Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you probably have a million thoughts crossing your mind. Injuries from motorcycle accidents range from traumatic brain injuries to minor fractures. It's crucial to hire a motorcycle accident attorney to help you make a claim. Here are answers to the frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents.
How Do You File a Motorcycle Accident?
A motorcycle accident claim is similar to a passenger injury claim in a vehicular accident. You're required to file a claim with the insurer of the motorbike. However, if you or the motorcycle operator has reason to attribute the accident to a bike defect, the claim becomes a product liability case.
In such a case, you should ask the motorcycle operator not to repair the bike until you speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer. Repairing the motorcycle will tamper with evidence on the defective condition.
If the accident occurred in a no-fault state, your motorcycle attorney will file a personal injury protection claim against the motorcyclist's insurer. This means you'll get compensation, regardless of who is to blame for the accident. Some damages you stand to get include medical bills and lost income.
What's My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
There are two types of valuations for motorcycle injury claims. The settlement value is the amount you expect to get if you close the case out of court. The settlement value is normally lower than what you'll get when you go to court. Many people prefer to settle the case to avoid losing at a court trial.
For example, say you believe that if you go to trial and win, the jury will award you $200,000, but your lawyer advises you that you have a 20% chance of succeeding in your claim. In this situation, you'll have to settle your case for $40,000, 20% of the trial value. This shows that a settlement value is less than the amount you expect to get in a court trial, multiplied by your chances of succeeding in a trial. It's less than the trial value because you're settling to avoid losing in a trial.
What Compensation Can I Get in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
A motorcycle accident doesn't only result in physical injuries, but the effects may also affect your life and those around you. If the accident impacts your ability to go to work and your relationship with loved ones, these will be considered by motorcycle lawyer services when calculating damages. The court will also consider financial costs associated with property damage and temporary disability.
Psychological problems will also affect your damage award. If you suffer from a psychological condition after the incident, a psychiatric report will be used to support your claim. For example, your motorcycle attorney services may claim pain and suffering damages.
You may also be eligible for future medical costs if your injuries require future medication and treatment. Your age and gender will also affect the amount of damages awarded.