For a motorcycle enthusiast, nothing beats the fresh air and freedom you feel when riding on the open road. It can be both an exciting and liberating experience. But with this fun and freedom also come serious risks — including accidents that can lead to serious injuries or insurance claims horror stories.
Below, this motorcycle accident attorney in Lakeland, Florida is going to guide you through the complicated motorcycle accident insurance claims process. This will help you know what you need to get the right compensation for any injuries or losses you have suffered.
Understanding Florida’s motorcycle insurance claims process
Florida is known for its sunny, subtropical weather and scenic roads to ride motorcycles. However, it’s not all sunshine — according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Traffic Crash Report 2023, there were 9,525 motorcycle accidents in the state last year, resulting in 605 deaths and 8,191 serious injuries.
Despite these high risks, Florida remains the only state that does not require motorcycle riders to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to ride legally. However, Florida law does require riders to carry a minimum of $10,000 in medical benefits, either from their motorcycle insurance or health insurance (See Chapter 324 Section 021 of the Florida Statutes).
As a motorcycle rider in Florida, it’s important to understand your insurance options and how to handle the insurance claims after being involved in an accident. This will help you learn how to deal with insurance companies and make sure you are treated fairly. You’ll need to know the ins and outs of this process to get the money you need to cover your medical expenses and other costs from the accident.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Lakeland, Florida can be very helpful in these situations. They can guide you through the process and help you get the best outcome possible.
Handling Florida motorcycle accident insurance claims
Experiencing a motorcycle accident can leave you anxious, disoriented, and most likely in pain. If you are ever involved in this situation, it’s important to know how to file an insurance claim and what you should be aware of to ensure a favorable result.
Be careful with the other party’s insurance company.
You should always be cautious when dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. It’s best to avoid giving any recorded statements without first talking to a motorcycle accident attorney in Lakeland, Florida. Insurance adjusters may try to make a lowball offer or blame you for the accident altogether to avoid liability.
Understand the settlement offer.
Settlement offers are a common part of the insurance claims process. These are proposals from insurance companies detailing how much money they are willing to offer you to cover your losses and end the dispute.
You should always review these offers carefully. Accepting an offer without consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney in Lakeland, Florida could mean you are getting less money than you need to cover your medical bills, motorcycle repairs, and other costs related to the accident.
What are the challenges in the claims process?
The insurance claims process can include delays, disputes over liability, and attempts by insurance companies to pay less than what the claim is truly worth. These challenges demand patience and careful attention. With a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer by your side, you can manage these challenges effectively and push for a fair amount of money to cover all your needs.
Looking for a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Lakeland, Florida?
Have you recently been involved in a motorcycle accident? Ready to partner with the top-rated motorcycle accident attorney in Lakeland, Florida who can help you handle the insurance claims process? If so, look no further than Tonya Stewart and her legal team at Tonya Stewart Law PA. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free consultation.