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"MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT"  The phrase produces images of severe injuries, head trauma and even death, due to the unprotected nature of the motorcycle rider. These images are not all together far from the truth.  The studies show that non-motorcycle drivers are not routinely on the lookout for motorcycles and therefore motorcycle riders are at an increased risk for being involved in an accident.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that while the number of motorcyclists killed in accidents has recently dropped by 5%, motorcyclists are still overrepresented in the statistics representing fatal traffic accidents. While there has been a recent drop in fatalities, this does not equate to a drop in motorcycle accidents involving injury.  For this reason, knowing what to do in the event of a motorcycle accident is critical.  Knowing your rights and what steps to take following a motorcycle accident could mean the difference between recovering compensation for your injuries and damages and not recovering anything.  

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, the first thing to do is assess you and, if applicable, your passenger, for injuries. Be sure to contact law enforcement and file an accident report.  The responding law enforcement agency will be sure to document all of the pertinent information related to the accident and the other drivers involved.  After these initial considerations are taken care of, it has been our experience that the sooner you contact an knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney, the better it is for your case.  

First, an experienced and knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney will  be able to help you connect with medical providers who specialize in the care and treatment of injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents.  Secondly, because there is no requirement for motorcyclists in the State of Florida to carry any insurance, some medical providers are hesitant to treat motorcycle accident victims.  An experienced and knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney will help guide you through the insurance coverages and any questions you may have which will ultimately facilitate prompt and specialized medical treatment.  

Another hurdle which occurs in motorcycle accidents in establishing who is liable for the accident.  Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid and Douglas are experienced and knowledgeable in handling motorcycle accidents.  Over the years, we have seen unscrupulous insurance companies try to shift blame from the at fault driver to the motorcyclist.  They may try to argue that the motorcyclist was carelessly operating the motorcycle, speeding, or not following traffic laws.  Early accident investigation by Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid and Douglas helps shut down these insurance tactics and position their motorcycle accident clients for a successful claim.  

Early and effective accident investigations can include accident scene measurements, gathering video footage from nearby businesses or homes, capurting trial quality accident damage photos, or even a full blown accident reconstruction with video recreation.  When injured motorcyclists are facing massive insurance companies whose job it is to reduce the amount they pay out on claims, building a successful motorcycle claim from the beginning is imperative.

Once it is determined who is at fault for the accident, the next step is to solidify what damages were caused by the at fault driver.  The obvious damages are physical injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, injured knees and shoulders, and neck and back injuries. Additional damages can include loss of income, loss of the ability to work in the future, pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover all of your damages from the at fault driver.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Clearwater motorcycle accident, contact Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid and Douglas for a free, no obligation, consultation.