Written by Generally speaking, motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe than other kinds of car collisions because of the exposed rider. The impact of such an accident can be both physically, emotionally, and financially catastrophic. Here, a motorcycle accident attorney can be highly instrumental in guiding victims through the labyrinthine legal processes involved and claiming rightful compensation. These attorneys specialize in different types of motorcycle accident cases so that the rights of victims are protected, and they get justice.
1) Accidents by Negligent Drivers:
Negligent drivers cause some of the most common motorcycle accident cases. Negligence can be defined in a variety of ways, including:
Distracted driving; drivers using their cellphones, eating, or other distractions.
i) Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
ii) Failure to Yield: Many accidents happen when drivers fail to yield right of way to motorcyclists.
iii) Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are a serious threat to motorcyclists.
In such instances, a motorcycle accident attorney gathers traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to establish the fault of the driver and build a case for compensation.
2) Hit-and-Run Accidents:
Hit-and-run accidents are especially difficult on motorcycle riders. This type of accident is when a driver leaves the scene after causing an accident. Most victims are left with large medical bills and no known way to pursue the party responsible. A motorcycle accident attorney can help by:
i) Investigating the accident and identifying the at-fault driver.
ii) Collaboration with law enforcement and private investigators.
Helping victims file claims with their own insurance company under uninsured motorist coverage.
3) Motorcycle Defects and Product Liability Cases:
Defective motorcycle parts can lead to catastrophic accidents. These cases involve components such as brakes, tires, or steering systems that malfunction due to design or manufacturing flaws. Motorcycle accident attorneys handle product liability cases by:
i) Investigating whether the accident was caused by a defective part.
ii) Identifying the responsible party, which may be the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.
iii) Working with experts to establish that the defect directly led to the accident and injuries.
4) Road Hazards and Poor Infrastructure:
Motorcyclists are most susceptible to road hazards like potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, or inadequate signage. These can lead to losing control and crashing. In such a scenario, a motorcycle accident attorney can:
i) Determine liability, which may include a governmental entity responsible for road maintenance.
ii) Gather evidence, such as photos of the hazard and maintenance records.
iii) File claims against the proper parties for negligence in maintaining safe road conditions.
5) Commercial Vehicle Accidents:
Motorcycle accidents involving commercial vehicles like trucks or buses usually lead to serious injuries or death. Such cases are usually more complex because they involve a commercial firm and their insurance companies. A motorcycle accident attorney job entails;
i) Investigating whether the commercial driver had followed safety standards.
ii) Determining the vehicle maintenance records used.
iii) Negotiating the commercial entity’s insurance provider for a reasonable settlement amount.
6) Wrongful Death Claims:
Unfortunately, some motorcycle accidents are fatal. In such cases, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death claim with the assistance of a motorcycle accident attorney. These claims are made for:
i) Funeral and burial costs.
ii) Loss of income and support.
iii) Emotional pain and suffering.
An attorney provides sensitive care while ensuring that the family’s legal rights are protected during this difficult period.
7) Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims:
Not all drivers carry sufficient insurance coverage to fully compensate accident victims. If a motorcyclist is hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, the motorcycle accident attorney can do the following:
i) Help the victim file a claim with their own insurance under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
ii) Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement for the victim.
iii) Seek other compensation avenues if possible.
8) Multi-Vehicle Accidents:
Multi-vehicle accidents can be very complicated, as it can be hard to establish fault on the part of multiple parties unless thoroughly investigated. A motorcycle accident attorney can:
i) Reconstruct the accident scene by hiring experts.
ii) Identify all liable parties and their respective insurance providers.
iii) Ensure the motorcyclist’s claim is not overshadowed by other claims in multi-vehicle disputes.
9) Insurance Bad Faith Claims:
Sometimes, insurance companies fail to act in good faith when dealing with motorcycle accident claims. For instance:
i) Unjustly denying valid claims.
ii) Delaying payment without reasonable cause.
iii) Offering settlements far below the claim’s value.
A motorcycle accident attorney can hold the insurance company accountable for bad faith practices, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they are entitled to under the policy.
10) Accidents Involving Pedestrians or Cyclists:
Motorcycle accidents where the rider collides with a pedestrian or cyclist raise specific legal issues. If the motorcyclist is the negligent party or if he or she is a victim, a motorcycle accident attorney will help in various ways:
i) Investigate circumstances surrounding the collision.
ii) Protect rights of the motorcyclist when liability is in issue.
iii) Obtain fair compensation for injuries or damages for either party.
11) Why Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Matters:
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Representation by a motorcycle accident attorney protects the rights of victims and ensures that they are not exploited by insurance companies or other parties involved in the accident. An attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents has experience with various cases and can thus:
i) Calculate accurately the total amount of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
ii) Handle the complexities of legal processes and paperwork.
iii) Advocates the interest of the victim in the negotiations or courts.
12) Selecting the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer:
In finding a motorcycle accident lawyer, use the following criteria:
i) Experience: Select an attorney with a history of successful cases on motorcycle accidents.
ii) Reputation: Read reviews or seek recommendations from friends and family.
iii) Communication: Choose an attorney who listens to your concerns and provides clear guidance.
iv) Resources: Ensure that the attorney has access to the necessary resources, including expert witnesses and investigators, to make a strong case.
The Final Words:
Motorcycle accident attorneys handle a wide variety of cases, ranging from minor collisions to complex multi-vehicle accidents and wrongful death claims. Their expertise and dedication help victims navigate the legal process, secure fair compensation, and focus on recovery. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, consulting with a skilled attorney can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome.