Riding a motorcycle is an exciting way to travel, giving you a sense of freedom and adventure as you drive along the open road with the wind in your hair. The popularity of motorcycles is on the rise, with almost 9 million bikes registered to drive American roads as of 2021. However, being a member of the still-growing ranks of motorcycle drivers doesn’t come without its dangers. Not every driver pays close attention to the road, and because motorcycles are smaller than cars, they’re easier to miss, which can lead to accidents. Indeed, despite making up only 3% of all registered vehicles, motorcycle accidents cause 14% of all traffic fatalities, and death rates are actually on the rise. Motorcycling, while fun, also carries high risk, and higher likelihood of being badly injured or killed in an accident.
Motorcycle accident victims often face high medical expenses, severe injuries, and emotional distress. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you’ll likely want to file a claim to pursue damages, but doing so on your own can be intimidating and challenging to manage as you recover from your injuries.
A motorcycle accident attorney can help. Working with an attorney comes with a range of benefits, from assistance with paperwork to reliable litigation. Discover the myriad benefits of choosing a lawyer and give yourself peace of mind as you work through the aftermath of your motorcycle accident.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies aren’t on your side. Although insurance companies should aim to pay out a settlement that compensates you fairly for your losses, in practice, they may try to pay you a smaller amount than you need. Especially when you first file a claim, it is common for insurance companies to offer a low amount that won’t come close to covering the extent of your damages. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to try and maximize your payout and minimize your payback obligations. They will protect your interests so that you can focus on recovering.
File a Lawsuit
If you sustained a severe injury due to another driver’s negligence, then you have grounds to pursue legal action. Filing a lawsuit involves submitting the right documents, notifying the right parties, and much more. Trying to navigate the process on your own can be confusing — so work with an attorney instead.
Your motorcycle accident attorney has extensive knowledge and has dealt with similar situations before. They will handle the paperwork, explain the legal process, and be by your side from beginning to end. They are also aware of your case’s time limits, such as its statute of limitations, and will be able to make sure you are reaching a resolution in a timely manner.
Investigate Your Motorcycle Accident
You will need evidence on your side to support your motorcycle accident claim. This can include:
- Witness testimony
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Medical documents
- Repair bills
- Police reports
Insurance companies will require you to be able to prove that the accident happened and that you were not at fault for the injuries you sustained. However, documentation of the accident’s details and proof that you suffered damages is not always easy to access. Gathering this evidence can be difficult, especially if you weren’t able to start directly after your accident. An experienced attorney has access to more resources to make the process of hunting down evidence easier.
Calculate Your Damages
It isn’t always easy to determine a fair settlement on your own. Medical bills and lost wages may help paint a picture, but they don’t take into account any pain and suffering or mental distress. Once your motorcycle accident attorney has access to all of the relevant evidence, they can assess your case to calculate a settlement that considers all factors.
Fight on Your Behalf
Many motorcycle accident cases settle outside of court, but not all. If you and the opposing party can’t reach a fair settlement, then it may be necessary to go to trial.
An experienced attorney understands the strategies defendants use and is prepared to combat them. They can build a strong case, fight aggressively on your behalf, and help you win a fair settlement.
Reach Out to the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Stewart & Stewart in Indiana
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be scary. If you’re facing severe injuries and high medical bills, you may not be sure where to turn.
A motorcycle accident lawyer at Stewart & Stewart can help you pursue a fair settlement. We can negotiate on your behalf, help with any paperwork, gather evidence, and fight for you in court.At Stewart & Stewart, we’re prepared to assist our clients through difficult times. We are compassionate, determined attorneys that will fight aggressively on your behalf. Our ultimate goal is to help you pursue compensation and provide you with peace of mind. If you’d like to speak to a motorcycle accident attorney from our firm, call 1-800-33-33-LAW or fill out our contact form to schedule your free case evaluation.