Reasons to contact a motorcycle accident attorney
As motorcycle ownership continues to rise in the United States, so has the number of drivers seriously injured and killed in accidents. The reason? It’s not that motorcyclists are less careful or law-abiding than other drivers. In fact, motorcyclists are much less likely to be involved in collisions than car and truck drivers. Unfortunately, when they are involved, they are almost always injured because motorcycles offer much less protection in a crash than cars.
Legal matters
Because bicyclists are four times more likely to be injured in an accident than drivers, the chances of them needing legal representation are also much higher. That does not mean that a bicyclist can sue because a crash damaged him. The law does not give them special rights because their vehicles offer less protection against serious injury. But when a motorist is negligent and injures a motorcyclist because of it, a lawsuit can be filed against the offending driver.
Difficulties
As most motorcyclists can attest, there is a certain amount of public prejudice against motorcyclists in America. Many drivers see them as reckless entering and exiting the lanes without a care in the world. So when they get hurt in an accident, the level of sympathy can be disappointing. Some motorists may even conclude that they got what they deserved.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney is well aware of the unfavorable stereotypes that some people have about motorcyclists. As a result, he or she must overcome these biases for a personal injury lawsuit to be successful. In most cases, that means clearly establishing the negligence on the part of the other driver.
Types of recoverable damages
– Medical bills
– Pain and suffering
– Lost wages
– Emotional stress
– Damage to property
– Punitive damages
Why call a lawyer?
As mentioned, there is a big difference between regular car accidents and those involving motorcycles. Like it or not, judges and juries tend to be less sympathetic to motorcyclists than they are to normal drivers, and you better believe that the other driver’s insurance company is aware of that fact. If your client was at fault, they would offer you a deal to settle the case before the attorneys got involved. Don’t be fooled! It is always best to leave all communication in the hands of a motorcycle accident attorney. Why?
Because chronic injuries are expensive, insurance companies always try to settle cases before the full extent of your injuries is known. And if you settle and give up your rights too soon, you may be stuck paying for another driver’s negligence for a long, long time. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can get you the money you deserve. No matter what the other party says, always consult a legal expert before entering into negotiations with an insurance company.