If you have been in a motorcycle accident, your case could be worth thousands of dollars, depending on the seriousness of your injuries. Because motorcycle accidents are more serious than other types of accidents, your pain and suffering can be higher than in other cases. But a good motorcycle accident lawyer cannot promise a specific amount of settlement upfront.
Ideally, you would need to file an accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer and they pay it within weeks. If the company denies your claim, you may have to sue the other driver. This driver’s lawyer will argue that you are to blame for the accident. Thus, your attorney must work harder to get the necessary evidence that can prove your case.
Why Motorcycle Accidents are Serious Cases
Motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than other kinds of road accidents due to the lack of adequate protection for the rider. When you drive a motorcycle, nothing can protect you against the car that hit you. You could be thrown from your bike and suffer fatal injuries. These injuries can include back and neck injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and lacerations. All of these injuries are life-changing. This is the reason such cases settle for more than other accident cases.
The Damages Your Attorney Will Demand
After your motorcycle accident attorney can prove fault, they will focus on proving your damages. You can only get compensation when you can prove that you sustained damages. This is the reason you must see a doctor right after an accident, so all important tests can be performed to determine the seriousness of your injuries.
Depending on the injuries you suffer, and your financial losses, your attorney will work to recover damages such as medical bills, property damage, future medical bills, pain and suffering, lost future income, lost wages, and punitive damages. Every case is unique and your attorney will demand compensation for injuries you sustained.
Should Your Attorney Settle Your Claim?
The majority of motorcycle accident cases are settled without going to court. Your attorney may advise you to accept a settlement offer as long as it reflects all your losses. Your attorney will negotiate a settlement amount with the insurance company if the first offer is not fair to you. The negotiation can go back and forth until each party agrees to settle.
While you can take your case to court, trials are lengthy and expensive. And you will not be guaranteed to get a trial verdict since a judge makes the decision. But if the insurer refuses to pay your demand, your attorney may not have other options but to represent you in court.
