Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident in Polk County?
Get a Lakeland lawyer who fights hard for injured bikers
Florida is known for its robust motorcycle culture, but even here, many motorists fail to share the road. The consequences of a serious accident can be life-altering: lost limbs, brain injuries, muscle damage, and worse. Motorcycle riders are many times more likely to be killed on the road than passengers in cars.
That’s why it’s so important to hold negligent drivers accountable when they cause injuries to the men and women who ride. That’s why you need a Lakeland motorcycle accident attorney who will fight hard for accountability and full compensation. That’s why you need Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law.
The serious impact of motorcycle crashes
Even with protective gear like helmets, leather clothing, and gloves, bikers are far less protected than other road users. Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries, including:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Severed limbs
- Broken bones
- Skin injuries such as road rash
- Biker’s arm
The full cost of a motorcycle accident can easily be in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. You need full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs due to the accident. The good news is that you may be able to file a claim and recover compensation. The bad news is that the insurance companies will fight tooth and nail for every dollar.
What should you do after a motorcycle accident?
Since a motorcycle accident can happen for any number of reasons, each case is different. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all way to handle the aftermath of an accident, there are steps you can take to ensure your case has as strong a foundation as possible.
- Get immediate medical care. It may seem like common sense, but even if you think you’ve walked away unscathed, it’s worth seeing a doctor in case of any internal injuries.
- Call the police. Seriously, call them as soon as you can. Not doing so may raise questions about why you didn’t, which could be read as suspicious behavior.
- Don’t give statements to insurance companies. It’s the same advice as when you’re arrested: anything you say can and will be used against you. Holding off on making a statement means you’ll have time to overcome the initial shock of the accident and make a coherent report later – ideally with the assistance of an attorney.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of any other vehicle(s) involved in the accident, as well as your motorbike. Take pictures of any visible injuries. If possible, keep your clothes, bike, and any affected equipment in a safe place for later examination.
- Write down what you remember. Doing this can help you clarify the events in your mind and highlight any potential avenues of investigation.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. You need legal representation to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why you need a motorcycle accident attorney
An insurance provider knows you’ll want to receive money as soon as possible after an accident, so it’s common for them to offer less-than-reasonable damages. Doing so means there’s a greater chance you’ll settle early and lose out on what you’re really owed. Remember that their first offer is rarely the best you can do, and you have no obligation to accept it. A reputable motorcycle injury attorney examines every aspect of your claim to determine the facts and build a fair case for you and your family.
Remember, you’re starting at a disadvantage in a motorcycle accident case. People have a bias against motorcycle riders. They think bikers are all irresponsible thrill-seekers. That’s not true, of course, and the insurance companies know it – but they are not above taking advantage of that bias to pressure bikers to settle for less. With an experienced trial lawyer on your side, you can level the playing field. An attorney with experience in jury selection and trial techniques and a winning record at trial can overcome those biases and fight for full compensation for you.
Again, the key is to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. There are legal deadlines to be met and evidence to be gathered before it expires, and the sooner you get legal counsel, the sooner you can hand off the legal aspects of your situation and focus on getting better. There’s no cost for the consultation and no obligation to hire me, just answers about your legal options. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Polk County, call or use the online contact form to schedule your consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney today.