CHICAGO, IL – The irony of riding on the road is that you can get into an accident even when you’re following all of the rules. This is especially the case for motorcyclists who are at most risk for injury or death. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than people in passenger vehicles to die in a traffic crash, and 4 times more likely to be injured.
After being involved in a motorcycle accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Should you call your insurance company if you haven’t already? Should you call a lawyer? How do you know if you need one? Is there anything else you would need to be aware of?
In short, it is imperative to call an injury attorney immediately. If you are located in the Chicago metropolitan area, consider Chicago based personal injury firm Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, which offers both online appointments and onsite services. If you are not local, FindLaw.com, by Thomson Reuters, was founded in 1995, and has one of the largest legal directories on the web.
Compensation
First of all, if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to receive significant compensation for your suffering and bills. An experienced motorcycle injury attorney will be able to advise you of your legal rights, such as:
- Right to claim compensation: You may be able to receive monetary compensation for your damages, which may include pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, you may also be eligible to receive punitive damages designed to punish the at-fault party for their negligence.
However, filing a successful claim is not always straightforward. The at-fault party’s insurance company may, or more likely will, try to lowball you or deny your claim altogether. Stick to your attorney’s advice, and you should be good to go.
Insurers Are Tricky
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. Even if you have a valid claim, the insurance adjuster will likely try to lowball you or deny your claim altogether. An attorney can level the playing field and ensure you are treated fairly by the insurance company. This means you are more likely to receive a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
You Need an Expert
The legal system can be complex and confusing, especially if you’ve never dealt with it before. An experienced attorney will guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected at every step.
Timing is Important
It’s important to call an attorney as soon as possible after being involved in an accident. This will allow your attorney to gather evidence and witnesses while still fresh to build the strongest case on your behalf. He or she will have advice on what to do next, and more importantly, what not to do.
Trial
If negotiations with the insurance company fail to result in a fair settlement, your case may go to trial. An experienced trial attorney in your corner will increase your chances of success should your case go to court.
No Upfront Payments
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. You shouldn’t have to pay anything upfront for their services, so there is no risk in calling an attorney after being involved in an accident.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Now that you have understood the various reasons to hire a lawyer, you must not finalize the first one that pops up on your mobile screen. Avoid these mistakes when finalizing your motorcycle accident lawyer.
Hiring an inexperienced lawyer
You want to ensure that the lawyer you hire has experience with motorcycle accidents. This type of accident differs from other motor vehicle accidents, so you want to ensure that your lawyer knows what they are doing.
Lack of relevant experience
If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you want to ensure that your lawyer has experience dealing with similar injuries. This way, they will know how to best proceed with your case.
Lack of experience in the state
It is important to hire a lawyer familiar with the laws in the state where the accident occurred. Each state has different laws regarding motorcycle accidents, so you want to ensure that your lawyer knows the ins and outs of the law in your state.
Not researching
Before hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer, you should research and make sure that they are a good fit for you and your case. You can read online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or family, or even consult with other lawyers to get their opinion on who you should hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer? Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. You shouldn’t have to pay anything upfront for their services.
- How long does it take to settle a motorcycle accident case? It depends on the individual case, but most motorcycle accident cases take between one and two years to settle.
- What are the chances of winning a motorcycle accident case? If you have a strong case and an experienced lawyer on your side, your chances of winning are good.
Final Word
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to call an experienced motorcycle injury attorney who can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve under the law. You should also do so as quickly as possible.
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