If you have been injured while riding a motorcycle, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party for your injuries and losses. However, navigating the legal or insurance process can be overwhelming, especially if you have severe injuries. A Motorcycle injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, file a claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and file any other necessary paperwork on your behalf.
When choosing a lawyer, be sure to choose one who is familiar with motorcycle accident law and has represented bikers in the past. This knowledge and experience will allow your attorney to understand your needs, advocate for full value of your case, and prevent any mistakes that could jeopardize your recovery.
Your lawyer will start by meeting with you and reviewing the details of your crash. This will include assessing your injuries, discussing the accident and how it has affected you, and reviewing any documents related to the crash, such as medical bills and letters from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. Your attorney will also visit the crash scene if possible, to observe any physical evidence that may help prove your case, such as skid marks, scrapes, gouges and other signs of the impact.
The insurance company will likely try to deny your claims or pay you less than you are owed. This is because the insurer wants to save money and minimize its exposure. Your attorney will deal with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that all communications are limited and that you do not say anything that can be used against you. This will also protect you from any pressure put on you by an insurance adjuster to make a recorded statement that could be used against you in the future.
A lawyer will also review your economic and non-economic damages to ensure that they are properly calculated. This will include analyzing your medical bills, lost wages, property damage and other out-of-pocket expenses, as well as compensating you for any pain, suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of consortium, or wrongful death you have suffered.
If you have health insurance, your attorney will work to ensure that any liens placed on your claim are addressed appropriately and are not deducted from your final award. They will also handle any subrogation actions that might be brought by the health insurance provider against the liable third party.
Your attorney will also assess your case’s settlement value, which is typically much lower than your accident trial’s value. They will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair amount, which will reflect your damages.
It is important to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations, as this will facilitate your recovery and give the at-fault party’s insurance company less room to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that your accident exacerbated a pre-existing condition. It is also helpful to keep copies of all of your bills and other documentation relating to the crash, as this will be useful for your case.