Even with improvements in protective clothing, motorcyclists may be seriously injured when other road users fail to drive with due care and attention. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a traffic accident caused by another motorist, you will likely be able to claim compensation.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers serving Newark can help you build a case for financial recovery in lieu of your injuries and other losses related to the collision. Unfortunately, the legal process is rarely straightforward. In this motorcycle claim guide, we discuss your legal options, the pitfalls that could harm your case, and how to avoid them.
Motorcyclists Can Have a Hard Time Claiming Compensation After an Accident
According to Statista.com, around 8.3 million motorcycles are registered in the U.S. Whether for work or pleasure, life on two wheels is a convenient and enjoyable way for many people to get around. However, with little protection, being on the receiving end of a bad decision made by another driver can result in devastating injuries, often with long-term consequences.
All too often, the motorcycle rider is not at fault; unfortunately, this does not prevent insurance companies from denying, delaying, or underpaying legitimate claims. Here’s why it can be tough for riders to get compensation after a crash:
- Insurance companies operate as for-profit organizations. Therefore, they will always consider their bottom line when making decisions about claims.
- Insurers use the negative perception of motorcycle riders to their advantage. As a result, even the most safety-conscious riders can be unfairly represented in a claim.
- Motorcyclists tend to sustain serious injuries requiring significant compensation. Insurance companies will fight hard to protect profit margins in high-value claims. As such, pursuing a fair settlement can seem like an uphill battle.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies can use to prevent you from getting the compensation you are entitled to. In addition, we can help you navigate the legal process so that you can make well-informed choices about your case.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Newark, call (614) 538-1116
What Are My Legal Options for Financial Recovery After a Motorcycle Crash?
In Ohio, there are a few options to consider when resolving a motorcycle accident claim. When riders are seriously injured, damages can easily exceed the at-fault party’s policy limits. Therefore, it may be necessary to explore other potential sources of compensation, such as uninsured/underinsured coverage from your own auto policy.
In some accidents, there could be more than one responsible party. For example, if an employee hits you while working in a company vehicle, both driver and employer could be liable. While this provides additional sources to pursue compensation, it adds complexity to the legal process.
Our injury attorneys will review your case and provide advice about the legal options available to you for financial recovery in lieu of:
- The cost of your medical bills and rehabilitation
- Lost wages while you are recovering
- Compensation if your ability to work is affected in the future
- Loss of quality of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities and hobbies
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional distress
- Property damage or loss
Newark Motorcycle Accident Attorney (614) 538-1116
How Much Can I Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
Without reviewing the facts of your case, it is impossible to place an exact dollar amount on how much compensation you could recover. Accident injury claims are processed on a case-by-case basis, and no two are identical – the same injury can affect two different people in very different ways.
When assessing recoverable damages in a claim, we consider the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the insurance policies that apply to your situation.
With an exclusive focus on personal injury cases and over 30 years of experience, our injury attorneys will not settle for anything less than you deserve. To build a robust case, we:
- Gather and preserve evidence to support your case
- Interview witnesses
- Identify liable parties
- Present evidence to prove the opposing side’s negligence
- Assess the financial extent of your injuries
- Negotiate for an appropriate settlement
- Review settlement offers
- Represent you in court, if required
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Common Claim Mistakes That Could Harm Your Case
The actions you take after a collision can impact the strength of your compensation claim. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Be sure to seek immediate medical attention after the accident to protect your health. Having your injuries properly documented also links them to the accident, an essential element when proving your case.
Not Calling the Police
Calling in to report the accident to the police is important for your safety at the time of the accident. The attending officer will investigate the crash scene and write a report that can help us prove your case. They also can gather the contact details of witnesses and driver details.
Not Recording Evidence from the Scene
Valuable evidence to support your case can be quickly lost when the scene is cleared, so it is essential to take as much photographic evidence as possible if it is safe to do so and you are able.
Saying Something to an Insurer That Can Be Used Against You
After the accident, you may be approached by the other person’s insurance company to settle the claim with them as soon as possible. However, it is unlikely they will be acting in your best interests.
Instead, they may ask probing questions. Anything you say can be used to argue against your claim. A way to avoid this is to inform the insurance representative that you would rather have your lawyer manage all further communications.
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Get Help with Your Motorcycle Accident Claim from Bressman Law
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver, the injury attorneys at Bressman Law can help. Call and schedule a free consultation with our legal team today to learn more about your legal options. Meanwhile, please review our testimonials and case results to get a feel for what we can do for you.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
