2022, there have been nearly 9,000 accidents involving motorcycles, with almost 600 of those accidents also causing a fatality. If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle crash, it is important to know the proper steps to handle the incident.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it can be difficult to know what steps you need to take next. The process of filing a claim can seem confusing and overwhelming, so many people choose not to pursue their compensation at all. An experienced motorcycle attorney can help you navigate the process to receive the compensation you deserve.

One reason that an attorney can be helpful is that they will walk you through each step of the claim process while also helping you understand what is happening. The major steps in a motorcycle accident claim are:

• Both parties negotiate prior to taking the claim to trial.
• Each involved party will submit formal claims to the court.
• A written document is submitted explaining how the defendant is responsible for any injury.
• The defendant will respond to the complaint filed.
• All necessary documentation and information are exchanged.
• Each involved party can make requests to the court.
• The trial will be completed, and a judge will likely make the final decision.
• Following the verdict, each party can either file motions or an appeal.

If you are not familiar with the legal process and all the steps it requires, then working with an experienced and aggressive attorney can be extremely helpful. The team at Spohrer Dodd can help ensure that you receive the compensation you need.

Aftermath of Motorcycle Accidents

Experiencing a motorcycle accident can significantly impact an individual’s life in a financial, physical, and emotional way. From a financial standpoint, following an accident, the bike’s owner will be responsible for repairs and maintenance, or an entire replacement, to have a functional motorcycle. The financial strain can also be difficult if the driver must pay medical bills or insurance.

The physical fallout of a motorcycle accident could be much more severe because the driver is so exposed to the world. Even if the crash is minor, with no significant damage done, the driver may still have to recover from scrapes and bruises caused by the crash.

The emotional damage following an accident can also be difficult to navigate. While an individual is recovering from their physical injuries, it can be mentally challenging to not be able to do the kind of work they did before. If any injuries were caused by the accident, then the driver may carry that guilt for many years.

FAQs About Motorcycle Accident in Jacksonville, Florida

What should you do if you are the victim of a motorcycle accident?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Florida has certain regulations in place that determine whether an accident must be reported to law enforcement. If no one has been injured in the accident, then you may be able to just self-report and claim any money or support you need from your insurance. If there is an injury, or the cost of damage is more than $500, you must contact law enforcement and have a police report created.

How long does a motorcycle accident claim take to settle?

The time that it takes for a motorcycle injury claim to be settled can vary, depending on the severity and circumstances of each individual case. If the injuries caused by an accident are minor and may not require a significant amount of care and recovery, then the case may be settled fairly quickly within a few months. If, however, the accident results in significant injuries, or even death, then the process will be more complicated and take more time.

Why do you need a motorcycle accident attorney?

You are not required to have an attorney if you are filing a motorcycle injury claim. The process could be completed with no assistance, but it is not recommended. The legal process to file a claim can be time-consuming and confusing. If you are not familiar with the legal system, then you may not know what paperwork is necessary or what is required for any court appearances, which can cause delays. A motorcycle accident attorney can guide you through the process to get you the compensation you need.

Should you ride motorcycles again after an accident?

This choice is entirely up to each individual driver. If the accident itself is very minor and there are no significant injuries involved, then the driver may choose to return to their bike once they have recovered. In other cases, a severe motorcycle accident could cause major injuries, which may cause the driver to step away from motorcycles entirely once they have recovered.

Spohrer Dodd: Your Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycles can be fun and exciting vehicles, but it is essential that they are operated safely. The drivers are so exposed to the outside world that it can be dangerous for them if they crash. It is also important that, following a motorcycle accident, the injured party receives the support and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, trust Spohrer Dodd to fight for the compensation you need.