Is It Worth Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Riding a motorcycle provides a sense of freedom and exhilaration that four-wheeled vehicles simply cannot match. However, the very factors that make motorcycles so thrilling also leave riders more vulnerable on the road. When motorcycle accidents occur, bikers often suffer severe or even catastrophic injuries.
After a motorcycle crash, injured victims face many uncertainties and challenges. You may be wondering if hiring a lawyer is really necessary or worth the cost. There are several important considerations in making this decision. An experienced attorney could significantly impact the outcome of your claim and the compensation you receive.
This article explores the key benefits of legal representation after a motorcycle accident.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
If your motorcycle accident involved another vehicle, hiring a lawyer experienced in these cases is highly recommended. An attorney can build the strongest case possible to help you recover the maximum compensation. Here are some of the factors to consider:
Type of Injuries
The severity of your injuries is a major factor in deciding if you need a lawyer. Minor scrapes and bruises can often be handled without legal help. However, if you suffered extensive injuries like:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputation
- Severe road rash
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Burns
- Crush injuries
These require extensive medical treatment. The costs add up quickly, especially if you missed time from work. A qualified lawyer will fight to recover damages for all your injury-related expenses, both current and ongoing.
Pre-Existing Conditions
If you had any pre-crash health conditions, an attorney can help determine if and how they may impact your claim. They will gather medical evidence showing how the motorcycle accident directly caused new injuries or exacerbated prior ones.
Long-Term Effects
Some motorcycle accident injuries cause permanent impairment or disability. Your lawyer will work to secure compensation for these long-term consequences impacting your mobility and quality of life. This includes costs for things like vocational retraining if you can no longer perform your previous occupation.
Multiple Parties Involved
Accidents involving multiple vehicles are more complex. The insurance companies for each driver will try to pin blame on someone else. An attorney helps determine all liable parties and negotiates with the insurers. This takes the stress off you so you can focus on recovery.
Uninsured Motorist
If the other motorist was uninsured, hiring a lawyer immediately is key. They will investigate assets the at-fault driver may have to get compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer Los Angeles can also file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance provider.
Disputed Liability
After a motorcycle crash, accounts often differ on what happened. The other motorist may say you caused the accident. Having a lawyer in your corner protects your rights. They gather evidence regarding who was at fault and fight any false allegations.
Multiple Claimants
If there were passengers on your motorcycle or occupants of other vehicles involved, each person may file injury claims. This creates complications for dividing liability payments from insurers. An attorney maximizes your share of compensation.
Benefits of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
There are many benefits to hiring a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer. These include:
Peace of Mind
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be an emotional time, especially with severe injuries. Hiring a lawyer lifts the burden of handling legal matters and negotiations. You can concentrate on healing while your attorney works diligently on your case.
Experience
Motorcycle accident cases have unique aspects. An experienced lawyer is familiar with the complexities and knows how to maximize your compensation. They have handled many similar cases and use proven strategies. Their expertise saves you time and increases the value of your claim.
Higher Settlements
Qualified motorcycle accident attorneys have negotiating skills to secure the largest financial recovery possible. Without legal help, people often settle for far less than their case is worth. Lawyers also skillfully determine all available sources of compensation.
Court Representation
If a satisfactory settlement can't be reached, your lawyer can take the case to court. They know how to effectively present evidence and argue before a judge and jury. Very few motorcycle accident victims have the knowledge needed to successfully represent themselves in court.
Investigation Skills
Thorough investigation is key to proving fault and damages. An attorney knows what evidence to gather, including police reports, witness statements, videos, and photographs. If another party caused your accident, a lawyer will build the strongest liability case on your behalf.
Objectivity
Emotions often run high after a traumatic motorcycle crash. Having an objective lawyer fighting for your best interests helps ensure positive legal outcomes. They act as a buffer between you and insurance providers.
Navigating Complex Laws
Laws related to motorcycle accidents and injury compensation are complex. An experienced lawyer understands the nuances in state statutes and case law that impact your claim. They will apply their expertise to get you the maximum recovery within the boundaries of the law.
Reducing Stress
The claims process after a motorcycle crash can be extremely stressful. Hiring a lawyer lifts the burden so you can focus on healing physically and emotionally. Let your attorney handle the time demands, complex documents, negotiations, and court appearances.
What Compensation is Available After a Motorcycle Accident?
There are several types of damages our motorcycle accident attorneys pursue on your behalf. These include:
- Medical expenses - All bills related to injury treatment, from the ER to surgery to physical therapy. This also includes future costs for ongoing care.
- Lost income - If your injuries prevented you from working, compensation for missed wages, both current and future.
- Property damage - Repairs or replacement cost for damage to your motorcycle, helmet, gear, etc.
- Pain and suffering - Damages for physical and emotional trauma caused by the accident and injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment - How the crash negatively impacted your quality of life and ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed.
- Punitive damages - In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, money awarded to punish the at-fault party.
The exact value of your claim depends on the unique circumstances of your accident and losses. With an experienced lawyer, you can trust your case will be handled with skill and tenacity.
Contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in the Los Angeles area, the lawyers at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can help. With years of experience, we have recovered millions of dollars for injury victims. Our aggressive advocacy has achieved maximum compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. We handle all communications with insurance companies so you can focus on getting your life back on track. To explore your legal options for free, call us today at 800-4THE-WIN.
