Motorcycle accidents can be particularly devastating. The aftermath can be even worse. When you have been injured in a crash, you may have to deal with your injuries, property damage, and lost time from work in addition to handling the insurance companies.
Whether dealing with your or the defendant’s insurance company, you should always exercise extreme caution. Remember that insurance agents value the company’s interest above the client’s. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights throughout the process.
Don’t Accept an Early Settlement
Do not accept a settlement from the insurance company in the days and weeks following the accident. They will undoubtedly call you and offer some cash to cover your damages and injuries. It may seem tempting to accept this proposal and use it to pay your expenses following the crash. However, it would be in your best interest to avoid taking the settlement.
The amount is likely far less than you would get if you went into negotiations. In addition, you don’t know if you will incur additional expenses later, so it’s best not to take any settlement offers immediately after the incident. Accepting a settlement offer can mean giving up your right to a trial later.
Gather Your Evidence
The more evidence you have about the collision, the stronger your case will be. Hold on to:
- Police reports
- Photos
- Videos
- Eyewitness statements
Sometimes all it takes to get the insurance company to meet your demands is showing them the proof you have against their client. Be sure to gather evidence at the scene and share it with your lawyer immediately.
What is more, a Henderson motorcycle accident lawyer can help you collect further evidence. Keep any documents linked to the accident. If you were injured, detailed medical files can go a long way in proving your claim.
Communicate Carefully
Everything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used to deny your claim. Do not admit anything, do not make accusations, and do not apologize for the accident.
The insurance company works for the defendant, and it is in their best interest to pay out as little as possible toward your claim. They will try to use your words to prove that you were negligent, partially at fault for the accident, or fully responsible.
Have Your Attorney Review All Documents Before You Sign
If the insurance company gives you anything to sign, have your lawyer look over them first. You may be signing a waiver that restricts your ability to sue in the future. You may also be signing a document stating that you are liable for the accident.
If you do not have an attorney, you may be able to retain one for this purpose alone. It is imperative that you not sign anything you don’t fully understand.
Ask an Attorney to Evaluate Your Claim
The insurance company will likely pay you for actual injuries and damages to your bike. However, you may have difficulties getting them to pay for things like:
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Lost future income
- Other accident-related expenses
These are all elements you can get compensation for in court or legal negotiation. Before dealing with the insurance company, consult your attorney to learn what damages you may access.
Look for a lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accident cases. They will likely know all the techniques insurance companies use to get out of paying the full value of claims when their clients are at fault.
Lawyers can help clients by giving them the information they need to prepare for confronting the insurance companies. If the insurance companies don’t offer a fair settlement, your legal team is ready to take your case to trial.
Quality Legal Counsel
Motorcycle accident claims can be complicated to handle. With an expert team of lawyers on your side, you have a chance at a maximum settlement amount. Furthermore, knowing your case is in good hands, you can fully focus on your recovery.
Early in his journalism career, Kerry L. Tucker had a revelation: there were not enough experts reporting on law issues. Legal matters are part of daily life. Yet, there seems to be a general aversion towards them. One of the main reasons for this is that the convoluted legal language is difficult for many people to follow. Therefore, he decided to change how the law is perceived by the public. Throughout his career, he met with many people who shared their personal stories with him. Some of these hit him harder. One of the cases that stayed with him and influenced his future career development was a car accident case involving a child. From then on, he decided to zero in on car accident lawsuits.
