Motorcycle Injury Attorney: The Most Important Advice
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Motorcycle accidents can cause an incredible amount of damage, both physically and emotionally. Add on financial hardships, and you have the makings of a disaster. Knowing what to do when after an accident is crucial.
Motorcycle accident cases include unique challenges when preparing a successful case and strategy. Working with a specialized motorcycle injury attorney can improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the following advice can prepare you for what’s ahead.
Seek Medical Help Immediately
The first piece of advice for riders involved in an accident is to have a medical assessment and receive treatment as soon as possible. This is imperative to your health. Some injuries may not even show up immediately, taking a few days or weeks to appear. For this reason, continue to attend follow-up appointments and treatments as recommended by medical personnel.
By having your medical treatment documented, you can show the insurance company that your injuries resulted from the accident. It also shows how much treatment you received and what you will require in the future, as well as assisting your personal injury attorney in successfully compiling necessary records.
Motorcycle Accidents Often Lead to Severe Injuries
Accidents happen every day, but there are differences between those involving cars and those involving motorcycles. Motorcycle crashes often lead to more serious injuries than car accidents, including spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and internal injuries.
To receive fair compensation for such severe injuries, your attorney can conduct a complex set of calculations and propose them to the insurance company or judge. Higher settlement offers may be available from insurance companies if you know how to negotiate them.
While you will be limited to your insurance company’s coverage amount in Michigan, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Work with an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine if this is the best course of action for you.
Different Rights Apply
When involved in a motorcycle accident, different rights apply than with other motor vehicle accidents. One main reason for this is that you may not have the same protection type through your insurance company.
In Michigan, there is no requirement for motorcycles to carry no-fault insurance like other vehicles in the state, and this can cause complications. Review the coverage you have so you know what is available and understand your coverage.
Unique Factors Surrounding the Accident
The insurance company considers factors surrounding your accident when deciding how much compensation to give you, like whether you wore a helmet or if road conditions were poor. They will also look at any reckless misbehaviors, such as excessive speeding.
All of these and other factors will be weighed heavily by the insurance company. Consulting an motorcycle injury attorney is highly recommended at this stage. An motorcycle injury attorney improves your chances with the insurance company since they can ensure the company evaluates your case fairly.
Avoid Settling Too Soon
Following a motorcycle accident, avoid accepting a settlement too soon from the insurance company. These initial settlement offers in injury cases are usually too low. Be aware that if you accept a settlement right away, you give up future rights to pursue any other damages.
If you begin to feel pressured by the insurance company but believe what they offer is too low, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer for legal advice.
Types of Damages Available in a Motorcycle Accident Case
Damages in a motorcycle accident case can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. You might also be able to seek additional damages based on the severity of your accident and resulting injury.
However, the amounts you receive depend on the insurance company’s coverage levels. When these amounts are inadequate for your situation, consider filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Don’t Delay in Filing a Claim
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a claim varies with the situation surrounding the accident. For no-fault claims, you have one year to file. You can file for pain and suffering compensation for up to three years. Don’t delay filing your claim, and be sure to meet all deadlines associated with it.
Seek Help from a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney
With all the complications surrounding a motorcycle accident, you need to know how to get the compensation you deserve. The legal counsel team at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., includes specialized motorcycle injury attorneys to ensure you receive fair treatment and compensation. Call us today at 866-MICH-LAW to schedule your free consultation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
