motorcycle personal injury lawyer

What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Riding a motorcycle can be thrilling, but it also comes with serious risks. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and more. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash that wasn’t your fault, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

Unlike cars, motorcycles offer virtually no protection in a crash. Motorcyclists lack seatbelts, airbags, and the metal frame of a car to shield their bodies. This lack of protection means that motorcycle riders often sustain catastrophic injuries—even in relatively minor collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 5,000 motorcyclists are killed and approximately 100,000 are injured in crashes on U.S. roads every year.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

When a motorcycle and another vehicle collide, the motorcyclist usually suffers the brunt of the impact. Bikers may be launched from their bikes or smash into the pavement, vehicles, trees, poles, and other objects. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Amputations
• Internal organ damage
• Nerve damage
• Facial fractures

These injuries can require extensive medical treatment like surgery, rehabilitation, and long hospital stays. Some accident victims are left permanently disabled and unable to work.

Why You Need an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a serious motorcycle crash can be extremely overwhelming. You may be facing enormous medical bills, an inability to work and earn income, trauma, and reduced mobility or capabilities. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help by:

• Investigating your accident to prove fault
• Gathering evidence like police reports, footage, witness statements, etc.
• Consulting with medical and financial experts to calculate losses
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
• Taking legal action if needed to recover maximum compensation

With so much at stake following a motorcycle collision, it’s critical to have a knowledgeable lawyer fighting for you. The right attorney understands motorcycle accident cases inside and out. They know how to deal with insurance adjusters seeking to minimize your payout. An attorney also reduces stress by handling communications and complex legal processes for you.

What Qualities to Look For in a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Not all personal injury lawyers have the skills and track record required to get you maximum compensation after a motorcycle crash. When researching attorneys, look for these key qualities:
1. Extensive Experience Handling Motorcycle Cases
Look for a lawyer that specializes in motorcycle accidents and has years of experience under their belt. An experienced attorney understands the unique legal and medical issues associated with motorcycle injuries. They’ve likely handled cases similar to yours and know how to secure the compensation you deserve.
2. Knowledge of State Traffic and Insurance Laws
Laws pertaining to motorcycle accidents vary by state and are quite complex. Choose a lawyer that has in-depth knowledge of local traffic regulations, negligence laws, statutes of limitations, and insurance company practices. This enables them to build a rock-solid injury claim on your behalf.
3. Resources to Thoroughly Investigate Your Accident
Proving fault and the full extent of your damages requires exhaustive investigation and evidence collection. Your lawyer should be able to hire accident reconstruction experts, interview witnesses, obtain police reports, etc. Lacking these resources makes building a compelling claim tough.
4. A Proven Track Record of Success
The best indicator of a lawyer’s ability to win your case is their past results. Ask about their success rate, average settlement amounts, and case results. Lawyers who consistently achieve large verdicts and settlements for clients make the best motorcycle accident attorneys.
5. Stellar Client Reviews
Client testimonials offer transparent insight into a lawyer’s skills and dedication. Look for rave reviews from past motorcycle accident clients. This suggests the lawyer provides excellent legal representation tailored to bikers’ unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you probably still have plenty of questions about the claims process and your legal rights. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How Much Does Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?

Most personal injury attorneys—including motorcycle accident lawyers—work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. The lawyer only collects a percentage of your final settlement or court award if they secure compensation for you. Typical contingency fees range from 33-40%. There are no fees owed if your case is unsuccessful.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?

The at-fault driver and their insurance company may be required to pay for all crash-related losses. With an experienced lawyer, you can potentially recover damages like:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Loss of enjoyment/quality of life
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

An accomplished lawyer determines the full scope of current and future losses so you are fully compensated. Never accept an early settlement offer without exploring full damages.

Should I Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company After My Crash?

No. Anything you say to the insurance company can be used against you later to deny or minimize your claim. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. Your attorney handles all communications with insurers moving forward.

How Soon After My Accident Should I Hire an Attorney?

Do not delay in consulting an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. These cases involve strict statutes of limitations, meaning there are deadlines for taking legal action. An attorney also needs time to thoroughly investigate the collision and build your injury claim. It’s best to contact a lawyer immediately after seeking medical care.

Get the Compensation You Deserve

Suffering catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle crash can derail your life. Don’t go it alone against the insurance companies—their goal is to pay as little as possible. An accomplished personal injury lawyer levels the playing field by aggressively fighting for maximum compensation on your behalf. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need and rightfully deserve!