Buyers Guide to Motorcycle Attorneys

What attorneys will do to get your case started

Contact all insurance companies and obtain coverage information. It is important to determine the maximum benefits available to help you.

Make arrangements to interview witnesses, take photographs of all visible injury, property damage (bike and personal clothing) and the accident scene. If necessary, an attorney should retain an accident reconstruction engineer or other expert.

The above actions will ensure that all possible bases are covered, at the beginning of a claim.

Do I need a motorcycle accident attorney?

Insurance companies can make even a small case difficult for a person. It is well worth five minutes of your time to pick up a phone and call for advice or a free consultation.

However, if the injury is moderate to severe, then an attorney is usually necessary because the average person doesn't know how to properly evaluate their claim and needs help to achieve the best result. On the other hand the insurance company knows everything. A motorcycle accident attorney can level the playing field.

The following items should be considered in determining case value:

-Damage to my bike and personal items, (i.e.) helmet, gloves, pants, shirt, etc.
-Payment of all medical bills and consideration of any future medical bills.
-Payment of all lost of wages, including overtime, and other benefits plus consideration of future loss of earnings.
-Compensation for pain and suffering - this area of the claim doesn’t follow a formula. It takes years of experience to determine a fair amount and only then all factors of the case are considered, including scarring, residual symptoms and permanent disability. This is the area where attorneys are most valuable.
-After attorneys know the answers to all the above questions, then, and only then, can we put a value on a case. For example, until we know how long you are going to be off work, we can’t assign a value for wage losses.

Should I talk to Insurance Companies about my accident?

You should talk to your insurance company because you have a contractual duty. However, before you talk to your insurance company, you may want to consult an attorney.

Never speak to the insurance company representing the other person if you intend to hire an attorney. Talk to your attorney first. To do otherwise could be a severe mistake.

How long will it take to settle my case?

Many cases settle quickly and others take longer. Hiring an attorney after a motorcycle accident doesn’t prolong your case. Many times an attorney can make the process move faster.

What to do if you’re in an Accident:

-Remain calm. Take deep breaths.
-Get the facts: Time, date, location of accident, names and driver’s license of others involved, witnesses, etc.
-Be careful what you say. Make statements to law officials only at the scene.
-Do not speak to the representative of the other person’s insurance company if you intend to retain a lawyer.
-Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney.
-See a doctor to obtain treatment if you are injured.
-Contact your insurance agency.