Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a life-altering experience. You may be dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and a fight with insurance companies over who is responsible. If you’re wondering, “Do I need a lawyer after my motorcycle accident?” the answer often depends on your situation.
At the Parrish Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming this process can be, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you. Let’s walk through key factors to help you decide if hiring an attorney is the right move.
Was the Motorcycle Accident the Other Driver’s Fault? Are They Disputing Fault?
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident is one of the most important aspects of your case. In Virginia, pure contributory negligence means that if you’re even 1% at fault, you can’t recover any compensation.
This is why it’s crucial to prove that the other driver was entirely responsible for the accident. Unfortunately, drivers and insurance companies often unfairly blame motorcyclists, using stereotypes like “reckless” or “speeding” riders to dispute fault.
A lawyer can help by gathering evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Expert analysis of how the crash happened
With a strong case in hand, your lawyer can fight back against attempts to place blame on you and protect your right to compensation.
Were Your Injuries Severe?
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road, which means injuries from motorcycle accidents are often severe or even life-threatening. If your injuries are serious, the stakes are higher, and hiring an attorney becomes even more important.
Examples of severe injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash requiring extensive treatment
- Internal injuries
Severe injuries often lead to extensive medical bills, time off work, and long-term physical or emotional challenges. A lawyer ensures that the full extent of your damages, both current and future, are accounted for in your claim.
Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Motorcycle Accident Payouts
Insurance companies aren’t on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, and they often use these common tactics to reduce or deny motorcycle accident claims:
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Blaming the Motorcyclist
Insurance adjusters may argue that you were speeding, weaving through traffic, or otherwise acting irresponsibly. Even if you weren’t at fault, they’ll try to shift the blame.
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Downplaying Your Injuries
They might claim your injuries aren’t as serious as you say or suggest they were caused by something other than the accident.
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Delaying Your Claim
Insurance companies may drag out the process, hoping you’ll settle for less just to get it over with.
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Offering Quick, Lowball Settlements
In some cases, they’ll offer a low settlement right away, hoping you’ll take it before realizing how much your case is truly worth.
Having an attorney on your side levels the playing field. A lawyer knows how to counter these tactics and negotiate for the full compensation you deserve.
What Are the Major Damages You Can Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages:
1. Medical Expenses
This includes costs like:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Ongoing medical treatments
- Medications and medical equipment
2. Lost Wages
If you’re unable to work because of your injuries, you can claim compensation for the income you’ve lost. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you can also claim future lost wages.
3. Pain and Suffering
Motorcycle accidents can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the impact on your quality of life, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
4. Property Damage
This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other damaged property.
5. Punitive Damages
If the at-fault driver acted recklessly, such as driving under the influence, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which are designed to punish the driver and prevent similar behavior in the future.
What Should You Do If You Need an Attorney?
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, having an attorney on your side can make all the difference. Here’s what you should do:
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Act Quickly
The sooner you call a lawyer, the stronger your case will be. Evidence can disappear, and insurance companies may try to pressure you into settling early.
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Choose the Right Attorney
Work with a lawyer who understands motorcycle accident cases and has experience handling tough insurance companies. At the Parrish Law Firm, we’ve helped countless motorcycle accident victims, and we know how to fight for your rights.
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Focus on Recovery While We Handle the Rest
Your main job after an accident is to heal. Let us take care of the legal work, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and building a strong case, so you can focus on getting better.
Contact the Parrish Law Firm for a FREE Motorcycle Accident Claim Review
At the Parrish Law Firm, we know how tough life can be after a motorcycle accident. That’s why we’re here to make the process as easy as possible for you. From handling the paperwork to fighting back against the insurance companies, we take care of everything so you can focus on recovering.
Here’s what you can expect when you contact us:
- A Free Claim Review: We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options, at no cost to you.
- No Upfront Fees: You don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
- Comprehensive Support: From start to finish, we’ll handle every detail of your claim.
Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Call the Parrish Law Firm today for a FREE motorcycle accident claim review and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Your recovery starts with one simple call, let us help you move forward.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form