Your Devastating Motorcycle Accident- Get The Compensation You Deserve

Table of Contents  

1. Introduction

2. Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

3. Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

4. Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

5. How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Motorcycle Accident?

6. How to Maximize Your Motorcycle Accident Compensation

7. Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

8. Benefits of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

9. How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

 

Introduction

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, life altering injuries and even death. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the nature and extent of your injuries, medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earnings capacity, permanency of injury, physical pain and mental suffering and other damages.  At the Snow Law Firm, we have helped our clients get the compensation they deserve after a motorcycle accident. In this article, we discuss the steps that you should take after a motorcycle accident to ensure you get the compensation that you deserve.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents  

There are many different factors that can cause a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Distracted driving

2. Drunk driving

3. Texting

4. Speeding

5. Lane splitting

6. Poor visibility

7. Poor road conditions

8. Faulty repairs to motorcycle

Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents  

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor abrasions and lacerations to more serious injuries, concussions or head trauma and spinal cord injuries.  Some of the more devastating injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

1. Painful road rash

2. Broken bones, including, displaced, compound and/or comminuted fractures

3. Traumatic brain injuries

4. Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis

5. Burns that may require skin grafting

6. Amputations

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident  

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are injured.

2. Contact the police and file a police report.

3. Take steps to collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident.

4. Call a family member or friend to take pictures of the accident scene and any damage to your motorcycle.

5. Contact your insurance company and report the accident.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Motorcycle Accident?  

The amount of compensation you can receive for a motorcycle accident depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the insurance coverage available to either the at fault party or under your own policy, called uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.  In general, the categories that determine the amount of your settlement or verdict are as follows:

1. Medical expenses – including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and rehabilitation costs

2. Future Medical expenses – for example ongoing pain management procedure, physical therapy of mental health counseling

3. Lost wages – if you missed work due to your injuries

4. Loss of earnings capacity – which means that you are no longer able to work or are unable to work full-time

5. Physical pain and mental suffering – compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident

6. Permanency of injuries – impairment rating as designated in the American Medical Association, Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 6th Ed.  used in conjunction with the United States Department of Health and Human Services-Life Expectancy Tables.

7. Loss of enjoyment of life – if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed

8. Loss of Spousal Consortium –  an independent claim brought a a spouse

9. Wrongful death – if your spouse, partner or significant other or child was killed in the collision

How to Maximize Your Motorcycle Accident Compensation  

To maximize your motorcycle accident compensation, it is essential to:

1. Seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if you do not think you are injured

2. Keep detailed records of all medical bills and medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident

3. Hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help you manage the claims process

4. Do not speak to the other party’s insurance company without first consulting with your lawyer

Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer  

Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is essential to ensure that your injury claim is properly prosecuted from the day upon which you were injured.  An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can:

1. Investigate the accident

2. Gather evidence through an investigator

3. Obtain witness statements

4. Communicate with the insurance company and other parties involved in the accident

5. Obtain medical bills and records, photographing the accident scene and your injuries

6. Develop expert testimony for your case

7. Appear on your behalf at mediation, arbitration or at a jury trial

Benefits of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer  

Some of the benefits of hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer include:

1. Peace of mind – knowing that an experienced lawyer is handling your case

2. Better chance of receiving a favorable or lucrative outcome

3. No upfront costs – most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you prevail in your case

4. Access to legal experts and resources to build a strong case for you

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer  

When choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer, it is essential to look for:

1. Experience handling motorcycle accident cases

2. Positive reviews and testimonials from previous clients

3. A proven track record of success

4. Clear communication skills and a willingness to answer all of your questions

5. A contingency fee agreement that does not require upfront payment

Conclusion  

Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing events.  If you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should hire a competent and experienced lawyer.  An experienced lawyer will guide you through the legal process, assist you in building a strong case and ensure that you receive the settlement or jury verdict that you deserve.

If you’re looking for a competent motorcycle accident injury lawyer on Cape Cod, look no further than the Snow Law Firm. Attorney Snow has 30 years of experience handling car crash cases and helping his clients get the settlement or jury verdict that you deserve. He offers a free initial consultation and will develop the best course of action for you and your case.  Don’t let the aftermath of a motorcycle accident leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.  Contact the Snow Law Firm to schedule an appointment and allow him to prosecute your motorcycle accident injury case today.

FAQs  

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim?

The time limit in which to file a motorcycle accident claim varies depending on the state where the accident occurred. In some jurisdictions, the statute of limitations is as short as one year, while in others it can be as long as three years.  If involved in a collision with a vehicle owned by a municipality, you may have to provide notice of your intent to pursue an action against the town.  This means, your lawyer will be required to serve a “presentment letter’ upon the appropriate town official before you can file a lawsuit. It’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that your claim in not time barred for any reason.

Do I need a lawyer to file a motorcycle accident claim?

Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing events.  If you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should hire a competent lawyer.  An experienced lawyer will guide you through the legal process, assist you in building a strong case and ensure that you receive the settlement or jury verdict that you deserve.

How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?

Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the total compensation awarded, and can vary depending the jurisdiction that you live in, whether bad faith claims are brought against the insurer and/or whether an appeal is pursued after the conclusion of your case. Before hiring a lawyer, it’s important to discuss their fee structure and ensure that you understand all of the costs involved.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, in some jurisdictions it is still possible to file a claim if you were partially at fault for causing the accident, which is called “comparative” negligence.  In Massachusetts, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover from the other party involved in the accident.  In addition, however, the amount of compensation you will receive is the percentage of fault allocated to you.  It’s important to discuss the specifics of your case with a lawyer to determine the best course of action.

How long will my motorcycle accident injury case take?

Resolution of your motorcycle accident injury case depends on several factors, including the nature and extent of your injuries, when you reach a medical end-result and whether your case is resolved by settlement, mediation, arbitration or jury trial.   Your lawyer receives a “Tracking Order” from the Court which sets forth the dates upon which discovery and depositions must be completed by, the date when expert disclosures must be shared with opposing counsel as well as when the Pre-Trial Conference, Trial Status Conference and Jury Trial will be held.  An experienced lawyer will have little difficulty explaining this process to you.