If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, there are many issues involved to get a good settlement for your case. The medical costs alone in a serious motorcycle accident are usually much higher than you find in a typical car accident. There's also the issue of pain and suffering, the income that you've lost, and the income you will lose in the future. To get the highest settlement amount possible, you need to hire an attorney. The following are a few reasons you should not attempt to negotiate with an insurance company yourself.
You may not be able to identify sufficient settlement money
When you're in an accident with your motorcycle, your injuries will likely be greater than those of a car driver. This means longer stays in the hospital and longer time for rehabilitation, and this translates into higher medical bills. Unless you are hit by a commercial truck, such as a semi-truck or delivery truck around town, the liability coverage limits for a car may not be enough money.
Attorneys can often find additional sources for compensation. Occasionally, there is more than one driver responsible, or you may be able to use your own uninsured motorist coverage in addition to the driver's insurance to get enough money. Every avenue can be explored by a motorcycle accident attorney.
You may be convinced that you were at fault
It is much easier to convince a motorcyclist that they were at fault than to convince an attorney. There are many ways they can achieve this. For example, after the accident, the driver was not given a ticket. However, you were, and this could be interpreted as the accident being your fault. On the other hand, a lawyer knows that who gets a ticket after an accident is no indication of who's at fault because there are many factors in assessing blame. In addition, in some states, partial blame can be assigned to both parties.
You pose no threat to an insurance company
Obviously, if a case ever went to court, you would need an attorney. But when you negotiate with an insurance company, they have already spun circles around you, long before you feel the need for a lawyer. They will convince you that no jury will ever award any money to a motorcyclist, so you take the offer they made to you. You may even believe you got the best settlement possible. But an attorney who has experience with motorcycle accidents understands the nature of a jury and can win in court. An attorney has a much stronger negotiating position than you could ever have with an insurance company.
After your motorcycle accident, you should consult a lawyer who has experience defending motorcycle riders. They can identify all potential sources of compensation. They cannot be fooled or intimidated by an insurance company, and they are always willing to go to court to win your case in front of a jury.
Contact a local motorcycle accident attorney to learn more.
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