As motorcycle ownership continues to rise in America, so too has the number of riders seriously injured and killed in accidents. The reason? It's not that motorcyclists are any less careful or law abiding than other motorists. In fact, bikers are far less likely to be involved in collisions than car and truck drivers. Unfortunately, when involved, they are almost always injured because motorcycles offer far less protection in a crash than automobiles.
Legal Issues
Because bikers are about four times more likely to suffer injury in an accident than drivers, the chances that they will need legal representation is also much higher. That is not to say that a rider can sue because a crash damaged him or her. The law does not afford them special rights because their vehicles offer less protection from serious injury. But when a motorist is negligent and harms a biker because of it, a claim can be brought against the offending driver.
Difficulties
As most bikers can attest, there is a certain amount of public bias against motorcyclists in America. Many drivers see them as daredevils who weave in and out of lanes without a care in the world. So, when they get hurt in an accident, the level of sympathy may be underwhelming. Some motorists may even conclude that they got what they deserved.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is well aware of the unfavorable stereotypes some folks have about bikers. As a result, he or she must overcome these biases for a personal injury lawsuit to be successful. In most cases, that means clearly establishing negligence on the part of the other driver.
Types Of Damages Recoverable
– Medical bills
– Pain and suffering
– Lost wages
– Emotional distress
– Property damage
– Punitive damages
Why Call An Attorney?
As mentioned, there is a big difference between regular car crashes and those that involve motorcycles. Like it or not, judges and juries tend to be less sympathetic towards bikers than regular drivers, and you'd better believe that the other driver's insurance company is aware of that fact. If their client were at fault, they would offer you a deal to settle the case before lawyers got involved. Don't be fooled! It's always best to leave all communications in the hands of a motorcycle accident lawyer. Why?
Because chronic injuries are expensive, insurance companies always try to settle cases before the full extent of your injuries is known. And if you settle and sign away your rights too soon, you may be stuck paying for another driver's negligence for a long, long time. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can get you the money you deserve. No matter what the other side might say, always consult a legal expert before you enter negotiations with an insurance company.
