Motorcycle accidents are responsible for around 14 percent of traffic fatalities across the country, which translates to a ratio of one death for every seven mishaps of this kind. Traffic Safety Marketing reports that during the night, 42% of the motorcycle riders who died were alcohol intoxicated, while this percentage for daytime riders was just 16%.
Usually, motorcycle accidents end up with the rider sustaining grave injuries, which not only creates a financial burden but also can severely strain the rider’s family emotionally and physically. According to a Walker motorcycle accident lawyer, you should receive your compensation through the at-fault party’s car insurance if you are the rider and the other driver happens to be the cause of the accident. This action allows you to recover medical bills, property damage, lost income, and even disability costs.
It is not easy to agree on a sum to be paid and prove the charge, as insurance companies and the other parties involved are likely to have disputes regarding liability.
Let’s see what steps you need to take to help you receive the right compensation after a motorcycle accident.
Overview of Motorcycle Accident Compensation
The next events in the course of compensation get set from the time one is involved in a motorcycle accident. It is very usual to experience stress due to all the activities that are taking place. One of these stages is proof gathering, which includes different forms of evidence such as photographs, medical papers, witness statements, etc., and so on.
Such information will back your claim and support your case. Then you bargain the claim, usually with the insurance company of the party alleged to be at fault. They then weigh up evidence regarding liability.
In insurance claims for motorcycle accidents, driving risks are major factors to account for. Motorcyclists find themselves in a really risky situation on the road since they are exposed not only to the same risks as other vehicles but also to more hazards, such as bad weather, inattentive drivers, and roadblocks that are not easily noticed by larger vehicles. The collisions brought about by these circumstances normally cause serious injuries and also lead to complicated liability issues, which in turn can make the whole process of payment even more difficult. These hazards demonstrate how external circumstances caused the accident, strengthening your claim.
Should you feel unsure, do remember that if you seek personal injury lawyers, they will be of beneficial help with directions and reassurance. Personal injury attorneys will take care of the long and trying compensation process on your behalf, giving you support so you do not have to travel down that road alone.
Types of Damages Available
Motorcycle accidents can sometimes be complex situations where the riders involved may not know if they are entitled to claim for damage or inconvenience. Among the different types of claims for damages that can be presented, economic and non-economic damages are the primary classes into which these claims are grouped.
Economic damages are regarded as those that can be simply calculated and expressed in monetary terms, such as medical costs, loss of property, and loss of income. The financial impact of these costs can be determined, making the recovery from a financial loss more straightforward.
Non-economic damages recognize the emotional and mental impacts that may follow an accident. This might include physical discomfort and inability to engage in life activities, or stress and anxiety as manifestations of the loss of happiness.
Understanding these damages allows one to be assertive and claim their rights.
Factors Affecting Compensation Amount
Compensation for a motorcycle accident can be significantly influenced by several factors. The severity of your injuries plays a greater role in compensation. The more serious the injuries you have sustained, the higher the compensation.
If the other party is fully at fault, the damages claim will be higher. If you share some fault, the amount you may recover would be lower. Medical bills, lost wages, and damaged property should also be accounted for.
How the documentation process is handled, from medical records through witness statements, may affect the case result. Emotional distress and pain and suffering still go into consideration but remain fairly subjective.
A skilled lawyer would assist you in getting your compensation. Their expertise will guarantee that you are reimbursed for your losses, depending on their grasp of the very difficult and intricate details of these cases.
The Role of Insurance Companies
In the event of a motorcycle-related injury, the insurance company usually assesses the claims and decides the payouts, but the accident’s complications may very well make the situation tricky. After the insurer is informed of the accident, the insurance company then investigates the matter.
They measure damages, medical expenses, and costs for lost wages to file their papers concerning fair compensation. An important thing to bear in mind is that the insurance agencies work on protecting their interest, and at times, this means they might lowball you with a settlement.
Your highest advantage is to build your claim hard by providing detailed affidavits to negotiate along the way. You can always get advice and answers. The insights that talking to others in similar situations might give you could even be stronger than those you will get from your experience.
The Legal Claims and Settlements
First thing that you should do is get all the needed documents, such as police reports and medical records. This will give your claim a strong base. A good motorcycle accident attorney should be employed at once. This legal professional will walk you through the whole process while keeping you from common pitfalls.
After quantifying the damages, your attorney engages in negotiations with the insurance companies. Never rush into anything. Take time to evaluate any settlement offers given. Following these steps significantly contributes to your recovery.
