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If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident, you could attempt to manage your injury claim on your own. Doing so would require legal knowledge of the personal injury and insurance laws that affect your claim. It also involves meeting all the appropriate legal parameters and understanding how to assess your recoverable damages.
While you are not required to have one, here are six reasons to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Rutherfordton will represent you at no upfront or out–of–pocket costs. They will also deal with the insurer so you can focus on your physical recovery.
Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Lets You Focus on Your Recovery
Motorcycle accidents are a common cause of catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one are coping with the physical and psychological aftermath of an accident, hiring a lawyer has many advantages. The lawyer handling your case will:
- Obtain all official records and reports
- Conduct an independent investigation
- Prove the at-fault driver’s negligence
- Canvass for accident scene photos and video footage
- Answer your legal questions and concerns
- Provide regular and timely case updates
- Negotiate a favorable monetary settlement
Motorcycle accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis—they will accept your case without requesting any upfront fees. They will also cover all the costs of building your case and will only receive compensation when you do.
Your Lawyer Can Deal with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
The negligent driver’s insurance company will require evidence of their policyholder’s negligence as well as documentation of your financial losses. If you are represented by a lawyer, they will gather this information and provide it along with a complete case file on your behalf.
They can also:
- Speak to the insurance adjuster
- Submit insurance claim forms
- Protect you from speedy settlement offers
- Protect you from bad faith tactics
Your attorney can also deal with your own insurance company if the driver who caused your accident was uninsured or underinsured.
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A Lawyer Can Maximize Your Motorcycle Accident Compensation
The person or entity whose negligence caused your motorcycle crash can be compelled to compensate you for the following economic damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Loss of the ability to earn
- Motorcycle damage or loss
- Diminished motorcycle value
You can also recover a range of non-economic damages that include:
- Lasting impairment
- Disfiguring injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
- Diminished quality of life
These combined damages contribute to the average motorcycle accident settlement. A lawyer can help you document them and avoid any potentially costly omissions.
Wrongful Death Damages for Surviving Families
Your family can file a wrongful death claim for the loss of a loved one in a negligence-based motorcycle accident. A lawyer can request compensation for the costs of your loved one’s funeral expenses and burial costs.
You can also recover damages for the loss of the decedent’s income, their contributions to your household, and your loss of consortium, companionship, care, and guidance.
They Can Give You an Accurate Interpretation of the Statute of Limitations
Your timeline for your personal injury case will depend on various factors, including the statute of limitations, which determines how long you have to file your motorcycle accident lawsuit based on:
- The state where the accident occurred
- The age of the accident victim
- The outcome of the accident
The North Carolina personal injury statute of limitations is generally three years, according to G.S. § 1-52. Its wrongful death statute of limitations is generally two years, according to G.S. § 1-53.
In South Carolina, the personal injury and wrongful death statutes of limitations are generally three years, according to S.C. Ann § 15-3-530. When you hire a lawyer, they can avoid a misinterpretation of the statute of limitations and file your lawsuit on time.
A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Negotiate on Your Behalf
Most motorcycle accident cases are settled without going to trial. How long it takes to settle your personal injury claim can depend on:
- The amount of compensation you request
- The length of your motorcycle accident investigation
- How long it takes to prove the at-fault party’s negligence
A lawyer will evaluate each offer you receive. They can clarify their feasibility and make counteroffers, when appropriate. You, too, play an important role in resolving your claim since the final settlement decision is yours to make. A lawyer can guide you toward a well-informed decision and the best available financial outcome.
A Lawyer Can Build a Comprehensive Evidence Collection for Your Claim
Building a compelling collection of evidence to support your motorcycle accident case often starts with your police report and the information it contains. It can tell your attorney how to contact the at-fault driver and their insurer. It will also describe the accident scene and could contain police-generated photos, videos, narratives, and diagrams.
Additional supportive evidence can include:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Insurance correspondence
- Accident reconstruction reports
Your case file will also include proof of the accident’s costs, including salary history records, medical, rehab, and therapy bills, and motorcycle repair or replacement costs. If your case goes to court (this rarely occurs), your lawyer can use your evidence at trial to keep fighting for your financial recovery.
Contact Our Office to Get a Free Review of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you or someone you love were injured in a recent motorcycle accident, our law firm can help you get monetary compensation for your severe injuries and related expenses. Our goal is excellence in legal representation, in every case, with every client, and at every stage.
These six reasons to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer can help streamline your financial recovery process. Contact our consultation team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, to get started today.
