Do I Need to See a Doctor After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a collision between your motorcycle and a vehicle, getting needed medical care should be your first priority. Leaving injuries undiagnosed or untreated could lead to a worsening of your symptoms and outcome. Even if you do not require immediate emergency care, it is still essential to see a doctor after a motorcycle accident. 

You should also get medical care to support your compensation request. Your medical records will contain details about your injuries and their cause and costs. A Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer can use these details to recoup the costs of your treatment. Most law firms will offer a free review of your claim and define your compensation options. 

Motorcycle Accident Injuries That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Motorcyclists are exposed to the full brunt of an impact when struck by a vehicle. This lack of protection can lead to serious injuries, especially to the lower extremities. Injuries to a motorcycle rider’s feet and legs are among the most commonly reported motorcycle accident injuries, including:

• Dislocations
• Amputations
• Broken bones
• Fractured bones
• Crushing injuries
• Degloving injuries
• Sprains and strains

These injuries require immediate medical attention that typically starts right at the scene of the accident. The treatment protocol can also include long-term—potentially lifelong—medical care, rehabilitation, therapy, assistive medical devices, and prosthetic limb replacement. 

Injuries Motorcycle Accident Victims Suffer That May Not Show Symptoms Immediately

In seemingly minor motorcycle accidents, some injuries might not be outwardly visible or readily apparent. The same could be true of a serious collision since some injuries could initially be hidden by more serious injuries.

Injuries that may take time to emerge can include:

• Whiplash or concussion whose symptoms can be masked by other pain
• Depression and fatigue, which could be masked by anxiety and stress
• Soft tissue injuries and internal bleeding which could go unnoticed

Appropriate medical care can ensure you get a definitive diagnosis, appropriate medical care, and a clear prognosis.

Holding the At-Fault Driver Liable for Your Accident-Related Medical Expenses

The medical treatments you require for motorcycle accident injuries can be costly and extensive. The driver whose negligence caused your accident could be liable for your current and future medical expenses, including:

• Ambulance fees
• First responder fees
• Emergency room care
• Hospital admissions
• Medical devices
• Prosthetic devices
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Surgical procedures
• In-home medical aide

Continue to receive all necessary medical care for your injuries as recommended. Track your injuries and their costs right from the start. An attorney can help you recover these costs from the at-fault driver by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit on your behalf.

Additional Damages You Can Recover from the At-Fault Driver

In addition to medical bills, you can recover various types of damages. Additional economic damages can include:

• Past and future lost wages
• Lost future earning ability
• Motorcycle repair costs
• Diminished motorcycle value
• Motorcycle replacement

These tangible damages are usually supported with receipts, estimates, and other documentation. You can also recover a range of non-economic damages. These are intangible and can be harder to prove on your own. A lawyer can define how they are assessed and collect tangible evidence of their monetary value. 

Recoverable non-economic damages can include:

• Lasting physical or permanent disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

A lawyer can accurately assess your damages, protect you from a speedy yet insufficient settlement offer, and maximize your financial recovery. 

Florida Law Limits Your Time to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit 

After a motorcycle crash, Florida law generally gives you two years to file your personal injury lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. The statute of limitations can be hard to comply with on your own since it can change for various reasons, including:

• Specific limitations, per Florida Statutes § 95.051 
• A 2023 reduction from four years to two years

The best way to understand the statute of limitations and its specific application to your case is to let a Florida personal injury lawyer handle it for you. They can file your lawsuit on time and in the appropriate venue. 

Medical Bills are an Important Piece of Your Motorcycle Accident Case File

Getting compensation after an accident means filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. It is important not only to recover damages but also to ensure you seek the full amount you are entitled to. For medical bills, that means:

• Obtaining medical bills from every professional and facility where you received treatment
• Waiting for all medical expenses to become clear and documented before making a compensation request
• Avoiding a speedy settlement that does not account for all medical costs

A motorcycle accident attorney can help you gather all the bills related to your medical care. They can also work together with your healthcare team to understand and document the ongoing treatment you will require. These costs (known and anticipated) can be included in your claim for compensation. 

Key Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Motorcycle Accident Claim 

Along with medical, rehabilitation, and therapy bills, your evidence collection may also include proof of additional expenses and losses after the accident:

• Motorcycle repair bills
• Replacement estimates
• Proof of income

It will also include proof of the at-fault driver’s negligence—duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. This portion of your case file will include the official police report, accident reconstruction reports, photos and video footage, and lay and expert witness statements.

Learn More About the Importance of Seeing a Doctor After a Motorcycle Accident

If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle collision, our law firm can help you obtain compensation from the insurance company of the at-fault driver. We can clarify why you need to see a doctor after a motorcycle accident and how your medical records and bills can substantiate your injury claim.

Learn more about building a comprehensive evidence collection. Contact our consultation team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers to learn more during a free initial consultation.