About 1,872 motorcyclists died within the span of a single year. About 84,000 motorcyclists are injured in accidents each year, too. If you were recently in a motorcycle crash, don't hesitate to contact an Atlanta lawyer.
Not sure if you want to hire a lawyer to pursue a lawsuit? Here are eight reasons you should seek legal help.
Reviewing the benefits of hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer will ensure you make an informed choice.
Then, you can receive the legal help you need to fight for the compensation you're rightfully due.
Read on to discover the benefits of hiring an Atlanta lawyer for your case today.
1. Avoid Lowball Offers
If you try to file a claim with an insurance company, they'll likely want to close your claim as quickly as possible. They'll want to pay as little as possible, too. It's likely they'll first send you a lowball offer to close the claim.
After a motorcycle crash, it's normal to feel stressed or disoriented. You'll likely need to heal from severe injuries as well. Chances are, you'll need to remain on painkillers while healing from your injuries.
Knowing this, the insurance company might take advantage. They'll send a lowball offer knowing you want to get the entire situation over with, too. Though you'll likely want to put the crash in the past, you shouldn't rush to accept an offer.
An insurance company won't have your best interests in mind. Your motorcycle crash lawyer, however, will.
Take the time to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney about what happened. Bring them documents relevant to the crash, including:
- Medical bills
- The doctor's assessment
- Property damages
Let your lawyer know if you're missing work as you heal from your injuries, too.
Your motorcycle accident attorney will gather this evidence to determine how much you lost as a result of the crash. They'll know if the insurance company is making a lowball offer. If they are, your lawyer will help you fight for a larger payout.
You don't have to accept the first lowball offer you receive. Fighting an insurance company can feel stressful, especially if you're injured, though.
Instead of handling it alone, hire a lawyer who will fight at your side.
2. Prove Injuries
Between 20 and 50 million people suffer from non-fatal injuries as a result of crashes each year. Many accidents cause long-term disabilities, too. Meanwhile, about 1.35 million people die in road crashes each year.
Over half of those who die are vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists.
Meanwhile, road crashes cost the US over $380 million in medical costs.
In order to minimize your payout, the insurance company will try to argue that your injuries aren't as severe as you claim. They might try to say you sustained your injuries outside of the crash.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will gather evidence to prove the severity of your injuries.
For example, they can gather reports from your doctors and specialists. They can determine how your injuries will have a lasting impact on your quality of life, too.
They might also have a medical expert discuss the severity of your injuries.
Proving the severity of your injuries and how they'll have a lasting impact can help maximize your claim.
3. Remain Prepared
It's important to think before you speak about the accident.
Immediately after a motorcycle crash, make sure to contact the police. The police will file an official report regarding the accident. They'll list injuries, casualties, and property damages in their report.
When you speak to the police, stick to the facts. Don't try to blame other parties involved in the accident.
It's important to consider what you say to the insurance companies, too. Remember, they want to minimize the payout for your claim. The insurance company might even use something you say against you.
Before speaking with an adjuster, contact an Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney. They'll help you determine what to say regarding the crash. With their help, you can avoid mistakes that might cost you your payout.
4. Gather Evidence
In order to prove the other party's negligence caused the motorcycle crash, you'll need evidence. It's difficult to gather the evidence you need on your own, though. For example, you could struggle to get surveillance footage from a storefront.
You likely don't have access to medical experts or investigators, either.
Focus on healing from your injuries. Hire a lawyer to gather this evidence for you.
The evidence they gather will support your side of the story.
5. Fight Scare Tactics
The insurance company might rush you into settling quickly using scare tactics. Don't try to handle the insurance company alone.
Your lawyer already has experience negotiating with insurance companies and navigating these scare tactics. They'll know how to react with your best interests in mind.
6. Prove Fault
In order to build your case, you'll first need to prove the other party's negligence caused the crash. Fault isn't always as obvious as "drunk driving" or "texting and driving," though.
Your Atlanta lawyer will gather the evidence needed to prove the other party was negligent. Then, they can help you fight for compensation to cover your losses.
7. Calculate Losses
Property damage and injuries are only a few factors involved when determining your losses.
You'll also need to consider your lost wages, future medical expenses, or pain and suffering. It's often difficult to place a monetary amount on these losses, though.
Talk to your motorcycle accident attorney. They can help you determine exactly how much you lost. Then, you can fight for the full amount you're due.
8. Experience and Expertise
When was the last time you built a motorcycle accident lawsuit? If you lack the necessary experience and expertise, you could make costly mistakes. Instead, make sure to hire an attorney.
You can leverage your lawyer's years of experience handling similar cases. They can help you make informed decisions regarding your lawsuit.
Motorcycle Crash Compensation: 8 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer in Atlanta
Don't try to handle the aftermath of a motorcycle crash alone. Instead, consider these reasons to hire a lawyer in Atlanta. Your motorcycle accident attorney can help maximize your claim.
With their help, you can fight for the full amount you're due.
Eager to get started? We're here to fight at your side.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.