In contrast to car passengers and drivers, motorcyclists have no barrier between them and the road or vehicles. Victims of motorcycle accidents often end up with serious injuries, expensive medical expenses, and a motorcycle that is either damaged or destroyed.
Most people are pretty cautious when riding a motorcycle and follow all traffic laws. Protective gear, including helmets, is worn by them. Other drivers, however, are not always careful to let motorcycles pass. Contact an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer if you need help with any accident.
Collect all the pertinent accident details.
Details surrounding your accident are crucial to establish liability and potential settlement amounts. These details allow them to determine who was at fault and what caused the accident.
To piece together what transpired in the collision, a motorcycle accident attorney will review the following paperwork:
- Information gathered by law enforcement
- Statements given by eyewitnesses
- Photographs
- Footage from cameras and radar
- Reconstruction following an accident
- Health records
- Documents about drivers
- Mobile phone records
A lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents can assess your injuries and case.
Unfortunately, most motorcyclists end up with severe injuries following an accident because there is not much to shield you from other vehicles or the road. Injuries sustained in motorbike accidents might include:
- Traumatic injuries
- Head, spinal cord, and brain trauma
- Limb loss
- Cuts, scrapes, burns, and other forms of skin damage
- Symptoms of paralysis
- Damage from wounds
- Death
It may take a long time for these severe wounds to heal. Injuries can leave permanent scars and other physical manifestations. Hence, a motorbike accident attorney will thoroughly review medical records and expert witness testimony to determine the damage’s extent and the case’s merits. Medical records and doctors’ opinions are also pertinent to plan future treatment. After an accident, the mental and emotional scars can linger for a long time, even after the body has healed.
A motorcycle accident attorney can help with the amount of a settlement.
A lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents will include:
- Damages in money
- Damages other than money
- Expenses related to medical care (collaborating with doctors to cover current and future costs, including compensation for long-term problems)
- Anguish and distress
- Medication
- Earnings that have been lost
A motorcycle accident attorney will negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit if required.
The insurance company will offer you less when you negotiate a settlement amount with them. Your motorbike accident attorney will deal with the relevant insurance providers on your behalf, ensuring your case is presented in the most favorably. Your motorcycle accident attorney, not you, should be doing the negotiating. If the insurance company determines that you need legal representation because of significant circumstances, they will assign a different value to your case.