What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer can advocate for your rights, guide you through the legal process, and work to secure a fair settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Getting hurt in a motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming. Between dealing with your injuries, fixing or replacing your bike, and trying to get your life back on track, the prospect of handling a complex legal case may seem daunting. This is where a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer comes in.
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys provide personalized and compassionate legal guidance to motorcycle accident victims across Arkansas and Tennessee. We’ll listen carefully to your story, offer advice, and help you find the right next step for you and your family.
Read on to learn more about the role of a motorcycle accident lawyer — or, if you’ve been in an accident, get in touch with our team today for a free consultation.
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- The Importance of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- How Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help Victims
- Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
- Injuries Commonly Associated with Motorcycle Accidents
- Why Choose Rainwater, Holt & Sexton for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
- Contact Us
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Importance of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
While you may be able to handle an insurance claim on your own after a minor wreck, hiring a motorcycle accident attorney comes with numerous benefits.
Expertise
Motorcycle accident lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations surrounding personal injury cases. They can assess your claim’s strengths and weaknesses, anticipate potential obstacles, and craft a compelling case strategy.
Negotiation Skill
Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with, especially after a motorcycle accident. They often use tactics to minimize payouts or deny claims outright. A skilled attorney can negotiate effectively with insurers, leveraging their experience and legal knowledge to fight for fair and just compensation.
Overcoming Biases
Insurance companies often hold biases against motorcyclists that can significantly impact the outcome of injury claims. Many insurers view motorcyclists as reckless risk-takers and may be quick to assign blame, even when the biker was not at fault. This prejudice can lead to lowball settlement offers or outright denials of legitimate claims.
Insurance adjusters may also exploit common misconceptions about motorcyclists, such as the false belief that lane splitting is always illegal or that riders who choose not to wear helmets are automatically negligent. These biases can make it an uphill battle for injured motorcyclists to secure fair compensation for their losses. That’s why it’s crucial to have a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer on your side who understands these prejudices and knows how to fight back against insurance company tactics.
Building Your Case
Building a strong case requires extensive investigation and evidence gathering. Motorcycle accident lawyers have access to a network of experts, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, who can provide crucial testimony to support your claim.
How Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help Victims
Recovering from a motorcycle accident is stressful enough without the added burden of a legal battle. By entrusting your case to a capable attorney, you can focus on your health and well-being while they handle the complex legal work on your behalf.
One of the most valuable aspects of working with a motorcycle accident lawyer is their personalized guidance and support throughout the legal process. They’ll take the time to understand your unique situation, explain your rights and options, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
To create a compelling case, your motorcycle accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your crash. This may involve visiting the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports and medical records, and consulting with experts in accident reconstruction or biomechanists. By meticulously gathering and analyzing evidence, your attorney can clearly understand what happened and who is liable for your injuries.
Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident can be a challenge. Adjusters may pressure you to give a recorded statement, sign away your rights, or accept a lowball settlement offer. Your motorcycle accident lawyer acts as a buffer between you and the insurance company, handling all communications on your behalf. They’ll make sure you don’t say anything that could jeopardize your claim and will negotiate to secure full and fair compensation.
Your motorcycle accident attorney will work closely with you and your medical team to assess the full extent of your damages. This includes both economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. By thoroughly documenting your injuries and their impact on your life, your attorney can build a strong case for maximum recovery.
While many motorcycle accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, going to trial is sometimes necessary to secure the best outcome. If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, your legal team will be there to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will use their knowledge of the law, negotiation expertise, and trial skills to advocate for your rights and interests at every stage of the legal process. Whether through a carefully crafted demand letter, strategic settlement talks, or persuasive courtroom arguments, your attorney will work tirelessly to secure the financial resources you need to rebuild your life after a devastating motorcycle crash.
Perhaps most importantly, working with a motorcycle accident attorney provides invaluable peace of mind during a difficult and stressful time. With your lawyer taking care of the legal heavy lifting, you can focus on what matters most: your physical recovery, emotional well-being, and moving forward with your life.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
In our decades of experience, we’ve seen countless causes of motorcycle accidents. These are the most frequent.
Negligent Drivers
Sadly, many motorcycle accidents are caused by the careless or reckless actions of other motorists. Distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, and disregarding traffic signals are some examples of negligent behaviors that can have catastrophic consequences for motorcyclists. When another driver’s irresponsible actions cause you harm, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help hold them accountable and work to get you a fair settlement.
Road Hazards
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to road hazards that may pose little risk to car or truck occupants. Potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and other dangerous conditions can cause motorcyclists to lose control and crash. If a defective road design or inadequate maintenance contributed to your accident, a skilled attorney can help you pursue a claim against the responsible government agency or contractor.
Defective Motorcycle Parts
In some cases, a motorcycle accident may be caused by a faulty or defective component, such as brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms. If a manufacturing or design defect played a role in your crash, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties accountable through a product liability claim. At Rainwater, Holt, & Sexton, our attorneys have extensive experience taking on large corporations and fighting for the rights of consumers injured by dangerous products.
Injured in a motorcycle accident? Call us.
Injuries Commonly Associated with Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries in the event of a crash due to their lack of structural protection compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. While cars and trucks offer metal cages, seat belts, and airbags to shield occupants from the force of impact, motorcyclists are exposed and at risk of being thrown from their bikes or striking the ground, objects, or other vehicles.
This lack of protection means that even relatively minor collisions can result in catastrophic injuries for motorcyclists. When a rider is ejected from their bike, they may suffer injuries such as:
- Road rash and lacerations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations and disfigurement
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you must seek immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident (and take other crucial steps). Not only is this essential for your health and well-being, but it also creates a record of your injuries that will be valuable evidence in your legal case.
Remember: Symptoms aren’t always immediately apparent, and the road to recovery from injuries isn’t always smooth. An experienced personal injury attorney can ensure that your compensation reflects the full scope of your damages, so you don’t have to stress about money when an unexpected doctor’s appointment or medical procedure arises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Motorcycle accident lawyers investigate the crash, gather evidence, and analyze relevant laws and insurance policies to determine who is at fault and financially responsible for the victim’s damages. This may involve proving negligence on the part of another driver, a government entity responsible for road maintenance, or a manufacturer of a defective motorcycle part.
The value of a motorcycle accident settlement varies widely depending on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the extent of fault, and the available insurance coverage. While some cases may resolve for a few thousand dollars, others can result in multi-million dollar settlements or verdicts. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can assess the unique circumstances of your case and help you pursue maximum compensation.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of egregious negligence or intentional misconduct)
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees. Instead, we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure on your behalf, so you can feel confident that we’re motivated to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
The deadline for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. In Arkansas, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations is typically one year. However, these rules have some exceptions and nuances, so it’s best to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
The timeline for resolving a motorcycle accident case depends on various factors, such as the case’s complexity, the severity of the injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate in good faith. Some cases may settle within a few months, while others may take a year or more to resolve, particularly if litigation is necessary. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can provide you with a more specific estimate based on the unique circumstances of your case.
Motorcycle Injury Law Resources
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