The lawyer you select to represent you in your motorcycle accident case is a critical decision. Attorneys differ greatly in their skill levels and ways of handling cases.
Choosing the right Gainesville motorcycle accident attorney can significantly improve your chances of securing fair compensation for injuries and losses. Here are some tips for evaluating attorneys:
Look for Experience
Selecting a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer is essential to your legal case. Personal injury lawyers may help you with several things, including figuring out your options and legal rights, accurately estimating your losses, figuring out who caused the accident, and negotiating with insurance companies to collect the maximum money.
Because they lack preventive safety equipment, motorcycle riders are more susceptible in traffic accidents and frequently sustain serious injuries. Because of this, they need a sizable sum of money to pay for their losses and medical expenses.
In Florida, you can recover damages by filing a personal injury claim against at-fault parties, including the driver of the vehicle that struck you and the party that built, owned, or maintained the roadway (for cases caused by unsafe road conditions). You can also file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of your motorcycle or its parts. If you are a foreign national, you may be able to pursue compensation under Alien Privilege.
Look for Reputation
Although riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating form of transportation, it can be dangerous. Motorcyclists do not have the protection that car passengers enjoy, including airbags and seatbelts. Those who ride motorcycles are often severely injured in accidents and can suffer from significant financial losses, such as medical care, lost wages, and future loss of income.
Injured motorcyclists deserve compensation from those who cause crashes. A motorcycle accident attorney may assist in making sure that the responsible parties are held liable for the collision. These might be a car’s driver, the company that constructed, owns, or maintains the road (in situations where dangerous road conditions are the cause), or the company that makes motorcycles or their parts.
Moreover, insurance companies often treat injured motorcyclists unfairly and offer inadequate settlements. The right attorney can manage communications with the insurer and fight for fair compensation. They will consider your medical expenses, ongoing medical treatment, and any other costs related to the accident.
Look for Personality
Although they can be thrilling and entertaining to ride, motorcycles can also be risky. Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely than vehicle drivers to die in a traffic collision, according to the NHTSA.
Choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer passionate about helping injured victims of this type of crash is important. An experienced attorney will take the time to get to know you and your story so they can develop a strong case on your behalf. They will consider all your losses and expenses, including past medical bills, current medical bills, future care costs, and loss of enjoyment of life activities.
A good lawyer will ensure the at-fault party is held responsible for their negligence and fully compensate you for your injuries. This includes pursuing compensation for any future income you may have lost due to your injuries. They will investigate the crash and gather evidence to establish liability, even if the at-fault driver refuses to admit their wrongdoing.
Look for Costs
Compared to drivers of cars, motorcyclists are more likely to sustain serious injuries in collisions, partly due to their relative lack of protective gear. People who have been hurt in motorbike accidents should seek damages for their losses. With the legal complexities of submitting an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, a motorcycle accident attorney can help.
In many cases, motorcycle crash victims must file a claim within four years of their accident, though it is best to do so sooner. This helps ensure that all available evidence is collected and that medical records document the extent of your losses. It also allows you to recover maximum compensation from at-fault parties for your injuries and losses.
Unlike cars, trucks, and buses, motorcycles are smaller vehicles that can be unseen by inattentive drivers and are more susceptible to road hazards, including potholes and loose gravel. In addition to pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to damages for lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.