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Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes, you shouldget a lawyer for a motorcycle accident because:
Motorcycle accidents can involve serious damages: Your case may require a substantial financial recovery. You do not want to risk losing the recovery you deserve because you failed to retain a capable lawyer.
You may be dealing with serious injuries: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports show that motorcycle accidents suffer serious injuries at higher rates than other motorists. As you work to recover from injuries, handling a legal case will put more undue stress on you. Protect your health and legal rights by hiring a lawyer.
Your rights may be under fire: Motorcycle accident victims may not fully know who is threatening their rights. Insurance companies and other lawyers are two parties that may treat you with bad faith. Your own lawyer, though, will make sure your case is safe.
Those who hire lawyers do so for a good reason. You may value the experience and resources that a lawyer provides. Dealing with a motorcycle accident case on your own may be unwise for several reasons, including those listed here. If you have experienced an accident hire one of our motorcycle accident attorneys at Galine, Frye, & Frangos, LLP.
I’ve Never Hired a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Before. What Do I Do?
A motorcycle accident can expose you to challenges that you’ve never faced before. It may be only right to take steps you’ve never taken before, including hiring an attorney.
Once you decide that you want to hire a lawyer, you may:
Do your research: Whether through word of mouth, online research, or other means, you can look into which injury law firms serve your geographical area.
Apply objective criteria: When you’ve narrowed down a few lawyers you’re considering for your motorcycle accident case, you can compare them using some objective criteria. You may review their case results and client testimonials, for starters.
Complete free consultations: Motorcycle accident and injury firms generally offer free consultations. These no-obligation meetings are opportunities for you to interact directly with a law firm. You can ask any questions you’re curious about, gauge the law firm’s patience, and see if the firm is a strong fit for your case.
Make your decision: Once you’ve decided on a law firm, you can inform them that you’d like them to handle your case. The law firm will walk you through the next steps.
There is no surefire approach to hiring a law firm. You may combine both objective metrics and your instincts to find the right motorcycle accident lawyer for your case.
Can I Afford a Lawyer for My Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident lawyers know that many people cannot pay out of pocket for legal representation—they simply can’t afford to, especially as they face losses from motorcycle accidents.
Because of this reality, most lawyers accept clients without any upfront payment. Instead, the attorney receives a fee only if they get a judgment or settlement for the client.
This is the sort of arrangement that may allow you to hire a lawyer, regardless of your financial status.
What Will a Law Firm Do for Me After a Motorcycle Accident?
A lawyer should seek the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle accident. There are several steps a motorcycle accident lawyer must take before obtaining compensation, including:
Investigating Your Motorcycle Accident
Your lawyer will complete an independent investigation of your accident.
To gain a full understanding and begin building your case, your lawyer may:
Visit the scene of your accident.
Speak with witnesses who saw the collision or who saw other events relevant to your case (such as a motorist drinking before driving)
Collect any evidence that may be relevant to your lawsuit or claim
Obtaining video footage of the accident, if it exists
Get the police report from authorities who responded to your accident.
Once your lawyer has completed their investigation, they may know who is liable for your damages.
Name Liable Parties in Your Lawsuit
If you pursue a lawsuit, your lawyer will name one or more parties as defendants. The defendants in your case will depend on how your accident happened. Potentially liable parties include a motorist, motor vehicle or motorcycle manufacturer, or municipality. Multiple parties can be liable for your motorcycle accident.
Develop a Legal Strategy
Among other considerations, your lawyer will advise you whether to file an insurance claim or lawsuit. Your attorney can handle the paperwork regardless of which option you pursue and what caused your motorcycle accident.
Lead Settlement Negotiations
Settlements are the most common resolution for civil cases. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement with insurance companies, attorneys for defendants, or any other party that can provide the compensation you deserve.
If your lawyer believes that going to trial is necessary, they should not hesitate to go to court. Though trials require significant effort and time investment, they may be worthwhile.
What Damages Can I Recover for a Motorcycle Accident?
A lawyer should create a complete accounting of your damages. Once they identify the types of damages you’ve experienced and may suffer in the future, your lawyer can begin pursuing a financial settlement.
Some possible recoverable damages in motorcycle accidents include:
Medical expenses: Any medical costs related to your motorcycle accident, including those for services like emergency care, imaging, surgery, and hospitalization, may be recoverable.
Professional damages: Any lost wages, lost earning power, lost productivity, or other professional damages may also be recoverable.
Pain and suffering: Through a lawsuit, your lawyer can pursue compensation for any emotional anguish, lost quality of life, sleeping issues, and psychological problems that arise from your motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle damage: You may get full coverage to repair or replace your motorcycle. Liable parties may also pay for damage to other personal property.
If you have any other damages related to your motorcycle accident, your lawyer should seek a fair financial recovery for them.
Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident
Move quickly when hiring a personal injury lawyer. Your case may face a filing deadline, and you want to give your lawyer as much time as possible to prepare your case.
Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer who offers a free claim evaluation, so you will risk nothing in speaking with an attorney.
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