After being involved in a motorcycle accident, your first question might be, “is my bike okay?” Immediately following that important question, you might be wondering if you need a motorcycle accident lawyer.
You might be surprised to learn that, in most cases, the answer is yes. This is true even if you think your injuries are minor or you believe that the other driver’s insurance company will handle everything and write you a nice settlement check.
The reality is that you will almost always need a motorcycle accident lawyer. At the very least, it’s worth your time to get a free consultation.
In this article, we’ll outline the instances when a motorcycle accident lawyer is necessary.
You Have Medical Bills
The lack of protection afforded to motorcycle riders translates to some scary statistics about injuries. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injuries or fatalities. When you compare this to the 20% of passenger vehicle accidents resulting in injuries, it’s plain to see that the stakes are high in a motorcycle collision.
Again, due to the lack of physical protection afforded to motorcyclists, the injuries may also be more severe. Some of the most common injuries motorcyclists sustain include:
– Spinal cord injuries (including paralysis)
– Brain and head injuries
– Broken bones
– Internal bleeding
The at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for compensating you for your injuries, including lost wages and medical bills. However, the insurance company is unlikely to consider all of the ways that these injuries could affect your lifestyle.
By working with a motorcycle accident lawyer, you’ll have a representative who will advocate for full reimbursement for medical bills as well as future treatment and compensation that accounts for how these injuries will impact your way of life. The difference between what an insurance company may offer initially and what a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf is potentially very significant.
You’re Not Experienced at Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are not in the business of giving you money. It’s their goal to collect premiums from policyholders and then pay out as little as possible if there’s ever a claim. If they can avoid paying a dime, that’s even better for them.
As you’re recovering from an injury, going head-to-head with an entity whose goal is to pay you as little as possible can be daunting. It’s likely that you’re incurring medical bills, and you might not be able to work, which adds to the financial pressure. The at-fault driver’s insurance company knows this, and they may try to take advantage of your situation.
The insurance company could submit a low offer because you’re desperate for cash, or they could drag out the settlement for as long as possible. In some cases, they may try to deny your claim altogether by saying that their client was not the party at fault for the accident.
Personal injury lawyers are familiar with the tricks that insurance companies play. In addition to keeping them in check, your lawyer will also handle submitting paperwork and negotiating your final settlement. By delegating these tasks to someone more experienced, you can rest and recover in peace while your attorney argues for maximum compensation.
You Need to File a Lawsuit
Though most motorcycle accident claims settle (relatively) peacefully, there are times when the case needs to go to court. In this situation, you will want an attorney to represent your interests and argue on your behalf.
The other driver’s insurance company will have an entire team of lawyers with a singular goal of avoiding a large pay-out. Having a lawyer who’s on your side is crucial.
When You Might Not Need an Attorney
Though we strongly advise consulting with an attorney after any accident to be sure that you’re proceeding in the right way, there are some situations where you could probably avoid hiring an attorney.
For example, if you are 100% at fault for causing the accident, you will probably work with your own insurance company to get compensation for damage to your bike and your medical bills. Alternatively, your insurance company will be your primary point person if you were involved in an accident that did not include another driver (such as you hit a tree and it was your fault).
However, even in these instances, you could still benefit from consulting with an attorney, especially when a consultation doesn’t cost you a dime. Remember when we said you probably don’t need an attorney if you caused the accident? Well, what if you were not at fault? What if there was a mistake in the police report or a defective motorcycle part was to blame?
You might believe you were to blame for the accident, but we still recommend reaching out to an attorney – just in case.
Contact Law Tigers for a Free Case Evaluation
A motorcycle accident can be a catastrophic event for you or a loved one. If the accident resulted in an injury and you’re not sure how much compensation you should receive, contact Law Tigers today. We are a team of lawyers who ride motorcycles, so we are sympathetic to what you’re going through, and we are 100% on your side.
You can call us 24/7 to discuss your case at 1-800-529-8443, or reach out online for a free case evaluation.
