In 2020 alone, there were 83,000 registered motorcyclist injuries. While some of these may have involved just the driver themselves, many would involve one vehicle or more. And if the injured party wasn’t at fault, they may be entitled to compensation. It’s always a good idea to hire a lawyer after a motorcycle accident. They can help you get to navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more about the benefits of competent legal representation.
1. You Benefit From Their Experience and Expertise
Navigating the complex legal system is hard—for most people, at least. But it’s what a lawyer does every day!
Taking the time to find an attorney with experience in motorcycle accident cases is invaluable. If they’ve handled cases similar to your own before, they’ll be familiar with the ins and outs of the legal process.
They can guide you through each step:
- Filing a claim
- Negotiating a settlement
- Taking your case to court
And much more!
They’ll be familiar with the relevant laws and regulations. And they’ll use this expertise to build a strong case on your behalf.
And let’s not forget about the minefield that is dealing with insurance companies. A lawyer with expertise in handling motorcycle accident cases is a valuable asset here. Insurance companies are often more willing to negotiate with lawyers—especially those with a proven track record.
Plus, a lawyer who understands the tactics that insurance companies use can negotiate more effectively on your behalf. This ensures you receive the compensation you deserve (more on this later).
2. You Get the Compensation You Deserve
People involved in motorcycle accidents are often entitled to compensation for damages. These damages are related to things like:
- Vehicle repair
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
That is, of course, if you can prove you actually experienced any of these damages. And this is exactly where a competent motorcycle accident lawyer comes in handy.
They’re familiar with the common causes of motorcycle crashes and use this knowledge to evaluate your case and accurately calculate the value of your damages.
The best attorney also helps you gather the evidence—medical bills and police reports—you need to build a strong case. They negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies, who will often try to offer a settlement figure that’s lower than you deserve.
3. You Exercise Your Right to Legal Representation
Have you been in a motorcycle accident? It’s time to start searching “attorney near me” on Google. But before you do, think carefully about your reason why you need a lawyer specializing in this type of case.
Every citizen is entitled to legal advice and representation throughout the entire legal process. It’s a complicated, often frustrating system; a good lawyer guides you through each step with expert advice.
They can help you:
- Understand the legal process
- Answer any questions you may have
- Explain your rights and options
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Talk to other parties involved in your case
Most importantly, this allows you to focus on the most important thing: your recovery.
If your case goes to court, you need someone to represent you. (It’s not usually a good idea to represent yourself.)
4. They Know How to Research and Investigate
A motorcycle is almost always a complicated incident. It can be difficult to determine who was at fault and who was liable for damages.
Getting professional legal help ensures the accident is investigated thoroughly. Your lawyer will work with accident reconstruction experts to examine the scene of the accident, determine the cause of the crash, and gather evidence.
They’ll track down needed documents, like police reports, medical records, and witness statements, on your behalf. These help you build a strong case for compensation.
What’s more, lawyers are expert interviewers. They’ll use this skill to interview witnesses, asking them questions not addressed in the police report.
All of these activities help to establish fault and liability, both of which are crucial factors in motorcycle accident cases.
5. You Don’t Have to Pay Upfront
Hiring a lawyer can be expensive. Thankfully, many motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay them upfront; the lawyer only gets paid if you win your case.
This can be a big relief if you’re facing mounting medical bills and other expenses related to the crash.
So, how does a contingency fee arrangement work? You and your lawyer will agree on a percentage of your compensation. The percentage amount will vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and your case’s complexity.
Always agree on the percentage upfront, and get that agreement in writing. And keep in mind that if you don’t win your case, you won’t owe the lawyer anything. This, of course, motivates your lawyer to work as hard as possible to get you the best outcome—when you get paid, so do they!
6. It’s Less Stressful
Being involved in even a minor motorcycle accident is a traumatic experience for most people. If you have someone on your side that knows how to manage the situation, this can relieve a lot of stress.
They take care of the legal aspects of your case, like dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and navigating the legal system. These are often time-consuming and complicated tasks—not something someone recovering from an accident needs. They’ll also fight for your legal rights and communicate with other parties via phone, email, and in person.
In this way, hiring a lawyer provides you with much-needed peace of mind that your case is being handled properly. And this allows you to focus on your recovery, whether that’s financially or medically.
In a Motorcycle Crash? Hire a Lawyer Today
If you’re wondering whether to hire a lawyer after a motorcycle crash, wonder no more. The evidence is clear that this one act will reduce stress and, most importantly, help you win your case.
And if you find legal representation that bills on a contingency, you won’t even have to put up any money upfront. This makes hiring a lawyer an affordable and sensible option for almost everyone.
For more helpful legal advice, browse the other articles on our website.
