Accidents
Is it worth hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer after a crash? The answer to that question depends on several factors. It is essential to understand your legal rights and options and what it means to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to make the best decision for your future.
If you have been involved in a crash and seek legal guidance, a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer from Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd can help. We have extensive experience representing motorcycle accident victims, and we are prepared to take your case on at any time.
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries and financial losses. Whether you need an attorney depends on many factors. While you are never obligated to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, it may be in your best interest to increase the chances of receiving the compensation you need.
If you don’t know if you need a lawyer, consider the following questions:
If you answered “yes” to those questions, it is likely in your best interest to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney.
Now, let’s look at what a motorcycle accident lawyer does and how they can improve your chances of receiving the compensation you need to get your life back in order as quickly as possible.
If you choose to work with an attorney, you will benefit from understanding how they will handle your claim. Let’s take a look at how your lawyer will help you.
Unfortunately for motorcyclists, they are accused of being at fault for accidents in many cases. The stigma against motorcycle riders makes it difficult for accident victims to seek recovery. However, when you work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida, they will work to build a strong case on your behalf. That process starts with a thorough investigation.
When your attorney starts investigating your accident, they will collect all of the information you can give them. It is important to avoid speculation, but tell them what you remember from before, during, and after the crash. They will also likely ask you for medical records, hospital bills associated with your accident injuries, wage statements, and applicable receipts.
After they have collected all the information they can from you, your lawyer will determine if there were any witnesses at the scene of the accident that they can speak to you. Frequently, witness testimony can support your claim, especially when the insurance company is trying to push the fault back on you.
If your case is particularly complex, your attorney will have the resources to consult an expert accident reconstructionist. The expert will rebuild your accident, moment by moment, to determine what happened and why.
When it comes to proving fault, your lawyer will base your claim on the concept of negligence. There are four elements involved in proving negligence: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
Duty of care refers to how drivers and other road users are supposed to act when using shared roadways. That means abiding by the rules of the road, staying aware and vigilant, and being as prepared as possible for potential incidents. When a motorist breaches their duty, they have acted in a way that falls out of the standard of duty. Examples include distracted driving, fatigue, and intoxication.
Once your lawyer has established the opposing party owed you a duty of care and failed to follow through, they can explain how the accident caused your injuries. The last part of proving negligence involves connecting the causation to your financial and personal losses, collectively known as your “damages.”
When it comes to valuing your claim, your lawyer will use the collected documentation to determine your economic losses like:
You should be able to recover fully from your calculable losses. In terms of non-economic losses, which are more subjective, your lawyer will consider how severely the accident has impacted your life and place a value on factors like:
In rare instances, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded when the at-fault party is found to be grossly negligent by a jury, such as if they were driving under the influence of alcohol. The damages serve to punish the at-fault party and discourage others from acting similarly in the future.
Once your claim is valued, your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company. Remember that the insurance company will likely try to protect their bottom line, so it could be a bit of a battle to get them to offer a reasonable settlement amount. If the insurance company offers you full and fair compensation for all of your damages, you can accept the settlement offer. If they refuse, your lawyer can explain further legal options, including what it will take to pursue a lawsuit.
Filing a lawsuit is a complicated process, especially if the case proceeds to a jury trial. Your attorney will work diligently to meet all legal obligations while navigating your case toward the best strategies available. When it comes to filing paperwork, requesting motions, and addressing the actions of the other party, your attorney works hard to keep your case going and ensure you are using every tool at your disposal to promote the chances of success for your case.
While you have every right to pursue a motorcycle accident claim on your own, it is essential to weigh your options and understand the benefits of working with a motorcycle accident attorney.
At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our lawyers have extensive experience representing injured motorcyclists, and we are prepared to take your case on next. When you reach out to us, we can schedule a free consultation to review your situation and help you understand your options for moving forward with a claim or lawsuit. If you choose to work with us, we will handle all aspects of your claim while keeping you informed every step of the way. This way, you can focus on healing.
To learn more about your rights and the benefits of working with a lawyer after an accident, call 866-460-1990 or contact us online today.
Get an estimate for the value of your injuries
"*" indicates required fields
Complete our confidential evaluation form to have your case reviewed for free by our attorneys and staff.
An attorney or intake specialist will contact you directly to discuss your case at no cost to you.
From the moment you hire us, we will stand behind you, fighting to get the results you deserve.
Get the answers you need. We’ll review your case today, for free.
"*" indicates required fields
