Motorcyclists are often drawn to the state of Florida, and it’s not hard to see why. The scenic views and warm weather make Florida one of the most popular states for motorcycling in the country. But unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere, even in Florida. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in the greater Tampa Bay area, it’s important to understand what steps you need to take to protect your rights and recover compensation.
Should you seek legal representation from a Tampa personal injury attorney after a crash? How can an attorney help your case? And what qualities should you look for when choosing an attorney to represent you? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.
When Should You Hire A Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, it’s in your best interest to hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. In fact, hiring an attorney should be one of your first priorities after seeking medical attention for your injuries. The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner your attorney can begin protecting your rights, investigating the cause of the accident, and fighting to reach a fair settlement on your behalf.
It doesn’t matter how minor your injuries may seem immediately after the crash—it’s best to seek legal representation to discuss your legal options.
Motorcyclists are typically injured in motorcycle accidents because they aren’t protected by seat belts or air bags. But if you are involved in an accident and not injured, you may not need to hire an attorney. In a situation like this, most motorcyclists handle their property damage claims without the help of an attorney. But if injuries are involved, seek legal help right away.
How Can A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help?
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help with every aspect of your personal injury claim. After your accident, an attorney can review the details of your case, explain your rights, help you understand your legal options, and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Focus solely on recovering from your injuries while your attorney conducts a comprehensive investigation into the accident. The purpose of this investigation is to gather the evidence that you need to win your case. During the investigation, your attorney may work with expert witnesses, analyze photos from the scene of the crash, interview witnesses, review your medical records, and obtain the police report. This evidence will be used to prove liability and secure the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney will also communicate directly with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf. This way, the insurance company will not get away with trying to place the blame on you or pressuring you to settle for less than what you deserve. If disputes arise over liability or the severity of your injuries, your attorney will handle them on your behalf.
Personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators. If you seek legal representation, your attorney will aggressively negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company in an effort to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. But if the insurer is not willing to cooperate, your attorney will move forward with filing a personal injury lawsuit in court.
You can focus on what matters most—your health and wellbeing—while your attorney works tirelessly to ensure you are fully compensated for your motorcycle accident damages.
How Can You Find the Right Personal Injury Attorney For Your Case?
There are countless personal injury attorneys in the greater Tampa Bay area, but you shouldn’t choose the first one you come across. Instead, take the time to find the attorney who is right for your case.
Look for a personal injury attorney who has experience representing clients who have been injured in motorcycle accidents. Each area of personal injury law is unique, so it’s important to find an attorney who is experienced in this specific practice area.
Simply having experience isn’t enough—an attorney must also have a track record of success handling motorcycle accident cases. Be sure to choose an attorney who has successfully recovered compensation for injured motorcyclists. Ask your attorney to provide information on some of their most recent settlements or verdicts.
Most motorcycle accident cases are resolved outside of the courtroom. But if the at-fault party’s insurance company is not willing to make a fair settlement offer, your case may end up in court. For this reason, it’s important to look for an attorney who has extensive trial experience. This way, you know that your attorney will not hesitate to take your case to court if that’s what is necessary to win the compensation you deserve.
You should also look for an attorney who is responsive and who demonstrates strong communication skills. It may take months—in some cases, even years—to resolve your personal injury claim. During this time, it’s important that your attorney keeps you updated regarding the status of your case. But if your attorney isn’t a strong communicator, you may be left in the dark regarding what’s going on. Pay close attention to how your attorney communicates with you when scheduling your initial consultation to assess their responsiveness.
Discuss Your Legal Options With A Skilled Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Tampa, don’t hesitate to contact the skilled personal injury attorneys at Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett. With over 125 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have the resources and knowledge it takes to win complex motorcycle accident cases. We will work tirelessly to ensure you are fully compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
There is no time to waste—contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation regarding your case.
