You may decide that you do not want to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer for a minor accident. You may be able to recover your losses from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, make repairs to your ride, and move on with your life fairly easily after an accident.
However, you do not have to do this alone. You can retain a lawyer to aid you with this. Of course, not every accident is the same, and your circumstances may make your minor motorcycle accident a major hardship.
Thankfully, most lawyers in your area offer a free consultation. You can call and speak with a representative regarding your motorcycle accident, and they can advise you. They can let you know if a straightforward claim should be sufficient to cover your losses, or if they think you have grounds for further action.
Also, if they believe you should take greater action, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis. If you are not awarded a negotiated settlement or a court award, then your lawyer may not receive payment. If you are curious about hiring a lawyer for your motorcycle accident, the Federal Trade Commission offers some additional advice on the subject.
When to Consider Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A “minor accident” can be such a subjective term. What one person considers a minor inconvenience, another person may find otherwise. However, there are certain factors to consider when deciding to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer for your accident.
Medical Attention or Hospitalization
Motorcycle riders have little to no protection surrounding them when they ride. Your accident may have been minor to your vehicle, you may require medical attention—possibly even hospitalization—for your physical injuries. You may be on your feet shortly after receiving aid, but the health care costs incurred could be extensive and more than what a basic insurance policy covers.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can look at your prognosis and help you calculate your complete care costs, from your past bills and possible future needs.
Lost Time from Work or Work Hardship
If you have suffered injuries that prevent you from working, whether the accident was minor or not, you deserve compensation for your lost wages. If your motorcycle was your primary mode of transportation and getting to work has become more difficult or almost impossible, you may be eligible to receive compensation for that hardship.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to collect evidence that shows how even though the accident may have been minor, you have had to endure unnecessary complications due to the loss of transportation.
Difficulties Working With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are just like any other company. They want to make money, but that goal should not interfere with the contractual obligations they make with their policyholders. Because the accident in question may be minor in their eyes, they may not take your claim seriously enough.
As a result, they could undervalue your losses. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you during negotiations with the insurance company. They can gather evidence, present a claim of the exact value of your losses, and negotiate for you on your behalf.
Again, we recommend you discuss your case with a lawyer. Even a minor accident with a motorcycle can result in serious complications that you may want a lawyer to help you with.
How a Lawyer Can Help in Your Motorcycle Accident Case
If during your consultation, your lawyer believes that you do have a case worth more than just a simple accident claim—and they can help—there are several services a lawyer can provide you. A lawyer can help you with investigating the accident and gathering evidence.
They can build a strong claim, file it with the insurance company, and negotiate on your behalf. If necessary, they can even take your case to court and represent you there.
Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Case Evaluation
If you were in an accident while riding your motorcycle, and you are uncertain if you should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer for a minor accident, then call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers. No matter how extensive your accident and injuries are, we can offer you a free consultation regarding your case.
We can review the circumstances of your accident and provide you with advice regarding whether you can pursue a simple claim on your own or if we can assist you in pursuing a lawsuit. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay no upfront attorney’s fees. We only collect our payment when you receive a negotiated settlement or a court award.