Thousands of motorcyclists sustain injuries from crashes each year. If you were recently injured in a similar incident, you need to talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer. We suggest that you do this as soon as you can. Getting legal representation early boosts your chances of a successful claim. You will more likely remember details of the accident, and the witnesses too. Gathering evidence is also easier when you hire a lawyer immediately. Here are more reasons why you should:
Protection Against Motorcycle Bias
When it comes to road accidents, there is a well-known prejudice against motorcycle riders. Motorcyclists are often victims of stereotypes, usually thought of as wild and reckless. It is a social stigma that makes people assume the rider’s fault. For example, throughout the decades, motorcyclists are usually depicted as overspeeding in movies. This has resulted in preconceived notions that in road crashes, the blame is often placed upon the rider.
Motorcycle accident lawyers are very much aware of this bias. Our legal team has experienced it firsthand while defending motorcyclist victims. Witnesses are quick to assume that the motorcyclist went beyond the speed limits. When such testimonies occur, we do our best to find more witnesses to compare their statements. In one particular incident, we were able to track people who had proven that our client indeed, obeyed traffic rules.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help Prove Your Claim
During collisions, motorcyclists tend to suffer more than motorists. It is a fact that drivers and their passengers have better protection than riders on the road. Seatbelts, airbags, and the car itself protect motorists from the impact.
Motorcyclists, however, only depend on their helmets for protection. Hence, during a crash, they are usually left with painful injuries. In addition, motorcycles also tend to show significant damage.
Did you know that motorcyclists have a high chance of winning an injury claim? A 2018 study showed that “…more than 50% of crashes due to human error are caused by the other driver and not the motorcycle rider.” In an earlier report, researchers found out that “…60 percent of the time motorists in other vehicles are at fault when they collide with motorcycles.”
In some of these crashes, the drivers were distracted by their mobile phones. But most reported not seeing the incoming motorcycle due to its small profile. By failing to yield, the driver of other vehicles may hit a motorcyclist even if the latter follows the speed limit.
People are quick to assume that motorcyclists are the ones causing crashes on the road. This is why you should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. He/she can assist you in finding evidence to prove the liability of the one who hit you.
Better Compensation through a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you always observe traffic rules and still got hit while riding your motorcycle, then it’s time to seek compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you find out how you can pursue legal action against the liable party. With the help of a lawyer, you will be able to seek compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages/missed days from work
- Property damage
- Future rehabilitation expenses
Of course, you may also opt to do these on your own, but a lawyer increases your chances of success. Navigating injury claims is a complicated task. Most insurers would try to save as much money as they can; otherwise, they would not profit. Thus, without legal representation, insurers will try to reduce the value of your claim. With a motorcycle accident lawyer, on the other hand, you can avoid accepting lowballed settlements. Your lawyer will properly assess your situation. He/she will also ensure that all of your damages are included in your claim.
Legal Representation Can Help You Focus on Recovery
Motorcyclists often face unfair circumstances in road crashes. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is your best defense against bias. You need someone to advocate for your well-being. You may be currently suffering the devastating aftermath of the crash. Getting back on your feet would be difficult, as motorcycle riders usually suffer serious physical injuries after an accident.
You need money to replace your damaged motorcycle. We will determine the diminished value of your vehicle. You can rest assured knowing that we will also handle property damage claims on your behalf.
In addition to your medical bills, you may require further rehabilitation treatments. Our legal team can help you find doctors who are willing to treat your injuries without upfront payment. If you do not have medical insurance, we can request the doctor to wait for payment until your case is resolved. And if those hospital bills pile up, you need not worry. We also negotiate with health providers to reduce your medical expenses. This way, you can retain more amount from your compensation.