Motorcycles are pretty fun and exciting to ride. However, as a motorcyclist, you’re much more vulnerable on the road compared to drivers of cars and trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than people in passenger cars.
If you or a loved one gets injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, contacting an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer should be a top priority. Read on to learn why hiring legal representation can make all the difference in getting fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on Your Side
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be extremely difficult to navigate alone. Between hospital stays, medical bills, lost income, insurance claims and negotiations – the legal and financial burden can be tough to bear. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney has the expertise to handle all aspects of your injury claim and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Here are some key reasons why their legal guidance is so invaluable:
Determining Liability
Accident investigations can be complex, especially when multiple vehicles and insurance companies are involved. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will gather evidence like police reports, eyewitness statements, and video footage to build a strong case proving the other driver’s fault.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters represent the interests of their company, not yours. They may try to lowball you on a settlement offer or deny your claim altogether. Experienced lawyers know how to negotiate skillfully for a fair payout. Handling a motorcycle injury claim without proper legal knowledge can sabotage your chances of winning adequate compensation. Lawyers help you avoid potential missteps at any stage.
Handling Legal Proceedings
If a settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to court. An attorney will handle tasks like filing motions, collecting evidence, deposing witnesses, presenting persuasive legal arguments, and more.
Besides that, there’s lots of documentation involved in injury claims, like demand letters, discovery motions, settlement agreements, and more. Your lawyer will aptly handle this paperwork burden so you can focus on your recovery.
The Specifics: How Motorcycle Accident Claims Work
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a motorcycle crash, there are important legal steps to take in order to exercise your rights to compensation. Ideally, the first step is to report and document the accident.
As soon as possible after the crash, file a police report and get medical attention even if your injuries seem minor. Documentation from law enforcement and healthcare providers will serve as official records of the incident and your condition.
Next, you’ll want to contact and inform your insurance company about the accident and determine what coverages may apply to your claim, such as bodily injury, uninsured motorist, and medical payments coverage. Ask about the claims process.
From there, consult with a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer about the details of your case. Retain their services if you decide to pursue an injury claim. Your attorney will investigate liability by going through the evidence obtained. Once they’ve built a strong case, they’ll send a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurer asking for a specific settlement amount.
The insurance company will respond to your demand with a counteroffer. Your lawyer may then negotiate further and ultimately advise you to accept a settlement or take the case to court. Lawsuit – If a fair settlement can’t be negotiated out of court, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable parties. This initiates a litigation process involving depositions, discovery, motions hearings, and sometimes a trial.
The vast majority of claims are settled before trial, whether through negotiations or mediation. If your case does go to trial, a jury will issue a verdict deciding liability and damages. Either way, your compensation will soon follow.
That’s why it’s immensely important that you have a skilled lawyer to represent you throughout this extensive legal process. Their expertise can make all the difference in recovering damages.
Calculating What Your Case’s Worth
If you are injured and your motorcycle gets damaged in a crash caused by another party, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate tangible monetary losses like:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Property damage
- Cost of future care
Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement or disability
Economic damages have defined values, while non-economic damages are subjective and depend on the details of your case. Experienced motorcycle accident lawyers have the knowledge to assess both types of loss and negotiate a settlement reflective of what your full claim may be worth in court.
Picking the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for You
Not all attorneys have the same dedication, resources and track record of success. When vetting motorcycle accident lawyers, here are some key traits to look for:
- Extensive experience handling motorcycle injury claims specifically, not just general personal injury experience.
- Strong litigation skills, since motorcycle cases often end up going to trial if damages are catastrophic.
- A proven willingness to go the extra mile for clients, not settle for easy payouts.
- A solid history of recovering substantial compensation for clients backed by positive client reviews.
- Compassion for each client’s suffering and situation.
- Contingency-fee-based payment, so you pay nothing upfront.
Don’t leave your financial and physical recovery in the hands of just any lawyer. Do your research to pick legal counsel with the right mix of experience, reputation, and dedication.
It’s of course crucial that you act promptly in contacting a qualified motorcycle accident attorney after a crash injures you. By hiring legal counsel immediately, you ensure no delays in building your strongest case possible within the stipulated time frame (usually 2 years).
Take Action Today
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be extremely emotionally and financially challenging. But you don’t have to shoulder this burden alone. With an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side, you can be confident your rights will be protected each step of the way toward fair compensation. Don’t wait to get the strong legal advocacy you deserve.
