Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident?
Compared to car drivers, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable on the road. In addition to their lack of protection compared to passenger vehicles, motorcycles’ small profiles can make riders harder to notice on the road. This makes motorcycle riders more prone to bigger and more serious injuries, especially on California’s violent and dangerous roads. Serious injuries mean serious cases. This is where an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can make a difference.
Basics of A Motorycle Accident
Similar to other types of accidents, you need to determine the cause and at-fault parties in your motorcycle accident.
If another driver’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, they can be responsible for your damages. Here are some examples of driver negligence:
- Failure to yield
- An illegal turn or lane change
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Disobeying a traffic signal
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or intoxicated driving
In some cases, non-driving entities can also become liable for your accident, aside from the at-fault driver. Here are some examples:
- The manufacturer of a defective motorcycle component
- A negligent motorcycle mechanic
- A negligent municipal or government agency that allows a dangerous road condition to persist, such as uneven lanes or a pothole
Each motorcycle accident can be different from another based on the circumstances surrounding the case. This means that thorough investigations play a key role in your case. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer understands all of these factors and can be a great and low-risk asset to have when you are filing a motorcycle accident injury claim.
Do I Need A Lawyer Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents vary in the extent of damage, the severity of injuries, and overall circumstances. Motorcycle accident injuries are usually very severe. Oftentimes, they require victims to spend a substantial amount of money on medical expenses and even to cover future losses. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is not only a low-risk move but is also one that makes great sense, especially when the stakes are high.
Ultimately, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help reduce the stress of managing your case alone. An expert in the field can help you get compensation so you can pay for all hospital bills, and property damages, and even compensate for your pain and suffering. While you recover from the injuries from the accident, your lawyer can take on all the legal tasks required to hold the at-fault party accountable at all costs.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get your life back together by helping you accomplish the following:
Investigating your accident
Backing up your testimony and recollections with documentary evidence is always a good idea. Your lawyer can consult all available evidence sources, from police reports to surveillance video, and even tap expert resources to support your case.
Listing and calculating damages
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you compile an accurate list of your damages, complete with dollar amounts for each. This ensures that you would not have to worry about the financial consequences of your accident.
Negotiating a settlement
Your lawyer can represent you during settlement negotiations. Still, the final decision to accept or reject a settlement offer will be yours. The experience of an established personal injury lawyer can help you decide which offers are good enough and which simply aren’t. Your lawyer will educate you and help you weigh all important factors so you can make informed decisions throughout your case.
Taking the fight to court
If the responsible party’s insurance company does not make you a fair settlement offer, a motorcycle accident lawyer can take your case to trial.
When Do You Need A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Most legal professionals will advise you to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer soon after the accident. Some circumstances might make it difficult for you to contact an attorney in between injuries and medical treatments. However, getting one on your team can also benefit your healing and financial recovery.
Also, having a motorcycle accident lawyer on board can help you build your case as soon as possible. Attorneys might not file lawsuits right away, but they can give you sound advice to help you understand your prognosis. Getting a good grasp of your situation can give you immediate insight into which legal options are available to you with deadlines in mind. Whether you plan on filing a claim or a lawsuit, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you truly deserve.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Claims
Your motorcycle accident claims equate to the compensation you are entitled to. These can become confusing to work on if you’re not well-versed in the legalities of your case. Successfully recovering losses through claims relies on your eligibility to receive compensation. One factor that can greatly affect this is whether you are at fault for the accident or whether you’re a victim.
Also, you must prove your damages and how they were caused by others’ negligence or careless behavior. It’s important to note that local and state laws can have variations in terms of proving accident-related damages. These points might become hard to prove unless you have a skilled San Diego or Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.
If you want to learn more about insurance coverage and policies, click here.
How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a motorcycle accident claim can vary based on accident-related damages and other factors. Damages can reflect the monetary compensation awarded to accident victims. The two most common types are economic damages and non-economic damages.
The qualifications for economic damages include financial loss as a result of the accident. This may happen in many ways, such as:
- Medical bills: for those who needed any sort of treatment (short-term or long-term) for any sort of injury (physical or psychological)
- Lost wages: for those who could not go to work while their injuries healed
- Property damage: for those whose vehicles or other forms of property were damaged
The qualifications for non-economic damages include personal injury (either physical or psychological) as a result of the accident. This can be caused by:
- Scarring: for those whose injuries left them with permanent physical marks
- Disability: for those who suffered a chronic, incurable physical or mental injury in their accident
- Pain and suffering: for those whose physical or psychological injuries caused them strain, distress, or anguish
When building your case, you must list your damages as complete as possible. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you do that and produce evidence of the dollar amount for each damage.
Should I Get A Lawyer For A Motorcycle Accident?
If you want to get a lawyer to help you with your case, you always have a right to get one. It all depends on your situation and how heavy of a burden your case can be to you. The stress and confusion after a motorcycle accident can keep you from healing and recovering from your injuries. If you need help, a motorcycle accident injury lawyer can assist you from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a skilled and experienced lawyer for motorcycle accidents, look no further than Jacoby and Meyers. We have a team of the best personal injury and motorcycle accident lawyers in California, including Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Fresno, and Sacramento. Hire one of our motorcycle accident injury lawyers to help you get justice. Also, they can give you advice about complicated topics, including accident settlements and more. In addition, they can help you:
- Prove negligence
- Define the Cost of Damages
- Build a strong claim
- Negotiate a Settlement
- Proceed with important deadlines in mind
Give us a call today at 888-960-0480 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you.
[INFOGRAPHIC] Why You Should Consult with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
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