Accident victims commonly ask whether or not they need a lawyer. Since they do not face criminal charges, they do not think that a lawyer is necessary. However, a civil lawsuit may be in your best interest since it can resolve financial problems associated with your case. In a civil case, you should have a lawyer represent you to protect your interests.
Any time you are in an accident and are likely to be involved in legal action, you should get a lawyer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are thousands of motorcycle accidents every year. Motorcycle accidents have a high injury and fatality rate, as well. You should get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident if there is a chance that you will be involved in a lawsuit afterward. Having a lawyer means that you have somebody fighting for your interests.
Determining Liability
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a large number of motorcycle accidents are fatal. When building a case, it is important to determine liability for the accident. Your lawsuit is filed against the person or company that is liable for the accident so that you will be able to collect compensation.
Liability changes based on the circumstances of the accident. If the other party is found liable for the accident, you can claim compensation directly from the other driver. The situation becomes more complicated if the other vehicle is a work truck. This means that the company that owns and operates the truck can be held liable as well. For this reason, expert motorcycle accident lawyers are pivotal to your case. Once they establish liability, they can advise you on your best course of action to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Possibly Recoverable Compensation
The goal of filing a civil lawsuit is to collect monetary compensation from the at-fault driver and any other liable parties. This means that you can claim compensation for any expenses related to your accident. Medical expenses and damage to your vehicle are often claimed in these lawsuits. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to claim other types of compensation as well.
Being out of work for an extended period of time may mean that you can collect compensation for lost wages. Some cases also include special types of compensation, such as pain-and-suffering damages and punitive damages. As long as your lawyer can provide evidence that an expense is directly related to your accident or recovery, you may be able to file a claim for it.
Financial Impacts of Motorcycle Accidents
Being in an accident can affect your finances for years. Medical bills can be expensive, and many medical facilities let patients put their bills on payment plans that can take a very long time to pay off. Victims choose this option because it allows patients to afford medical care without sinking their family’s finances. However, it becomes a burden that you should not have to deal with. The same can be said for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
If you file a lawsuit and win compensation, that compensation can be used to address the financial impacts of the accident. That way, you do not have to continue to suffer for years after the accident, while still trying to handle the costs of your recovery.
Seeking Legal Action
The victim in the accident can take legal action. With the assistance of a lawyer, you can file a claim or lawsuit to recover compensation. The legal system can be complex, depending on the specifics of your case. Without training in legal processes, there are many ways that you can unintentionally derail your insurance claim. Hire a lawyer to help you manage your case and avoid many of the pitfalls that can mess with your case.
Statute of Limitations
One of the main issues with filing your case is the statute of limitations. You only have a limited amount of time to file your case with the court. Otherwise, it will be rejected. Every state has set a different statute of limitations for different types of cases. Check with a lawyer that practices in your state to see what the applicable limitations are for your case.
Give your lawyer as much time as possible to file your case by reaching out to a lawyer as soon as possible. As time passes, finding evidence and witnesses becomes more difficult. Many cases do not begin until later in the allotted time period since victims are focused on recovering from their injuries. Call a lawyer to see if you still have time to file your case.
Speak to a Lawyer About Your Case
Get a lawyer for a motorcycle accident if you are going to take legal action. Having a lawyer on your side is an important part of protecting yourself and your interests. Your lawyer can take your case to trial or negotiate a settlement. Settlement agreements are common in civil cases.
If you need a lawyer, contact the office of Ben Crump Law, PLLC at 800-959-1444 to discuss your options with our team. We offer free consultations, so there is not an upfront cost to see if you have a viable motorcycle accident case.
