Recently Involved In A Bike Wreck In San Diego?
Not sure if you should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer? Read this to help you decide.
Hurt on your bike? You might want to consider hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Because of the very nature of a motorbike, the likelihood of having a fatal accident is high, unlike car accidents.
According to the data collected by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the number of deaths caused by motorcycles is around 27 times more than in cars.
Based on the above information, it is evident that motorcycle accidents are a common hazard.
So what should you do in the event of a motorcycle accident where other parties are involved? Should you hire a motorcycle accident attorney or handle the claim by yourself.
Read on to find out.
Not Every Motorcycle Accident Needs a Lawyer
As mentioned earlier, not every motorcycle accident case will require the help of an attorney. For example, you may be able to handle a claim by yourself if:
- You caused the accident
- You are not injured
- There are minor damages to your motorcycle
- No one else was hurt in the crash
However, if the accident caused serious injuries that may call for extended medical care, then you’ll need a lawyer to negotiate a justifiable settlement.
Most motorcycle accident lawyers offer free legal consultations so you can have an expert look into your case without spending a penny. This can help you to decide whether to file a claim on your own or hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.
When to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’re a motorcycle accident victim, you’re probably wondering whether or not to hire a motorcycle accident attorney to handle your insurance or legal claim.
The insurance adjuster will try to convince you that you can settle this on your own–without the help of a lawyer. They will speak you into this in a bid to get you to take the lowest settlement possible.
An experienced lawyer, on the other hand, has a lot of experience dealing with comparable disputes and will not be frightened by the adjuster. That’s why, before speaking with an insurance adjuster, you should speak with a motorcycle accident attorney.
Knowing when to seek the services of a motorcycle accident attorney can help you save time and do things the right way. Here are the four cases that may require the help of an attorney.
1. If the Accident Results in Serious Injuries
If you’ve sustained serious injuries, you will likely need the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer.
The amount of compensation you are likely to receive will depend on many factors, including the overall cost of the medical bills, the time it will take for you to recover fully and the severity of the injury.
A motorcycle accident attorney can help to evaluate your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Your compensation may include payment for your current and future:
- Medical expenses
- Emotional suffering
- Physical pain
- out of pocket costs
- Other related damages
A motorcycle accident attorney ensures you receive total compensation for all the financial and non-financial losses incurred during the accident.
2. If the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay
At times, the insurance company may refuse to pay due for one reason or another.
In other cases, the insurer may pay less than what is acceptable. Should such circumstances arise, you’ll need a motorcycle accident attorney to fight for your rights and compel the insurance company to pay a fair settlement.
3. When it’s a Third Party’s Fault
If the accident was as a result of someone else’s fault, you will want to hire an attorney to help with the legal matters. Such cases often warrant a lawsuit, and you’ll need an attorney’s help navigating the complex legal system.
The at-fault party may be compelled to pay for damages by the court if found guilty.
A motorcycle accident attorney will help to protect your rights in and out of court and ensure you’re fully compensated.
4. In the Event of a Disputed Liability
Third parties will not always accept responsibility. Some insurers will even go the extra mile to defend their policyholders to avoid paying the claim. They are likely to encourage their policyholders not to accept liability.
In the event of a disputed liability, a motorcycle accident lawyer may be your last ray of hope. He or she can argue your case with experience and provide proof that the other party was at fault.
The lawyer will either compel the insurance company to pay for damages or take the case to trial.
Why You Should Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Although most people should be able to submit a motorcycle accident injury claim independently, it’s sometimes a good idea to hire an attorney. Motorcycle accident lawyers are familiar with the legal system and how to negotiate with insurance companies to obtain reasonable payment. As a result, if your case justifies it, you might think about engaging an attorney.
Here are a few ways you could benefit from hiring a lawyer after a motorcycle accident.
1. Make Sure You are Fully Compensated
As we mentioned earlier, the insurer may attempt to undervalue your compensation. Your attorney will work for you to ensure this does not happen.
He or she will work tirelessly to ensure compensation is enough to cover your medical bills, time off work, and other damages.
By hiring an attorney, you’re likely to receive higher compensation than working alone.
2. A Lawyer Can Determine Whether You Have a Legal Claim
Not all motorcycle accidents give victims the right to claim for compensation.
When you consult a motorcycle accident lawyer, he or she will review your case and advice whether you may have a claim. Doing so can save you money and time.
3. Hiring an Attorney may Help You to Focus on Your Recovery
Suppose you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident. In that case, you should focus more on your recovery rather than stressing out about an insurance company doing everything possible to escape liability.
An attorney will do all the legwork to gather evidence for your case. This way, you will have enough time to take care of your injuries and attend to other personal matters as the attorney levels the playfield for you.
Being a victim of a motorcycle accident can be an awful experience.
Handling the personal injury claim alone does not make the process more strenuous.
By hiring a motorcycle accident attorney, you’ll be able to focus more on your recovery and at the same time, ensure the legal matters are handled in the right way.
If you are in San Diego and in need of a motorcycle accident lawyer, contact us today for a free consultation.
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