How to Handle a Motorcycle Dooring Accident
Riding down the beachfront highways while bathing in the sun and letting the gentle breeze sweep through their hair is something that Floridians can die for. Motorcycling is one of the favorite hobbies for the residents of Florida. While the state’s amiable weather is a perk for riders, the roads aren’t very favorable. This has led to Florida being ranked 4th in the highest motorcycle deaths in the US, with a significant fatality rise of 11% since 2019.
These accidents occur due to the inherent risks associated with these roads, one of which includes the potential danger of encountering a dooring incident. A “dooring” is when a driver opens their car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, causing an accident. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle dooring accident, knowing how to handle it is essential. The experienced attorneys at motorcycle crash law firms can provide legal advice and support if you need help navigating this process.
What Is a Motorcycle Dooring Accident?
A motorcycle dooring accident occurs when a driver opens their car door without checking for oncoming traffic first, impacting an approaching motorcycle rider. This type of collision typically results in serious injuries or death for motorcyclists due to their lack of protection from the elements and other vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, these accidents are becoming increasingly common as more drivers fail to check for motorcycles before opening their doors.
Who Is Liable For A Motorcycle Dooring Accident?
The most common cause of motorcycle dooring accidents is negligence by drivers who open their car doors without looking first. In these cases, liability lies with the driver who opened the door rather than with the motorcyclist who was injured or killed due to this action. Victims must be able to demonstrate that they were injured because of another person's negligence or carelessness to prove liability in court.
What Steps Should You Take After Being Involved in a Motorcycle Dooring Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle dooring accident, there are several steps you should take:
1) Seek medical attention immediately – Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s essential to get checked out by medical professionals as soon as possible after your accident so that any underlying issues can be addressed promptly and adequately.
2) Document everything – As soon as possible after your accident, document everything related to it, including photos of any visible damage caused by the incident and contact information from any witnesses present at the time of your crash. This evidence can be invaluable later if you decide to pursue legal action against those responsible for your injury or loss.
3) Contact an attorney – An experienced attorney specializing in personal injury law can provide valuable advice regarding how best to proceed after being involved in such an incident and guide you through each step until a resolution is reached, either through settlement negotiations or litigation proceedings if necessary.
4) File insurance claims - Filing insurance claims may be necessary depending on the fault between the parties involved. It is essential that all paperwork is filled out accurately, submitted promptly, and followed up regularly until resolved.
5) Be patient - Following such an incident may take some time, especially if litigation becomes necessary. It is crucial that all paperwork is completed accurately and that patience is practiced throughout this process.
6) Stay organized - Having documentation such as photographs, witness accounts, police reports, etc., managed will make things much easier when dealing with insurance companies and lawyers working towards a resolution.
7) Don't accept quick settlements - Insurance companies may offer temporary settlements, which could leave victims short-changed from what they deserve following such incidents; always consult with legal representatives before accepting anything insurers provide.
Conclusion
Being involved in a motorcycle dooring accident can be a traumatic physical and emotional experience. However, understanding what steps should be taken afterward can help ensure victims receive justice while assisting them to move forward from this challenging situation more quickly than they otherwise would have. Moreover, by following the steps mentioned above and seeking the support of experienced legal professionals, victims can navigate the challenging aftermath of a motorcycle dooring accident with greater confidence and hope for a fair resolution.