4 Crucial Steps To Take After A Florida Scooter Accident
Because of the warm temperatures in Florida, it is common to see Floridians, and even tourists, on scooters instead of cars. Florida does not have a legal definition for motor scooters, but according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, motor scooters fall under the definition of a motorcycle. Apart from people choosing scooters because they are enjoyable, they also choose them because they consume a small amount of gas. Unfortunately, as more Floridians and tourists choose to use scooters, the risk of personal injuries increases when involved in an accident.
So, what happens when an individual gets into a scooter accident? While it can be hard to handle the aftermath of a scooter accident, it is crucial for an individual involved in a scooter accident to take several necessary steps after their accident. By doing certain things after a scooter accident, you can protect your health, other people’s health, and your right to compensation.
Below, we will share with you four crucial steps to take after a Florida scooter accident.
Step #1: Check Everyone for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
Your health and other people’s health should always come first after an accident. So, after a scooter accident, check yourself for injuries. After checking yourself, check everybody else involved in the accident for injuries. If you or anybody else requires medical attention, call an ambulance. You should seek medical attention even in a situation where there does not seem to be a severe injury. Some injuries are not easily noticeable after an accident and can only be detected by medical professionals. Remember, a scooter crash is different than a car crash. In a car crash, you are protected by the hard encasing of the car, as well as safety mechanisms such as airbags. Scooter crashes are typically “car on body”. We have witnessed severe injuries (i.e. torn knees and shoulders) even in low-impact scooter crashes.
Step #2: Report Your Accident
After your scooter accident, you need to call 911 to ensure your accident is officially memorialized.
Step #3: Collect Evidence
After a Florida scooter accident, you should gather evidence by taking a number of pictures of the property damage and crash scene if you are in a condition that allows you to do so. If you notice witnesses near the accident scene, make sure you acquire their contact details. Also, if a vehicle caused your scooter accident, make sure you get the driver’s name, insurance company details, license number, and the vehicle’s license plate numbers. Remember, the evidence you collect after a scooter accident can prove helpful after you file a personal injury claim against an at-fault party.
Step #4: Hire an Attorney
You should retain a skilled attorney after being involved in a scooter accident because of another person’s negligence. It is not advisable to negotiate with the other party’s insurance company without a legal representative. Remember, the insurance companies’ main goal is to convince you to accept the lowest amount of money possible in exchange for a release – they are not on your side, despite what they may tell you. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you obtain fair compensation after a scooter accident.
Contact Lyons & Snyder Today
If you or someone that you love or know has suffered injuries in a Florida scooter accident, contact the skilled Delray Beach moped & scooter accident lawyers at Lyons & Snyder for legal help. Our team of experts can help you hold the at-fault party accountable and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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