When Should You Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Motorcycle accidents happen all too frequently. In an average year, California sees over 14,000 motorcycle injury accidents.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the motorcyclist is at fault in about 52% of motorcycle injury accidents. But this statistic includes many single-motorcycle accidents where the operator lost control of the motorcycle or lost their balance. If you only look at motorcycle collisions, vehicle drivers are responsible over half the time.
Here are three scenarios where you should consider calling a motorcycle accident attorney to discuss whether you can get compensation for your motorcycle accident.
Getting Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
California uses a fault-based auto insurance system. This means that the insurer for the at-fault driver must pay claims from anyone injured in an accident. If someone else was responsible for your accident, you can seek compensation from them and their insurer.
Some situations where you should consider calling a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your accident, include:
Another Driver Caused the Accident
Any time you have an accident that was someone else’s fault, you should consider talking to an injury lawyer. Some common accidents where blame usually falls on the other driver include:
- You got rear-ended
- A car turned left into or in front of your motorcycle
- A driver backed into you
- Your motorcycle got hit when a driver changed lanes
Most motorcycle accidents happen from a combination of improper lookout and distraction. When you have an accident that resulted from another driver’s negligence, you should contact an injury lawyer.
You Suffered Injuries in the Accident
You should contact an injury lawyer when you suffer injuries in an accident. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your options for paying your medical bills and recovering your lost wages. Even in situations where another driver was not at fault, you may still have options for compensation. Some possible grounds for seeking compensation include:
- Negligence by a repair shop that worked on your motorcycle
- Product liability of a manufacturer that produced a defective part
- Premises liability of a landowner or tenant for hazards on their property
If someone else’s actions caused your accident, fairness dictates that they or their insurer should pay for your injuries. To bear the costs of someone else’s negligence is unfair to you.
Your Insurance Claim Was Denied
Many accident victims start their insurance claims without the help of a lawyer. And you might be able to settle your claim by working directly with the at-fault driver’s insurer. But auto insurers have a financial incentive to deny claims. The fewer claims they pay, the more profit they make. Some insurers will use delay and denials to try to frustrate you into settling for less than the value of your case.
If you filed a claim for your motorcycle accident and the insurance company denied it, you should consider talking to an injury lawyer. Motorcycle accident lawyers have experience documenting a claim to increase your chances of acceptance.
They also have experience dealing with insurers and their claim adjusting procedures. If you get a particularly difficult adjuster, your lawyer will know how to get others at the insurance company involved. When the insurer persists in the denial, the lawyer can advise you on your next steps. You can discuss your odds of success if you file a lawsuit. If you sue, the lawyer can represent you in court.
Meeting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Most injury lawyers offer free consultations. Use these consultations after a motorcycle accident to assess your case and determine whether you should move forward with a claim.