Choosing the right lawyer can greatly assist the healing process after a motorcycle accident. If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, it is very critical that you get the best legal representation. Motorcyclists generally face more severe injuries as compared to car drivers, which can increase the medical costs, recovery time, and overall deterioration in the quality of life.
Insights Into Motorcycle Accident Cases
In the roads defined for motorcyclists, there are some major obstacles to safely ride a motorcycle. Although motorcyclists only make a small percentage of the overall traffic, the ratio of serious injuries and deaths is unnaturally higher. This means that motorcycle accident cases often include:
- Injuries that are more serious in nature and, therefore, need a lot of medical attention
- Increased medical expenses and extended duration of treatment
- Strong possibility of life long disabilities
- Huge loss in income and ability to earn
- Complicated negotiations with multiple insurance companies
Necessary Qualities of a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer
Custom Experience
Most personal injury lawyers do not have the requisite experience to handle motorcycle cases. A lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accident cases should:
- Have multiple years of experience dealing with motorcycle accident claims
- Have a clear understanding of the dynamics of motorcycle collisions
- Has knowledge of common prejudices motorcyclists receive
- There is a network of motorcycle accident reconstructionist who can be integrated into the case
History of Accomplishments
Research the background of the attorneys you are considering. Confirm their record against:
- Amounts received and paid in past cases.
- Against the achievements ratio from negotiations and trials.
- Feedback quotations and marketing materials from users.
- The standing in the bar association.
Resources and Assistance
These serious injury cases are resource-heavy. Make sure your lawyer has:
- A crew of a verification officer and other specialists.
- Medical experts familiar with motorcycle injuries.
- Money for trial if required.
- Document handling and communication administrative resources.
Following a Motorcycle Accident: The Legal Procedure
A trusted motorcycle injury lawyer will assist you with all steps in the legal procedure:
- First Meeting: goes over accident specifics and injuries, if any.
- Investigation: consolidates evidence along with witness statements and expert opinions.
- Medical Evaluation: works with medical personnel to confirm injuries and future requirements.
- Negotiations with the Insurance Company: supports you while positioning the case with the insurance company for compensation.
- Preparing For Litigation: strategizes in case the settlement is lower than anticipated. Requires consolidation of the compelling case.
- During the Trial: represents you in court if the situation demands it.
Obstacles For Motorcycle Accident Cases
Your lawyer needs to preempt these obstacles motorcycle cases in particular are known for:
- Bias against cyclists: Several jury members and insurance managers have biases against bikers, thinking that they are always haywire.
- Comparative negligence: Trying to distribute partial liability so that overall payment is less compensation cost is called comparative negligence.
- Catastrophic Injuries: Not adequately defining life altering changes like trauma to the brain and damage of the spinal cord.
- Insurance limits: Attempting to obtain payment that goes beyond the most basic provisions of a real policy.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
While assessing prospective lawyers, here are some things to keep in mind:
- How many motorcycle related crashes have you represented?
- How many motorcycle injuries fall into the scope of your work?
- Are you a motorcycle owner or do you have any other relevant knowledge of the use of motorcycles?
- Explain to me your methods of determining the worth of my case.
- Do you intend to work on my case, or will it be assigned to another lawyer?
- With what frequency and in what manner do you contact your clients during the proceedings?
The Importance of Acting Quickly
After a motorcycling crash, time is of the essence. Evidence is lost, witness’s stories change, and there is a ticking clock on legal requirements. When it comes to filing injury claims, the majority of states have harsh cutoff times, typically between one and three years, depending on where you are.
A skilled lawyer dealing with motorcycle injuries will make certain that you never miss any of these limits while gathering as much useful evidence as possible.
Conclusion
After a motorcycle accident, it is important to be set with the right legal representation as it determines how well and fast a person can recover both physically, emotionally, and financially.
By selecting a lawyer that specializes in motorcycle cases, you receive an advocate that understands your specific challenges and is willing to assist you in obtaining the compensation that you need.