Do I Need to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

The Responsibility of a Personal Injury Attorney

Ultimately, the role of an attorney is to simplify each client’s situation by helping them with their personal injury claim. Because every traffic accident is unique, and every client’s needs are just as unique, “help” can be interpreted in many ways. Some of the most common ways motorcycle accident attorneys benefit injured victims’ needs include the following.

Obtain Evidence

Insurance companies are typically reluctant to fairly compensate injured victims, often denying or minimizing motorcycle accident claims. This is why it’s so vital to obtain the necessary evidence that places the other party at fault for the motorcycle crash.

This is an area that a motorcycle accident lawyer can assist with, as some evidence will be difficult for an injured motorcyclist to collect without help. Some examples include:

• Eyewitness account: A Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer can locate witnesses and collect their statements. An unbiased third party’s testimony about the event is very valuable.
• Expert witness testimony: In some cases, a motorcycle accident lawyer will work with experts in a specific field to reconstruct traffic accidents and determine fault. Or, medical specialists will be hired to explain the impact that serious injuries have on motorcycle accident victims.
• Police report: These official accident reports log the location, time, and sometimes, the cause of traffic collisions. Police reports, in unison with witness accounts, corroborate which party was at fault for the motorcycle accident.
• Medical records: Common motorcycle accident injuries, like broken bones, head injuries, and paralysis require a long recovery time. Documentation along with medical bills to treat injuries suffered proves harm was sustained and validates the requested compensation amount.
• Financial records: Any proof of financial losses that were incurred as a result of the motorcycle accident, such as pay stubs indicating lost wages, medical bills for surgeries, or vehicle invoices to repair property damage, can be reimbursed with the help of a Fresno motorcycle accident attorney.
• Photographs and videos: A personal injury lawyer can also document the accident scene, capturing conditions of the roadways, traffic sign visibility, functionality of traffic lights, and more. Photographs and videos provide insight into other factors that cause motorcycle accidents.

A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Deals with the Insurance Companies

Because insurance companies frequently deal with people who are not familiar with personal injury law, victims who do not have legal representation risk being taken advantage of and receiving a low case settlement, even if the other party is responsible for causing the accident.

However, when an injured motorcycle rider is represented by an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, the insurance company will be more likely to offer a fair settlement.

The best motorcycle accident lawyers possess the knowledge and skills needed to negotiate for maximum compensation. This is extremely important because victims can be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses, as well as anticipated financial losses.

Additionally, a Fresno motorcycle accident attorney will prevent an insurance adjuster from taking advantage of victims. For instance, in order to avoid liability, the other party’s insurance company will attempt various tactics that would make it appear that the injured victim was at fault for the motorcycle crash. This is why it’s best to let an attorney handle communication with the insurance company.

Maximize Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accident attorneys are able to produce the best results because they have experience dealing with similar personal injury cases. Therefore, they will know the type of evidence to collect that will strengthen the case. 

Strong evidence paired with strong negotiating skills increases the likelihood of winning a personal injury case. Additionally, a Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer knows the various types of damages to take into account when calculating a recovery amount. Both economic damages and non-economic damages must be considered for motorcycle accidents.

Economic Damages

This includes quantifiable losses that typically have a monetary value and can be calculated based on receipts, bills, or invoices. 

• Loss of earning capacity: the amount of money that would have been earned
• Lost wages: the amount of money lost from work due to injuries
• Medical expenses: past and future medical care, doctor’s visits, hospital bills, ambulance ride, and prescription drugs
• Property damage: cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, motorcycle, clothing, or other personal belongings

Non-Economic Damages

These are more difficult to quantify but are just as significant and also qualify for compensation. This involves a different method of calculation. 

• Emotional distress: mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of consortium: loss of companionship, love, and affection 
• Loss of enjoyment of life: loss of the desire to participate in activities that were previously enjoyed
• Pain and suffering: mental and physical anguish 

Reduce Stress, Allowing You to Focus on Healing

Dealing with the complexities of filing a motorcycle accident claim with the insurance company, coupled with the strain of physical recovery is overwhelming. While still in the process of rehabbing an injury, it’s important to keep in mind that support is available.

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can take on all aspects of a case, so clients can focus on the top priority, their health. A personal injury lawyer will handle the legal paperwork, communicating with the insurance company, and negotiating for a full and fair settlement.

It is especially important to work with an attorney if a catastrophic injury is sustained, as these types of injuries can create a physical and emotional impact on overall well-being. However, with legal help, clients will be better equipped to understand their rights and options.

Is It Worth Hiring Fresno Motorcycle Accident Lawyers?

Some cases may not require an attorney’s assistance. For instance, a smaller crash that did not produce much damage or injuries may be less complicated to settle, and therefore, may not require legal representation. 

Whereas, motorcycle accidents that result in serious injury or major property damage will hold a higher case value, which means the insurance company will make it more difficult to compensate victims what they are owed. 

However, it’s best not to assume whether an accident is minor or serious. Instead, speak with an attorney so the case can be professionally evaluated. At Central Valley Accident Lawyers, we offer a free consultation to any individual who is curious to learn about the legal aspects of their case. 

For questions regarding motorcycle accidents, please schedule a free case evaluation with our Fresno personal injury law firm today. The consultation is confidential, and we require zero commitment for the evaluation.