The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be chaotic, to say the least. It’s often a whirlwind, teeming with doctor’s visits, stress, and uncertainty about the future. In these situations, hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you in legal proceedings might be the last thing on your mind.
However, while seeking legal representation might get lost in the mix, it’s a must-do step in pursuing compensation in these cases. A lawyer’s help can be the difference between facing mountains of medical debt alone and working to secure compensation for your injuries. Here’s why it’s a good idea to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.
1. Access to In-Depth Legal Knowledge Tailored to Your Case
Motorcycle accident cases are complicated. The laws surrounding these cases range from state to state, nuanced in terms of fault and insurance, among other things. In Massachusetts, for example, a three-year statute of limitation applies to claims filing. If you don’t file within this deadline, you might lose your ability to pursue compensation altogether.
Other factors, including Massachusetts’ comparative negligence laws, complicate matters, making these cases daunting for those without legal knowledge. That’s where a skilled motorcycle accident attorney comes in.
When you work with an experienced lawyer, you benefit from their experience and knowledge surrounding state-specific laws and regulations. Your lawyer can help you understand the specifics of your case and how different laws affect your situation. They’ll keep you in the loop and on track to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
2. Leverage Elite Negotiation Skills with Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies is one of the hardest parts of filing a personal injury claim. These companies are notorious for attempting to get away with lowball settlements or denying claims outright. They may even use specific tactics to get you to sign away your right to pursue fair compensation. Without proper legal representation, you will likely end up receiving a lot less than you deserve or, worse, nothing at all.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney knows their way around the insurance company’s playing field. They can deal with the insurance company for you, ensuring you don’t have to stress over trying to fight for a fair settlement.
3. Strengthen Your Case with Thorough Investigation and Strong Evidence
Evidence gathering and preservation is a huge part of building a motorcycle accident case. While you may be able to gather the basic evidence at the scene, such as photos of your injuries and the other driver’s contact information, an experienced attorney has the means to conduct a full-scale investigation.
This might include gathering police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction data. On top of this, they may be able to gather key evidence like damaged motorcycle parts or surveillance video footage from close cameras.
All of this information can support and clearly define your case, setting you up to pursue the best possible outcome.
4. Pursue Maximum Compensation Through a Strategic Approach
More often than not, insurance companies and defendants (the party you’re suing) attempt to avoid paying out compensation when an accident occurs. Having legal representation often translates to better outcomes in terms of compensation, as they can carefully evaluate your case to determine its worth and work to pursue that amount.
Attorneys are trained to determine the total extent of damages that you might’ve overlooked, such as future rehabilitation needs or the effects of permanent disabilities. They’ll also consider things like emotional distress, pain & suffering, or loss of quality of life resulting from the accident. With your lawyer’s help, you’re more likely to receive a fair settlement that reflects the full scope of your injuries.
5. Simplify Complex Legal Matters and Protect Your Rights
Trying to understand the nuances of personal injury law without a legal background and when dealing with an injury can be overwhelming, to say the least. These cases involve multiple complicated pieces, potentially including comparative negligence, product liability, or even uninsured/underinsured motorist issues.
Your lawyer can help you navigate all of these complex legalities and explain your rights and legal options. If you’re partially at fault for the accident, which can affect your case, they can help you advocate for your best interests. They’re there to help you every step of the way to confirm your case is managed to ensure the maximum possible success in your claim.
6. Gain Strong Representation for Court
Many motorcycle accident cases settle outside the courtroom, but not all. If you can’t reach a mutually acceptable settlement, your case may go to court. Here, too, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer makes all the difference.
Not only are attorneys accomplished negotiators but also experienced court advocates. They can guide you through every stage, handling everything from prepping your case for trial to representing you in court. Having a lawyer who is ready to take the case to trial can help send a significant message to the other side and, in some cases, may even get you a fair settlement before your case appears in court.
7. Pay Only When You Win or Settle
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. Unlike other lawyers who typically charge by the hour, many motorcycle accident lawyers work on this contingency fee structure. This means that you won’t pay unless you win. You won’t have to scrape together money to obtain legal representation; rather, you will pay their fee out of your total settlement or verdict.
Your lawyer’s payment is usually a percentage of your settlement or verdict. This makes legal representation much more accessible, even to those who cannot afford a lawyer’s hourly rate. On top of that, this arrangement assures you that you have a dedicated lawyer with a vested interest in winning your case.
8. Enjoy Peace of Mind During Recovery
Unfortunately, motorcycle accident victims are often left with catastrophic injuries. Recovering from these injuries often puts more than enough on your plate. Having a lawyer handle the legal aspects of your case ensures that you can focus on recovery without stressing over the proceedings in your case.
Knowing that you have a trusted professional fighting on your behalf can help ease your worries, making the trying moments of recovery more bearable. This way, you won’t have to think about missed deadlines, confusing legal terminology, or how to deal with insurance companies on your own.
Achieve the Best Result in Your Case With Help From the Fogelman Law Firm
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, having legal representation is a must. Getting help from a lawyer specializing in motorcycle accidents leaves you to focus on healing without worrying about gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, or understanding the nuanced legal system.
Our knowledgeable Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyers at the Fogelman Law Firm are here to help you through every step. You don’t have to face the challenges of the legal system alone. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
