If You Are Involved In A Motorcycle Accident, Are You Covered?

Wednesday, 28 October 2009 12:46

Article Written By: Mary Ann Morgan, Esquire; Managing Partner of Billings, Morgan and Boatwright

Everyone faces risks every day of their life. Some risks are small and some large. The risk of injury while riding a motorcycle unfortunately has increased over the last few years. If you were severely injured and could not handle your own affairs, what would you do? To a limited extent a spouse can manage your affairs, but what if you are single? A parent or sibling or child does not have an automatic right in Florida to step in and handle things.

What you can do is prepare Powers of Attorney and designate who will help you if you are incapacitated. We recommend that every adult have three important documents. First, everyone needs a Durable Power of Attorney. This allows someone chosen by you to handle all of your financial affairs. They can pay bills, manage money and represent your interests. Second, each person should have a Medical Power of Attorney. A medical power permits someone chosen by you to make your medical decisions if you are unable to do so. They can talk with doctors, move you to another hospital, and even deal with health insurance if necessary.

Finally, every person needs a living will. The living will lets everyone know your wishes if you have a terminal illness or have suffered a massive brain injury and cannot live without machines. What happens if you do not have these documents and the unthinkable happens? In Florida, a guardianship must be obtained from the court. Guardianships cost thousands of dollars versus a couple of hundred for Powers of Attorney. With a little planning, you can be covered.

If you have any questions, ask your attorney.  If you don't have one, our office can assist you with preparing the documents needed to make sure you are covered.  Just give me a call at 407-679-9900 or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  And remember...Happy Riding!

Mary Ann Morgan is a board certified Florida trial lawyer specializing in personal injury. She has been serving the Central Florida community since 1986 and is a Managing Partner at Billings, Morgan and Boatwright in Winter Park, Florida. Mary Ann is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an eminent group of trial lawyers in the United Sateswho have won for their client, million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. For more information, please visit www.billingslawfirm.com.