Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyer Series: Part 5 – Motorcycle Accidents
Often, motorists fail to treat motorcyclists as if they have equal rights on the road and fail to give them adequate clearance. If you have been injured in an accident on a motorcycle, you need to be compensated for your injuries, so you can get on the road to recovery. Contacting an experienced car accident personal injury lawyer is critical in such scenarios.
Assessing Motorcycle Accidents
When a car accident personal injury lawyer “values” or “assesses” your case, he is determining (1) how much you can recover (2) likelihood you will succeed and (3) possible hurdles. Obtaining compensation could require mediation, a negotiated settlement or even a jury trial. Often what you settle for depends as much on what you ask as upon when you ask.
How much you can recover depends on the extent of the injuries and harm you suffered from the accident. You can recover two types of damages: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the those you can measure such as medical bills, lost wages (if you were unable to work), medications, taxis or alternative modes of transportation necessary because you were unable to drive, and the damage to your motorcycle. Non-economic damages refer to pain and suffering and loss of companionship.
Choosing the Right Attorney
In a motorcycle accident, you may have suffered substantial physical trauma, which could result in extended hospital visits, repeated surgeries, and even long-term reduction in your quality of life. These extensive harms could mean your case is valuable, and you may be pounced on by unscrupulous lawyers. You should take your time, research reputable local car accident personal injury attorneys, and ask opinions before retaining.
Likelihood of Success and Risks
The likelihood that you will succeed determines how you can request in damages. The quality of your evidence, such as pictures, invoices for the damages to your bike, testimonials, and copies of your medical bills, will play a major role in the success of your case.
A car accident personal injury lawyer will go over the potential claims that the defendant may raise against you. For motorcyclists, a commonly raised defense is that you were driving recklessly. You may have been considered reckless if you wore no helmet, were speeding, or were splitting lanes. For instance, if you suffered extensive brain damage, but wore no helmet, the defendant would likely argue that your extensive injuries could have been prevented if you wore a helmet. Your lawyer will help you prepare to defend against these claims and advise you about how to proceed.
Call Alfred Abel Law Offices for a Skilled Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyer
Alfred Abel Law Offices’ car accident personal injury lawyers have 30 years of experience helping Philadelphia residents receive the compensation they deserve, and are well versed in the hurdles that motorcyclists face. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.