Motorcycle Accident Attorney

How long will my motorcycle accident case take to be resolved?

Injuries from motorcycle accidents tend to be severe, so the time-frame for such cases can last for several months or even years. It’s best not to rush back from motorcycle accident injuries since any additional complications or injuries likely won’t be included in a rushed settlement. However, if your injuries aren’t terribly severe and liability has been effectively proven, then you can expect your motorcycle accident claim to settle within 5-8 months. If your claim has to go to trial to be resolved, though, it might take years before everything is wrapped up. Litigation is a lengthy process. For example, the discovery phase alone can take up to 6 to 12 months. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is the best way to get an estimate about the life of your personal injury case.

How much money should I expect from the motorcycle accident I was in?

No two motorcycle accidents are the same, and motorcycle accident settlements reflect this fact. While one victim may only walk away from his motorcycle accident with a few thousand dollars, another might see a 6 or even 7-figure settlement. Motorcycle accident settlements are similar to automobile accident settlements in that they are based on the following factors: severity of injury, lost wages, and property damage. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident the best thing to do is to call The Advocates for a free evaluation of your case. Our lawyers have decades of experience working with motorcycle accident cases just like yours. Call us today at 206-452-4200. The motorcycle accident attorneys with the Advocates will help you get back on your feet.

How do I prove I am not responsible for my motorcycle accident?

Unfortunately, insurance companies have a habit of scapegoating motorcycle riders as reckless commuters who skirt traffic laws at will. Proving the other driver is at fault is absolutely essential in order to win your motorcycle accident case. The best way to prove liability is to take photos or videos of the scene, of your injuries, and the damage to your bicycle. Next, write down the names and contact information of anyone who might have witnessed your motorcycle accident. Finally, you should keep a detailed log of every medical provider you saw for you injuries. These three things can go a long way in ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Motorcycle accidents are as unpredictable as they are dangerous. Motorcycle accident victims often suffer from acute scrapes, bruises, and disabling or even fatal injuries. Broken bones and severe head injuries are also common injuries survivors of motorcycle accidents can face during their recovery. Unlike other vehicles, motorcyclists are completely exposed to the open road. Because of this motorcycle accidents have a far higher rate of fatalities than any other types of accidents. There’s no escaping the fact that motorcycles are a dangerous mode of transportation. Even the most experienced of riders runs the risk of being in an accident. The Advocates Law will help you file and win your case following a motorcycle accident.

Following any sort of auto accident, obtaining a timely resolution to any damage done to your vehicle is typically a high priority. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding how to resolve property damage claims:

What if your vehicle was totaled but you were not injured?

You can have your vehicle damage handled directly by your own insurance or the at-fault insurance company without the assistance of an attorney. If you have collision coverage, using your own insurance may be beneficial because the process can be started immediately. If you go this route, you are subject to any relevant deductibles on your policy, but you should ultimately be reimbursed by the at-fault carrier.

By having your vehicle damage handled by the at-fault insurance provider, you will not need to pay your deductible up front when the vehicle is repaired. However, it may take a bit longer for the process to get started, as the insurance carrier will need to complete their liability (fault) investigation before assisting with your vehicle repairs.

How is property damage handled if you’re also dealing with serious injuries resulting from the accident?

The vehicle and injury portions of your claim are handled separately. Regardless of any injuries, the vehicle damage portion of your claim will be handled as outlined above.

What happens when you need a rental car because your vehicle is no longer drivable?

If the repairs are being handled by your own insurance carrier, you will need rental coverage on your policy to get a rental car while your vehicle is out of commission. If you don’t have rental coverage on your policy and are going through your own insurance, you will have to pay for the rental out of pocket and get reimbursed by the other insurance company. If repairs are being handled by the at-fault insurance carrier, they will set up the rental directly for you. If the vehicle is still drivable, you will only be approved for a rental while the vehicle is in the shop for repairs.

How long before you can receive compensation for your vehicle?

The property (vehicle) damage portion of your claim can be initiated immediately, as it is unrelated to your injury claim. As discussed above, the timeline will vary depending on whether vehicle damage is being handled by your own insurance carrier or the at-fault carrier. In some cases, it can be settled within a week, while other claims may take a month or two. It all depends on who is handling the vehicle damage portion of your claim.

What happens when the insurance company isn’t offering enough for your vehicle?

If your vehicle has been deemed a total loss and you don’t agree with the offer made by the insurance company, there may be some limited room for negotiations. However, this will typically require some leg work on your part. You may need to provide receipts for any recent work/upgrades done to the vehicle, typically within the last year prior to the accident (i.e. new tires, custom paint job, new engine, etc.). You may also be asked to create a list of comparable vehicles that were recently sold in your area. You will need to prove that those vehicles sold for more than the offer the insurance company is making. These sales, known as “comparables,” will typically need to be within 200 miles of your geographical area (normally based on your zip code).

Questions about an injury? Call for a free consultation!

No one plans to be in a car crash, but when an unexpected collision occurs, it can be difficult to remember exactly what to do after an accident.

With statistics showing that the average driver will be involved in an accident once every 17 years, the reality is it’s often a matter of time before you’re forced to navigate the high-stress aftermath of an auto accident.

Fortunately, there are a number ways to be prepared if you find yourself injured in an auto accident. Below is a list of frequently asked questions all drivers should know:

What Do I Do Immediately After an Accident?

For starters, take a deep breath and try to calm down. It’s always best to be thinking clearly when dealing with any sort of emergency. This is especially true if you or someone else requires immediate medical care.

Next, call the police. You should consider calling the police even if the accident was little more than a minor fender-bender and the other driver has admitted fault. An official police report is the best way to establish who is to blame for the crash. If you don’t file a police report there’s nothing stopping the other driver from simply blaming you.

One last thing to keep in mind is to remain vigilant as you walk around assessing the damage to your vehicle. Other drivers may not see you and some might be rubbernecking instead of paying attention to the road. This all adds up to a dangerous and unsafe situation. Stories of drivers being hit by an un-involved driver are far too common, so be sure to pay as much attention as possible.

How Should I Gather Evidence of a Crash?

One benefit of smartphones is that most everyone has a high-definition camera in their back pocket. Take as many photos of the accident as possible. It’s always better to have too much evidence than not enough. You should also feel free to take a photo of the other driver’s license, license plate, and insurance policy. If they refuse to show either to you just take a photo of them and make sure you write down their name.

Another way to gather evidence is to write down a brief journal entry of everything that happened. Describe the events of the accident as closely as possible and maybe even show it to the at-scene police officer. You should also jot down the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

In the days following the crash, be sure to keep track of any and all medical procedures you undergo. Pay special attention to the providers you see as well as the dates of your appointments. Nobody wants a long forgotten bill popping up in collections months after a settlement has already been agreed upon.

Should I Admit Fault If I Think I Caused the Crash?

In short, no. Even if you believe the crash was entirely your fault you should never say so. Leave that determination for the police officer to make in their report. Prematurely admitting guilt could tank any chance you have of making a personal injury claim in the future.

You should also avoid commenting on your physical state. Try not to say, “I feel alright,” or “I am not injured.” Some injuries such as whiplash might not fully manifest for days or even weeks following a crash. It’s best to instead say, “I do not need medical attention at the moment.”

Never doubt that insurance adjusters will do anything possible to deny a personal injury claim. They will not hesitate to bend your words out of context in order to save their company a few dollars.

What Type of Insurance Coverage Should I Have?

First and foremost, you should add Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to your insurance plan. Some states require insurers to include PIP with all auto insurance policies they offer. Others simply require them to offer it to those they insure. This means you could very well have PIP and not even know it.

PIP is a great addition to your insurance policy because it will allow you to cover medical expenses after a crash and it can even replace lost income in some instances. If you don’t have PIP, or don’t know if you do, call your insurance representative and make sure it’s part of your policy.

Another item it would be wise to have is Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM). This helps protect you in the event you’re injured by a driver without insurance or by someone lacking adequate coverage to compensate for your medical bills or losses.

Should I Accept the Settlement Offered by the Insurance Company?

Frequently, the first settlement offer an insurance company makes is lower than they’re willing to go. Remember that despite their wholesome and friendly commercials, insurance companies are in business to make money. One way they do this is by minimizing the amount of money they pay in settlements.

It may be tempting to accept a settlement from an insurance company simply to be done with your claim, but you should probably turn it down. Once you accept a settlement you forfeit your right to pursue further damages from your accident. Settling an accident claim prematurely can have serious repercussions later if injuries flare up again and you’re stuck paying medical bills out-of-pocket for the required treatment.

If an insurance company tries to wave some money in your direction, it would be wise to once again take a deep breath and think through the consequences of accepting such an offer. Or, if in doubt, get a second opinion prior to accepting a settlement.

Should I Hire an Attorney?

Not everyone will benefit from hiring an attorney. However, anyone that has been in an accident involving injuries of any kind would be wise to at least obtain a free consultation before moving forward with their claim.

Personal injury attorneys, like the ones at The Advocates, have decades of experience settling claims and helping victims get back on the road to recovery. In most instances, one initial conversation is enough to determine whether you’d be able to increase your total settlement by enlisting a lawyer to fight on your behalf. Since all reputable personal injury firms operate on a contingency model (no fees until you win) there’s no downside to enlisting an experienced PI lawyer to negotiate on your behalf.

For straightforward claims where our attorneys are unable to add value, we’ll encourage people to either accept the insurance company’s offer or pursue the claim on their own. However, for more complex claims involving injuries, ongoing medical treatment, or contested liability, studies have shown that people who hire a personal injury lawyer typically receive settlements that are 3.5 times higher than those who handle the claim on their own.

Although not everyone will benefit from hiring a lawyer, as long as you speak with an experienced attorney prior to moving forward with your claim you’ll be able to make the best decision for your specific circumstances.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call now to get a free consultation.