How to File a Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claim

After a motorcycle accident, it is normal to have a lot of questions about insurance and how to file a claim for the compensation you need to recover. Accident victims can file both personal injury claims and property damage claims after a motorcycle crash.

At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., we have more than 100 years of combined legal experience helping injured motorcyclists navigate the complex insurance claims process and secure the full compensation they are owed.

What Type of Claim Do I Need to File?

There are typically two main types of claims after a motorcycle accident:

Personal injuries: In Florida, motorcyclists are not required to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance like cars. Thus, if you have been hurt in a crash, you will likely be pursuing a personal injury claim against the negligent driver’s insurance company. In addition, if you have purchased Med Pay coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance to cover medical expenses.

Property damage: If you have purchased collision insurance, you can file a claim with your own insurance company for any property damage your bike sustained. If you do not have collision insurance, you can file this claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

What Can I Collect in a Property Damage Claim?

Property damage claims are meant to compensate you for any damage sustained to your bike during the crash. In addition to this, you can also claim any towing costs for your vehicle, rental car expenses if you need to rent a vehicle temporarily, and damage to any of your personal items.

You should know that the insurance company may decide that it is cheaper to replace your bike than to repair it. This decision will be made based on the motorcycle’s fair market value.

What Can I Collect in a Personal Injury Claim?

Personal injury claims are intended to recover damages caused by any injuries you suffered as a result of the crash. This includes compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, permanent injuries and scarring, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future anticipated losses.

How Do I Prepare to Make a Claim?

Before you file a claim, there are a number of steps you should take to gather supporting documentation. This will serve as evidence to substantiate your claim and demonstrate the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Some of the evidence that can be used to support your claim for compensation includes:

Photos of the accident scene, such as your helmet, vehicles involved, and your injuries
Medical records, bills, and invoices
Police reports
Names and contact information for witnesses, as well as statements from them
Video surveillance footage from nearby businesses

Our knowledgeable Gainesville motorcycle accident attorneys can gather all the necessary evidence to support your claim. We can also manage all communication with the insurance companies and at-fault parties. Ultimately, we want to make the claims process as easy for you as possible.

Injured on Your Bike? Call Our Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Today

It is normal to be overwhelmed after a bike crash and not know what to do. At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., our Gainesville personal injury lawyers can help. We know the steps you need to take and how to hold insurance companies accountable.