Motorcycle Crash Lawyers

MarouaJanuary 29, 2024

0 49 3 minutes read

Motorcycle Crash Lawyers — Legs of a person lying on the road after a motorcycle and car accident

Table of Contents

Introduction

Riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable hobby and mode of transportation. But motorcycle riders also face serious risks on the roads. Motorcycle crash lawyers specialize in representing injured riders to help them get compensation for their injuries. This article provides an overview of how motorcycle crash lawyers assist clients after accidents.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics Show High Risk of Injury

Statistics from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlight the dangers that motorcycle riders face ([1]):

In 2019, over 84,000 motorcycle riders were injured in accidents
Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in accidents per mile traveled compared to car occupants
Head injuries are common, occurring in over 60% of motorcycle fatalities
Costs of medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering can be substantial

Given these risks, injured riders may benefit from consulting a motorcycle crash lawyer after an accident. Attorneys can investigate accidents, identify liable parties, demonstrate damages, and negotiate fair compensation.

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Motorcycle crash lawyers offer a number of valuable services, including ([2]):

Gathering evidence like police reports, video footage, photographs, and witness statements
Communicating with insurance companies and negotiating reasonable settlements
Filing lawsuits if fair settlements cannot be reached out of court
Consulting accident reconstruction experts to analyze how the crash occurred
Working with doctors and vocational experts to prove long-term effects on health and income
Advising clients on options for obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost wages, disabilities, pain and suffering, and other damages

Contingency Fees Make Legal Services Accessible

Many motorcycle crash lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means that instead of paying expensive hourly legal fees, clients only pay if their case results in a monetary settlement or award ([3]). The lawyer receives an agreed-upon percentage of the total recovery. Contingency fee structures make motorcycle accident claims affordable.

Finding the Best Attorney for Your Case

Injured motorcycle riders should consider certain factors when selecting legal counsel:

Specialization: Look for a lawyer that focuses specifically on motorcycle accidents and understands the technical aspects of crashes.
Resources: Choose a law firm with the financial resources to undertake complex investigations and litigate cases thoroughly.
Experience: Ask about the lawyer’s track record with past motorcycle cases and recovery amounts obtained.
Referrals: Check client testimonials and ask motorcycle groups for recommendations.
Compatibility: Make sure you feel comfortable communicating important details about your accident to your lawyer.

What Compensation Is Available After a Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycle crash lawyers assist clients in obtaining compensation for many different accident-related losses. Potential compensation sources include ([4], [5]):

Liability insurance – Policies held by at-fault drivers often cover victims’ medical bills, lost income, and other monetary losses up to policy limits
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – Needed in case liable drivers lack sufficient insurance
No-Fault insurance – May cover medical expenses, lost wages and other benefits regardless of fault
Personal injury protection – Required in some states to pay victims’ expenses
Multi-vehicle policies – Other vehicles involved may have applicable coverage
Additional liability policies – Homeowner’s or umbrella insurance may provide additional coverage
Personal assets – At-fault drivers may be forced to pay from personal assets
Employer insurance/benefits – May help cover lost wages or medical costs

Thorough investigations by motorcycle crash lawyers can reveal all potential compensation sources. Aggressive representation is often needed to secure fair payouts.

Damages Covered in Motorcycle Injury Claims

Compensation amounts depend on the specific losses suffered. With the help of expert witnesses and medical professionals, lawyers build strong cases demonstrating the full effects of motorcycle injuries. Damages commonly sought include:

Past and future medical expenses – Bills for hospitalization, surgeries, therapy, medication, assistive devices
Lost income – Inability to work due to injuries suffered
Loss of future earning capacity – Permanent disabilities that reduce earning power
Pain and suffering – Physical discomfort and emotional trauma
Loss of enjoyment of life – Diminished participation in hobbies and activities
Punitive damages – Money penalizing reckless behavior in severe cases
Wrongful death damages – Compensation for grieving families who lost loved ones

Experienced motorcycle crash lawyers thoroughly calculate and prove all applicable damages suffered by their injured clients.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

What key steps should I take after a motorcycle crash?

Seek medical attention, report the crash to police to get an official report, photograph injuries/damage, gather witness contact info, avoid discussing fault, save relevant records, and contact an attorney ([6]).

When is a lawyer needed after a motorcycle accident?

Injuries, disability, complex legal arguments about liability, uninsured drivers, insufficient insurance coverage, and denied/delayed claims may necessitate legal help ([7]).

How much does hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?

Most lawyers offer free consultations. Many take cases on a contingency fee basis, getting paid only if you receive compensation ([8]). This provides accessible legal help to motorcycle crash victims.

Conclusion

Riding a motorcycle comes with serious accident risks. Motorcycle crash lawyers provide invaluable help to injured victims and their families. Their services include investigating accidents, demonstrating damages, identifying sources of compensation, calculating just claim values, negotiating optimal settlements, and filing lawsuits when needed. With thorough legal guidance, victims can secure the maximum compensation they deserve after devastating motorcycle crashes.