Have you ever been in a motorcycle accident?
If so, then you’re not alone. Thousands of riders each year experience the traumatic event of a motorcycle crash and all the bad dreams that come with it. But what most don’t realize is…
Without the right legal assistance, you could be walking away from thousands in settlement money.
Motorcycle accidents are different than auto collisions in a variety of ways. They’re often more complicated, more severe, and have specific legal factors that can ruin your claim if you’re not careful.
What you’ll discover:
- The legal nightmare that motorcyclists face
- Why insurance companies despise riders
- The protection that only an attorney can provide
- When you really need to get legal help
- And warning signs that you should never ignore
The Harsh Truth: Motorcycle Accidents Aren’t Like Car Crashes
Ready for some cold, hard facts?
Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles. It gets worse, motorcycles only make up 3% of registered vehicles but represent 15% of all traffic fatalities.
That’s not an accident…
It’s evidence that motorcycle accidents are a class of their own. Serious injuries, astronomical medical expenses, and insurance companies trying every trick in the book to avoid paying you what you deserve is why you need a good motorcycle accident lawyer in Southfield on your side.
The Insurance Company Hate List: Why They Love to Fight Motorcycle Claims
Here’s a little secret the insurance industry doesn’t want you to know…
Insurance companies have an automatic bias against motorcycle riders. There’s even a fancy name for it. “Motorcycle prejudice” and it’s very real.
Insurance adjusters tend to look for the following, whether there’s evidence or not:
- You were speeding
- You took chances on the road
- The collision was somehow your fault
- You “assumed the risk” by choosing to ride a motorcycle
This can immediately kill your claim before it even gets going.
Luckily, motorcycle lawyers know these arguments inside and out. They know how to combat the prejudice and represent your case in the strongest possible light.
The Insidious Legal Traps that Kill Motorcycle Cases
The majority of motorcyclists make huge mistakes without even realizing it…
Recorded Statements
The “nice” insurance adjuster that calls you up asking for your side of the story? Don’t do it. They’re recording every word. You saying the wrong thing can haunt you for months.
Low Ball Settlement Offers
Insurance companies always try to cut you a fast, low-ball settlement before you realize the full extent of your injuries. These typically cover only a fraction of the money you’re entitled to.
Failure to Properly Document Injuries
Not receiving proper medical treatment right away or significant gaps in medical care can be used to allege your injuries aren’t that serious.
Thankfully, a motorcycle lawyer will shield you from all of these common traps.
When You Definitely Need a Motorcycle Lawyer
Minor fender benders don’t necessarily require an attorney. But motorcycle accidents…
They’re different.
If you were involved in a collision as a motorcycle rider and:
- Were seriously hurt and had to be hospitalized
- The at-fault driver’s insurance is denying liability
- Are dealing with large medical bills
- Lost income is mounting up
- The insurance company is stalling
- Multiple vehicles were involved in the crash
- There is any question about who is at fault for the accident
…you need legal representation.
Motorcycle accident claims are far more complex than regular car accident claims. With more on the line, more severe injuries, and aggressive insurance companies, a lawyer is the best way to go.
The Real Damage of DIY Motorcycle Accident Claims
Think you can handle your motorcycle accident claim on your own?
Look at these statistics. The average motorcycle accident claim involving serious injuries is worth well into six figures. Getting professional legal representation on your side typically increases settlements 3-4x when compared to DIY claims.
Here are some of the things you’re up against if you go it alone:
- Difficult medical jargon in your medical records
- Complex insurance policy language
- Figuring out how to calculate future medical expenses and lost earning capacity
- Working with multiple insurance companies
- Having to understand comparative negligence laws
- Strict deadlines and complicated legal procedures
Make one mistake, and you could be out thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars.
The Behind-The-Scenes Work a Motorcycle Lawyer Will Do for You
If you hire a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer, they immediately become your last line of defense against the insurance company’s legal juggernaut…
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Your attorney will collect all police reports, interview witnesses, photograph the accident scene, and work with reconstruction experts if necessary. Building an airtight case in your favor.
Medical Records and Treatment
Your lawyer will review your medical records with professionals to ensure they properly document your injuries, treatment needs, and long-term medical prognosis.
Insurance Negotiations
Instead of you having to take on aggressive insurance adjusters, your lawyer will handle all communications, negotiations, and settlement discussions with the insurance company.
Calculating Damages
Your lawyer knows how to properly value your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future expenses.
Trial Representation
In the event a fair settlement can’t be negotiated, your motorcycle lawyer will take your case all the way to trial and fight tooth and nail for maximum compensation.
The Warning Signs that Indicate You Need Legal Help Now
Some situations call for immediate legal assistance…
The insurance company is blaming you for being partially at fault. Even if you were 1% at fault, you can still be entitled to a sizable portion of your claim under comparative negligence laws.
The insurance company is disputing your injuries. If insurance adjusters are implying that your injuries aren’t that serious, pre-existing, or somehow unrelated to the accident, it’s time to get a lawyer.
The at-fault driver was uninsured. This creates a much more complicated insurance situation that a lawyer should be handling.
The insurance company is stonewalling. If you’re getting the run around, endless requests for documents, or being asked unreasonable demands, they’re just stalling.
Don’t wait. The longer you put off getting legal help, the harder it will be to build a strong case.
The Motorcycle Lawyer Edge
So what sets motorcycle lawyers apart from the rest of the personal injury attorney world…
Motorcycle attorneys have specific knowledge and experience regarding motorcycle dynamics, common causes of motorcycle accidents, and the types of injuries riders can sustain. They’re also familiar with the anti-motorcycle prejudice and how to best represent a rider in court.
More importantly, motorcycle lawyers are familiar with motorcycle-specific insurance issues such as:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Collision coverage limits
- Motorcycle gear and equipment replacement
The specialized knowledge and experience is what sets these attorneys apart and will help you get the best settlement possible.
The Way Forward
Motorcycle accidents are life-altering in a way that no other type of accident is…
Injuries are more severe, the financial impact is greater, and the legal issues you must navigate are far more complicated.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your vulnerable situation.
The right motorcycle lawyer will fight for every single dollar you deserve while you focus on recovering from your injuries. They’ll take on the legal nightmare so you can focus on getting your life back to normal.
Motorcycle lawyers work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay a cent unless they win your case. So there’s no reason to go it alone.
Recovery is a Long Ride
Trying to take care of a motorcycle accident without having to fight insurance companies and deal with complex legal issues is overwhelming…
Motorcycle accident statistics make it clear that riding a bike is more dangerous than driving a car. The injuries are more severe, costs more, and from a legal standpoint, far more complex.
That’s why having an experienced motorcycle lawyer in your corner is not a luxury.
It’s a necessity.
Don’t let insurance companies try to take advantage of your vulnerable situation or let motorcycle prejudice ruin your case. It’s time to get the legal protection you deserve.
Take your recovery one step at a time. You’ve got the best legal team in your corner.
