As a motorcycle enthusiast, you may be taking advantage of the last warm days of summer and autumn to hit the open road. But the unfortunate reality today is that, as a biker, you are at a far greater risk of serious injuries if you're involved in an accident. In fact, J.D. Power reports that while car accident injury or fatality is around 20 percent, motorcycle crashes have a staggering 80 percent injury or death rate.
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, your best bet is to get the advice of a motorcycle accident lawyer to understand your legal rights and options.
Although you may be extremely safety-conscious, the very nature of your motorcycle puts you at greater risk, even in a minor accident.
That's because, compared to other vehicles on the road, the motorcycle's size, lightweight stature, and reliance on constant motion, balance, and traction put you in a more vulnerable position when sharing the road with larger passenger vehicles. As a rider, you're far more exposed to serious injuries from a motorcycle crash. A rider has no steel cage or seat belts, which can protect you from bodily harm. What would be a minor fender-bender accident to a regular driver can result in serious injuries to a biker, all leading to a motorcycle crash lawsuit.
Nobody wants to get hurt, but bikers face an inherent public opinion as being more reckless. And both insurance companies and law enforcement frequently share that bias. Unfortunately, if you've been involved in a motorcycle crash, you're already starting with an overarching opinion against you. And that makes it even more critical that you do exactly what is necessary after an accident.
If you've been injured in a motorcycle crash, you must take some important steps to ensure you get fairly compensated.
Your health and safety should be priority number one. Even if you aren't sure you've been injured, it's important to have a medical provider make that decision. Symptoms don't always become immediately apparent with some injuries, and you'll want evidence that shows you sought immediate medical attention if you have to pursue an injury claim.
Regardless of whether you file an insurance claim, exchange contact, and insurance information while you have the other driver in front of you. This will be important to an insurance claim or future motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Regardless of the accident's severity or if the other driver asks not to contact the police, an official police report is crucial evidence for any future claim or potential motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Depending on the laws of your state, you may be required to seek any injury benefits with your insurance company first. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident.
Things you say after an accident can and will be held against you. After an accident, police will be looking to determine who is at fault. Consequently, anything you say may be construed that you were at fault for the accident. Even saying "I'm sorry" or "I'm fine" can come back to harm you in a claim or lawsuit.
Even if you only plan to file an insurance claim under your insurance policy, insurance companies notoriously try to downplay their risk. Claims adjusters are experts at trying to find ways to limit the company's financial exposure in an accident claim, and you can be left with insufficient or no benefits to help pay for your damages.
Getting the assistance of a motorcycle accident lawyer ensures that your legal rights are protected if you pursue an insurance claim or if another driver tries to place the blame on you. Suppose a fair insurance settlement isn't possible. In that case, an attorney can bring a motorcycle accident lawsuit against the other at-fault driver to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries and other damages.
Getting legal representation may be one of the most important things you can do for yourself after a motorcycle accident. Fortunately, most motorcycle injury attorneys only charge based on contingency, meaning they collect no legal fees unless they recover compensation for you.
When you're looking for experienced legal assistance, Reach Local Lawyers can help. We are a free lawyer referral service with an extensive database of local motorcycle accident lawyers ready to protect your legal rights. Contact us to learn how we can help you find a lawyer to navigate the legal process after a motorcycle crash.
Experience: Look for an attorney who is in business law and has experience handling similar cases. They should know businesses' specific legal issues and have a track record of success.
Reviews: Research the attorney's experience and ask to contact past clients. Read reviews to understand their ability to respond and success rate.
Speaking Style: An effective speaking style is critical to a successful attorney. Choose an attorney who speaks, listens to your concerns, and understands your business goals.
Cost and Fees: Discuss the attorney's fee structure and ensure it aligns with your budget. Some attorneys may charge an hourly rate, while others may offer fixed fees or special arrangements. Consider the value provided by their fees.
Schedule: Ensure that the attorney will be reached when needed and can respond to your questions. A lawyer who can be easily reached is crucial for timely legal advice and support.
Considering these factors, you can choose the right business attorney to meet your needs and support your business.
When choosing a business attorney, asking the right questions is important to ensure they fit you well. Here are some important questions to ask:
What is your experience in handling cases similar to mine? This question will help you gauge the attorney's experience with your legal issues.
Can you provide feedback from your previous clients? Feedback can offer insights into the attorney's client approval and success rate.
What is your fee structure? Discuss the attorney's fee structure, including hourly rates, retainer fees, or specific arrangements. Ensure that it aligns with your budget.
How accessible are you? Timely legal advice and support are important. Make sure the attorney will be there when you need them.
Asking these questions will help you decide when to pick a business attorney using our free lawyer referral service.
In a Personal Injury case, most attorneys only get paid if you win, and then they take a percentage of the award. Consider the value provided by this type of arrangement.
Remember that investing in a competent business attorney is an investment in the protection and success of your business.
At Reach Local Lawyers, we will help you find the experienced legal advice you need. We are a free lawyer referral service directory with an extensive database of local lawyers who can help you navigate the legal process, no matter your case. After a serious car accident, you have enough to worry about. Contact us, and let us do the legal legwork for you.
Disclosure:
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. It would be best to rely on something other than any available information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Reach Local Lawyers is not a law firm.
