Motorcycles are a convenient mode of transportation. They can access the roughest roads and swerve into the narrowest spaces available. Motorbikes can cover more miles in less time and consume less fuel than other modes of transportation. Unfortunately, motorists often seem to view bikers as less than road users. Consequently, many riders get involved in road accidents because of a lack of protection and stability. Enter Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorneys.
What are the leading causes of motorcycle accidents?
A motorcycle may be involved in an accident for various reasons. Common causes of road accidents are:
- Poor road conditions
- Loss of control making it to skid
- Group accidents involving other bikes and vehicles
- Dangerous driving
- Poor visibility
- Rear-end accidents or sideswipes
- Failure to engage during lane changing or merging
- Sudden halting and breaking
Top reasons for hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer
● They help to identify liability
A motorcycle accident can involve one or more motorists. Insurance providers are seldom genuine or straightforward. Even when liability is evidently on the other motorist, the insurance brokers will insist on their side of the story. Insurance providers aim to reduce the compensation to the least possible amount.
A personal injury attorney collects evidence to ensure they have all the facts about the accident. They can collect evidence from eyewitnesses, forensic experts, police reports, CCCTV footage from the neighboring premises, and more. Later, the lawyer compiles a comprehensive evidence report to exonerate you from liability.
● Competent in calculating your losses
A motorcycle accident may seem minor. However, a keen look at immediate and future losses reveals that a rider can lose thousands of dollars. The goal of a personal injury attorney is to ensure you get the maximum compensation to cater to your loss of income, medical bills, and physical and emotional stress.
Many riders will look at their losses at face value. On the other hand, a personal injury attorney ensures your lost time and opportunities are accounted for in the compensation. Furthermore, the lawyer knows the prevailing loss calculation rates and can accurately quote your appropriate settlement.
A seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer will look into the following:
- Medical bills, including medication, surgeries, doctor’s visits, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses
- Lost income for the time you’re away from earning an income and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering, including stress disorders such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and physical pain from injuries
- Holds all involved parties into account
Often, motorcycle riders are blamed for accidents. However, the other party may be at fault. A personal injury attorney investigates to hold the other party responsible for the accident. When it happens, a rider can increase insurance coverage. A third party may be held responsible in the following scenarios:
- The other driver’s actions caused the accident
- The other motorist’s employer if the accident happened in the line of duty
- Your employer, if you were working at the time of the accident
● A reliable resource about your settlement
When you hire a personal injury attorney, you relax as the lawyer pursues your case to the end. The lawyer takes charge of everything from visiting insurance providers, filing documents, and pushing negotiations. Your lawyer answers any questions you may have concerning the case and acts on your behalf. Further, the attorney guides and assists you so you can concentrate on recovery and healing.
Tips for finding the best motorcycle lawyer
Many riders may not know how to engage a motorcycle accident attorney until a crash happens. Here’s a simple guide if you’re wondering where to start your search.
1. Does the law firm specialize in motorcycle accident cases?
A law firm that has not dealt with riders before may lack the dynamics involved in motorcycle accidents. Ask the motorcycle accident attorney for a few referees to ascertain their involvement with former clients. A law firm with no motorcycle specialty is not the right fit for your case.
2. Are there testimonials from past riders?
It is critical to hire a lawyer with a reputation for success. Ask for testimonials and read online reviews to see what former clients have to say about the services offered by the attorney.
3. When is a client supposed to pay the lawyer?
Many personal injury lawyers get their payment after securing the client’s settlement. Be wary of any attorney who demands payment upfront. Lawyers earn their pay at the end of the settlement to get the impetus to pursue the case successfully. Furthermore, the initial consultation is free for many personal injury attorneys.
4. Has the attorney represented other similar cases?
Your peace of mind is critical when hiring a personal injury attorney for damages and losses. Find out if the attorney has dealt with a similar case to yours and ask about the outcome. The response should give you confidence that your case is not a wild goose chase.
5. Will other attorneys be incorporated into your case?
When hiring a personal injury attorney, it is critical to get all things right. Will the lawyer work with you until the case is closed? Be wary of lawyers who engage other junior lawyers before the process is completed. The change of guard delays your case because the new lawyer is not familiar with the events of your case. Therefore, ensure you agree with the hired lawyer that your terms of engagement start, continue, and end with the initial personal accident attorney.
6. Has the attorney ever taken any case to trial?
At times, negotiations with the other parties may fail. Consequently, your case may require filing in a courtroom for a fair hearing and ruling. Therefore, ask the attorney if they’ve handled a trial before to give you confidence that the lawyer is competent for the job. Steer clear of young, inexperienced lawyers who may be intimidated by trials because they’ll lose or avoid pursuing your case.
Conclusion
Motorcycle riders should hire a personal injury attorney to safeguard their interests during an accident. The attorney understands the law to protect you against insurance providers and earn you the highest amount for your settlement.
