If you were in an accident caused by another driver while you were driving a motorcycle, and you want to hold the driver accountable, the short answer is yes, it is worth hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer. A lawyer can investigate the details of your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement on your behalf.
If the insurance company refuses to settle, an attorney can take your case to trial and represent you in court. An attorney can handle all aspects of your case while you focus on healing and recovering from a devastating motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Accident Victims Face Serious Injury
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2018. While that number is a five percent decrease from the previous year, motorcyclists are still at high risk of a traffic fatality.
Obviously, motorcyclists are more at risk than vehicle drivers because motorcycles offer little protection compared to the steel frame of a vehicle. The chances of surviving a motorcycle accident are 1 in 890 according to a report by National Safety Council. But as you know the resulting injuries can be devastating and recovery could take months or even years.
The most common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries (which can lead to paralysis)
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Road Rash
- Internal Organ Damage
- Burns (resulting in scars)
These types of injuries generally require multiple hospital stays, numerous surgeries, months or years of rehabilitation including physical and occupational therapy, medical-assisted devices such as wheelchairs and medications for pain. The driver who caused your accident may be held liable for your financial damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
So if you are wondering if it is worth hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer, the answer may be yes if you want to pursue compensation for your losses by holding the at-fault driver responsible.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
A personal injury lawyer provides legal representation to victims who have been injured because of someone else’s negligence. When you hire a lawyer to represent you in your motorcycle accident case, he or she will handle all aspects of your case while you concentrate on healing.
A personal injury attorney can do the following:
Investigate Your Claim
Your lawyer will investigate all the details of your case. Since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, that means they will work on your case and not receive payment unless they secure a settlement or court award on your behalf.*
Collect Evidence
Gathering evidence is critical to building a strong case that can help prove your claim. While you recover, your attorney will collect all of your medical records and bills, police reports, and any eyewitness testimony to your accident. They may hire experts who can reconstruct the accident and gather any video or photographs that exist from the scene, including the aftermath and property damage to the at-fault vehicle and your motorcycle.
These steps are important because any evidence can establish liability as to who caused the accident and put a value on the damages you suffered as a result.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Negotiating with the insurance company can be frustrating. But our team knows how to negotiate with these companies to secure the maximum amount of compensation on your behalf. Another reason you may consider hiring a motorcycle accident attorney is since they do all of the communicating with the insurance company for you, you do not run the risk of making a statement that may jeopardize your claim at a later time.
Contact the Office of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident that was the other driver’s fault, you could be eligible to receive financial recovery for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers today to speak with a member of our team and discuss the details of your case. The initial consultation is always free for all motorcycle accident victims.