It goes without saying that motorcycle accidents are horrific events that can change a person’s life instantly. Not only can you wind up badly injured, possibly permanently, but accidents of any kind can add up to huge expenses that can be just as catastrophic and crushing.
Motorcycle accidents are also more common than you might think. Even though only 3 percent of registered vehicles are motorcycles, around 14 percent of all traffic-related fatalities involve them.
However, while motorcycle accident victims certainly consider it important to pursue medical attention or file any necessary claims with their insurance company right away, they might not necessarily think to hire a lawyer. Here are just a few reasons why contacting a lawyer should actually be one of the first things you do after a motorcycle accident.
- It’s easier to collect damages
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t simply assume that you’re the only one to blame for choosing to ride a motorcycle in the first place. There are many circumstances under which the accident might not be entirely on you, if it’s your fault at all.
- Negligent, distracted, or underqualified drivers can both cause and contribute to the severity of a motorcycle accident.
- If the road was damaged, poorly laid, or undermaintained, the city could be held responsible for what happened.
- In instances where a manufacturing flaw comes into play, the company that made your motorcycle may also need to be held responsible.
However, while it’s certainly possible to pursue compensation on your own, your chances of achieving maximum success are much higher with a motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner. The entire process will go more smoothly and be a lot less stressful, as well.
- Your evidence will be more thorough
Whether you’re contacting a lawyer to help you collect damages or seeking legal defense after learning you might face charges yourself, evidence will play a crucial role in your upcoming case. But collecting the right evidence on your own can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.
However, an attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents has been through all this before. They know exactly what to look for in every possible situation, so you can rest easy knowing that nothing will be missed. Methods your attorney may employ include but are not limited to taking video of the accident scene, interviewing eyewitnesses, and examining surveillance footage.
- You’ll avoid costly mistakes
Even if you’ve been involved in motorcycle accidents before, it’s doubtful that you understand everything there is to know about the laws and protocols governing your case. Unfortunately, that means it’s all too easy to misfile documents and paperwork, talk to the wrong person about your case at the worst possible time, or unwittingly destroy crucial evidence.
Any one of these mistakes could mean losing your case, so avoiding them to the greatest extent possible is a must. Getting in touch with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident can make all the difference here, so it’s important to do so without hesitation.
- You’ll be able to safely navigate the law
Traffic laws and penalties, including those that apply to motorcycles, can be very different from one state, region, or county to another. They can also change over time, becoming either more or less severe. Therefore, hiring an experienced local attorney is really the only reliable way to understand these laws well enough to win your case.
So make sure you choose someone who’s not only experienced in motorcycle accidents but also knows the local laws where you live. You’ll be glad you did.
