Accidents involving motorcycles are some of the most severe because riders and their passengers don’t have the same protection offered by other vehicles. The damages resulting from a motorcycle collision can be considerable, both to the rider and their property.
Whether you are a passenger or the rider who got hurt because another driver was in the wrong, you can file a claim for compensation. Accident injury claims, however, come with a fair amount of complications, which an inexperienced person may not be able to navigate.
Grounds for Suing
Before you can even sue another motorist, figure out if the facts support your claim. Just stating that another driver or cyclist was at fault is not enough, the evidence must prove your claim. The first step of the claims process is evaluating your case to determine its validity. Make sure you obtain copies of police reports and that you know who they determine to be at fault.
In some instances, a collision may occur because the motorcycle was defective or the road was not in good condition and such elements influence the type of claim a victim can make. Once an attorney looks at all the relevant information and decides you have the right to compensation, then you can proceed with the lawsuit.
Personal Injury Laws
Motorcycle accident attorneys are especially necessary for steering the murky waters of personal injury claims. Every state has its rules for different elements such as the statute of limitations, filing procedures, and contributory negligence. For example, if a rider was not wearing a helmet when the accident occurred, will that impact the claim?
Pursuing a personal injury suit on your own without legal expertise may jeopardize its merits. An attorney can help you figure out the specifics for each part of the process and will help you receive the maximum settlement for your claim. A good lawyer knows what laws will apply to your case and what you need to do contact all the appropriate parties.
Proving Negligence
Another aspect of a motorcycle accident claim is determining fault. The claimant must show that the other party was negligent when using the road, which caused the accident. Motorcycle riders have the same rights when on the road, but not every motorist may respect them.
Proving that an individual was negligent while driving is not very easy. The process involves gathering evidence from witness statements, speaking to experts and conducting thorough investigations. An untrained eye may fail to see some details, which you need to strengthen your claim.
Motorcycle accident claims differ from regular auto crash claims on several factors. Before filing for compensation, understand the right procedures that a claimant should follow. A motorcycle accident lawyer is a valuable investment to help with the legal complexities.