How Can a Lawyer Help Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience, and the aftermath can be even more stressful. While you may want to try to save money by handling the claim yourself, it’s almost always a good idea to at least consult with an attorney after an accident. However, in the following circumstances, it’s particularly important to speak with one:
When Your Injuries and Medical Expenses are Severe
If you experienced severe injuries and high medical expenses because of your accident, it would be wise to consider hiring an attorney. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents can help you seek compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages related to your accident so you can focus on healing.
If Liability is Being Disputed
When liability is disputed in a motorcycle accident case, having legal representation from an experienced attorney is essential. A personal injury lawyer can build your case by gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photos/videos from the scene of the accident, medical records, etc., which can all be used to prove fault and negligence on behalf of another party.
If The Other Driver Fled The Scene
When the responsible driver flees the scene after causing an accident, it may seem impossible that you will be able to recover compensation or that they will ever face justice or punishment for their actions—but this isn’t necessarily true.
An experienced attorney could potentially track down hit-and-run drivers through various means such as surveillance footage or tracking down witnesses who were at the scene of the incident. If this isn’t possible, they may be able to help you recover compensation through an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim.
Motorcycle Accident Claim: Process & Timeline
To make sure you get the best possible outcome after being involved in an accident, it’s important to understand the process and timeline of filing a claim.
Right after the accident: If you don’t need immediate medical attention, it’s a good idea to gather as much evidence as you can from the scene. This includes photos of the scene, including all vehicles involved. It’s helpful to see where they’re located on the road to show how the accident occurred. Additionally, take photos of your injuries. Finally, find witnesses and get their contact information so your lawyer can speak with them later on.
Call a lawyer: Before you speak with your insurance company or any insurance adjusters from your company or the insurance company of the person at fault, it’s important to speak with a lawyer who is experienced with motorcycle accident cases. Insurance companies have one goal – to make money.
This means they want to pay you as little money as possible, even if they know that they owe you more. It’s important not to make any statements to any adjusters, as they will likely try to use them against you or twist your words. A lawyer can help you figure out who to contact, what to say, and how to handle the entire claims process.
File the claim: Filing the claim is the next step in the process. Your lawyer will help you fill out all forms accurately and make sure you get everything in by the appropriate deadline so you don’t miss out on compensation you’re entitled to.
Negotiations: Once a claim has been filed, your lawyer will start negotiations with the responsible party/their insurance company to try to reach an agreement on how much money should be paid out for your losses.
Take It To Trial: Sometimes negotiations don’t go as planned and no agreement can be reached. In this case, taking your case to trial may become inevitable. Preparing for court can take time, so you’ll need to be patient. It could take up one year or longer before payments are received and distributed accordingly if you are successful. Having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will give you the best chance at success.
If you need help with a motorcycle accident claim, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
