Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Claiming For Damages 

Physical, financial, and emotional damages all qualify for compensation. In a motorcycle accident lawsuit, damages are generally broken down into two categories, compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are for the injuries you suffered and subsequently, the medical treatment and medical expenses you accumulated to help with your recovery. These expenses can be calculated easily as you will know how much they cost. The same applies to lost wages during your recovery because of your inability to work and the cost of any damage to your motorcycle. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are damages that cannot be measured exactly, for example, pain and suffering, and emotional stress.

Prior to contacting a lawyer, you’ll need to gather evidence to present to them.

A copy of the police report will be given to you showing details of the accident.

Names and contact numbers for witnesses of the accident.

Any traffic tickets that were issued to the other driver.

Copies of your medical records and bills.

Evidence to show any missed days that you were unable to go to work which resulted in the loss of wages.

Any photographic evidence that you make have taken at the scene of the accident. Including photographs of the vehicles involved and injuries sustained.

Prior to contact throughout the entire lawsuit, you’ll need to gather evidence Choosing a motorcycle accident attorney to represent you is crucial and before hiring a lawyer it is important to consider the following:

Location

Choose an attorney located within the city or county where your case will go to court as this means you are represented by someone who knows the local court procedures and is familiar with the judges.

General Practitioners

Many lawyers and law firms function as general practices. A lawyer who handles an occasional motorcycle case is not going to have the same level of familiarity with the law or possess the same trial skills as an attorney who exclusively concentrates on personal injury law. 

Good Reputation and Experience

Do your research by checking online reviews and testimonials. It is advisable to compare a few attorneys before deciding on which of them has the best experience to handle your claim.

How Will You Pay For Charges Incurred?

Most motorcycle accident claims are handled on a contingency fee basis, this means that the attorney will only get paid if the case results in a favorable settlement.  Ask for a copy of the attorney’s written contingency fee and check the percentage charged, you will also need to check if you will be charged for costs and expenses.  These charges could include expert witness fees, court costs, and other litigation expenses advanced by your attorney. If you win your case, the costs would be deducted from the settlement or verdict, but if you lose, you could be responsible for repaying the attorney out of your own pocket.

The final stage of a motorcycle lawsuit is the trial. Often cases are settled out of court in which case there will be no need to go to trial. If, however going to trial is necessary, it can often be a long-drawn-out process.