Especially as the weather gets warmer, Illinois motorcyclists are eager to get out on the road. And who could blame them? Riding a motorcycle can be one of the most invigorating experiences. In a perfect world, every driver would be using the utmost caution, and motorcycle accidents would be few and far between.
Unfortunately, we live in a world of distracted and even negligent drivers, and as a result, motorcycle accidents can be common. Other hazards can come into play as well such as road conditions, mechanical malfunctions, and weather conditions. Even when a motorcyclist has taken all the proper safety precautions, major injuries can still occur in an accident.
If you or a loved one is in a motorcycle accident, it may be time to consider if you should hire an attorney to help you through this. Consider the following 10 reasons why you need a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Table of Contents
- Determining Liability
- Collecting Evidence
- Communicating With Insurance Companies and Third Parties
- Calculating Compensation You May Be Owed
- Putting a Value of Pain and Suffering
- Maximizing Your Settlement
- Deciding Whether to Accept a Settlement
- Filing a Lawsuit
- Going to Court
- Giving You Time to Heal
1. Determining Liability
One of the most critical aspects of a motorcycle accident case is determining who was at fault. This can be a complicated task, as there are often multiple factors involved and several parties may have been negligent. Even if you were partially at fault in your motorcycle accident, an attorney may still be able to help you receive compensation.
2. Collecting Evidence
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming for all parties involved. The details of the crash can become fuzzy and unclear, so finding evidence that supports your claim becomes a crucial part of building a strong case. This can include witness statements, police reports, medical records, and photographs of the accident scene. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather and preserve this evidence, ensuring that it is admissible.
3. Communicating With Insurance Companies and Third Parties
Dealing with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident can be stressful and time-consuming. At the end of the day, insurance companies are businesses which means they will always find a way to reduce their own costs. Having an attorney in your corner means that you will have someone fighting for your best interest. You can sit back and let them handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
4. Calculating Compensation You May Be Owed
A motorcycle accident can result in significant financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you want to make sure you consider any future expenses required for your recovery, even after you are discharged from the hospital. This may include rehabilitation, treatment, or medications. The negligent party may be responsible for compensating you for these fees as well.
An experienced lawyer would be able to anticipate costs that you may not be considering at the time. This will help prevent lowball offers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
5. Putting a Value to Your Pain and Suffering
Damages such as medical bills and property damage caused by a motorcycle accident are referred to as economic damages because they are a more concrete valuation. However, some damages are more difficult to calculate and determine value. These are called non-economic damages and may include damages such as pain and suffering.
There is no question that a person may experience emotional and mental challenges following a motorcycle accident. Sometimes, you may be able to be compensated for this hardship. An attorney would know just how to calculate this number as well as assess the psychological impact of the accident.
6. Maximizing Your Settlement
Remember — insurance companies will want to settle quickly and for the lowest amount possible. If you’ve been hurt or lost property due to another driver or party’s negligence, you should not have to bear the financial burden of the outcome. Insurance companies should focus on reducing this pressure but unfortunately, this is not always the case.
7. Deciding Whether to Accept a Settlement
While settling can be tempting, it’s important to understand the full extent of your injuries and damages before accepting any settlement offer. This is why it’s usually best to hire a lawyer before speaking with insurance companies or signing any type of offer. If the insurance company tries calling you before you have spoken to your attorney, do your best to say as little as possible to avoid accidentally saying something they may use against you later.
8. Filing a Lawsuit
If a settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation. The right attorney will be an expert in the law and know if it’s time to escalate to filing a lawsuit.
9. Going to Court
If your case goes to court, a motorcycle accident lawyer can represent you and argue your case in front of a judge and jury. They will have the knowledge and experience necessary to build a strong case and present it effectively in court.
10. Giving You Time to Heal
Last but certainly not least, even minor motorcycle accidents can be a very stressful ordeal. Don’t underestimate the time you may need to heal and recover both physically and emotionally. Handling all the logistics on your own can be incredibly difficult and a lot of that energy would be better spent towards your recovery. Allow a motorcycle accident attorney to help you navigate this time so you can focus more on what you need to move forward from the accident. You don’t have to go it alone.
Contact Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers About Your Motorcycle Accident
At Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are on a mission to level the playing field with big insurance companies. We want to help maximize your settlement and relieve the burden that never should have been yours to carry in the first place. We win or it’s free. Schedule your FREE consult today. Call (312) 600-6000.
