Should I Get a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident?

A motorcycle accident can be a devastating experienced followed by a long, stressful ordeal of handling damages, injuries, insurance claims and sometimes even legal proceedings. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be overwhelmed and wondering which steps to take next. Regardless of the severity of the accident, it is wise to speak with an attorney. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can review your situations and help to determine the best course of action to take. Below are some questions you may have about hiring a lawyer.

Do I need a lawyer if there are no severe damages or injuries?

After a motorcycle accident, many people believe a lawyer is not necessary if the accident was minor or little to no injuries were suffered. Unfortunately, even seemingly minor accidents involving a motorcycle can result in severe injuries and damages. In addition, injury symptoms do not always appear right away, so minor injuries may appear or worsen later on. These types of injuries can be expensive to treat if proper legal action is not taken in time. A motorcycle accident lawyer can ensure that should injuries occur, you are able to recover damages from the liable party if there is one.

Won’t my insurance company protect my rights?

People often think that in the event of an accident, motorcycle insurance or the insurance of the other driver will provide the necessary coverage and protection. The reality is that insurance companies are profitable businesses that aim to make money and not lose money. This means that the insurance provider or providers involved in the accident will likely do what is necessary to pay as little as possible. If you sustained injuries and damages in the accident, you may receive an unfair payout from the insurance company if you try to handle matters on your own. A motorcycle accident lawyer has experience dealing with insurance companies. He or she can protect your rights and negotiate on your behalf to improve your chances of receiving a fair payment from the insurer.

What if I can’t afford an attorney?

One of the most common reasons motorcycle accident victims may not seek the help of a lawyer is because they believe hiring a lawyer is too expensive. If this is your only reason for not hiring a lawyer, then you will be pleased to know that hiring a lawyer often saves accident victims money. First, motorcycle accident lawyers will offer a free consultation to any potential clients to discuss the matters at hand. If you decide to follow through with the services, you will not have to pay anything right away. Most lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only have to pay them a percentage of the payout you receive. If your lawyer is unable to reach a settlement, you are not obligated to pay him or her.

Having a motorcycle accident lawyer can improve your chances of receiving a high insurance payment, or help you win settlement if another driver is at fault. In addition, they can eliminate the stress and complications you would likely face if you were navigating the ordeal on your own.