Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Fight to Get Full Damages
As a biker, you already know that riding carries a risk of property damage and motorcycle accident injuries. Even when you take every precaution, other drivers may be negligent or careless behind the wheel. Motorcycle riders can be left with severe injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Loss of hands, feet, or limbs
- Burns
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash
- Spine and back injuries
A biker who needs hospitalization and extensive treatment for serious injuries will face a mountain of medical bills and other damages. They need experienced legal representation from a law firm that fights aggressively for the maximum compensation available. Your lost income, medical expenses, and emotional harm must be financially acknowledged by the at-fault parties.
Although many motorcycle accident victims can recover to nearly their former activities after losing a limb, the reality is many will be forced to change jobs or give up on their dreams. In catastrophic incidents, you could be left unable to work or care for yourself for the rest of your life. Your attorney can help you develop an appropriate monetary amount to demand for your past, present, and potential expenses so you do not face a financial crisis because someone else was careless.
Once your case is over, what you obtain as a result will be the last time anything can be done about your crash and the resulting damage. So, it is extremely important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer build a strong case that takes into account all damages you and your family sustained and will continue to deal with in the future, if applicable.
When Tragedy Strikes – Motorcycle Accidents and Wrongful Death
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that motorcycles account for only 3% of registered vehicles on U.S. roads but makeup 14.6% of traffic fatalities. Closer to home, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) records at least one motorcycle accident fatality every day of the year, accounting for 12% of the state’s traffic deaths. Many of these crashes have several contributing factors, but when they result in a wrongful death, the family members may have legal options.
Untangling the details of an insurance claim or lawsuit while trying to grieve your loss can be overwhelming. That is why our wrongful death lawyers stand ready to investigate the accident and determine all those who are liable for the death. We provide a compassionate and experienced advocate for justice on behalf of your loved one.
The Risks of Not Speaking With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Soon Enough
After a crash, motorcyclists are often dealing with debilitating injuries and a lengthy recovery. The last thing on their minds may be trying to deal with insurance companies or a personal injury lawsuit. However, it is critical that accident victims avoid waiting too long to speak with a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer.
Many insurance companies have a short window during which you must submit your claim for expenses. Gathering the necessary evidence and documentation to support your case can take time, in addition to estimating your future care needs and costs. The responsible party’s insurance company may press you to accept the first offer and settle quickly, hoping you will not realize you could have pushed for more compensation.
When you work with an attorney for your motorcycle accident claim, they will manage these negotiations for you, fighting for every penny you deserve from the negligent party. They will also prepare and file your personal injury lawsuit right away so you do not risk losing the chance to sue under Texas’s statute of limitations. The law only allows you two years from the date of your crash, so motorcyclists must meet this deadline or be left paying for everything out of pocket.
Why Insurance Companies Offer Settlements Quickly
When you have astronomical medical bills and cannot work after a motorcycle accident, you will naturally be interested in obtaining fair compensation from the at-fault parties. You likely want to get payment fast so you can settle your bills and move on with your life. Yet, there are essential facts you should know about how taking the first offer may not be best for you.
First, insurance adjusters may mislead you about what their client’s policy covers. They may insist that your injuries are not as bad as you claim or that you are exaggerating what your treatment costs. If they can get you to accept a lower offer, they pay less and protect their profits.
Insurance representatives are hoping you do not understand the policy language or the law around claims. They will push you to “take what you can get” but a skilled attorney can advise you whether they should offer more. Your lawyer can help you create a full estimate of your claim’s value so you are not getting less than what you deserve.
For the sake of your case, we ask that you do not speak to the insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney. This is critical because insurance companies are looking for any reason to deny your personal injury claim. Only the lawyer you hire will be legally bound to protect you and your family’s interests.
Our Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Prepared if Your Case Goes to Trial
At Liggett Law, we know that developing a robust motorcycle crash case can take time. We first discuss your claim and the circ*mstances during a free consultation, then begin a thorough investigation of the accident for all relevant evidence. Our attorneys and support staff will take the following actions to build your case:
- We take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and the damage to your bike.
- We interview witnesses for their statements on how the accident occurred.
- We collaborate with medical, forensic, and accident experts to detail who is at fault.
- We request video footage from traffic, dashboards, and other cameras to support the accident timeline.
- We help you compile your medical records and bills for your compensation demands.
- We identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
Although we work diligently to negotiate a fair settlement through insurance companies, our law firm believes in preparing for the courtroom from Day One. We have the experience and know-how to forcefully litigate your case for the best possible outcome. Our attorneys are dedicated to reaching a satisfactory settlement, so you avoid the financial consequences of someone else’s negligent actions.
How Our Lawyers Demonstrate Liability in a Motorcycle Accident Case
In personal injury claims, the burden of proof rests with the victim. You and your attorney must present a preponderance of the evidence that shows the at-fault parties are liable and must be compelled to compensate you. This involves demonstrating negligence through four elements:
- The other party owed a duty of care to you and others on the road.
- They breached (failed to uphold) their duty of care.
- You suffered injuries and property damage as a direct result of their breach.
- You have calculable damages related to your injuries.
Your Liggett Law motorcycle accident lawyer in Lubbock will prepare powerful arguments based on the assembled evidence to persuade the court of the other party’s negligence. They will request full compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. They will also push back if the other side tries to use the Texas comparative negligence statute against you.
Under this statute, if you are more than 50% at fault for the crash, you are not eligible to seek damages from any other party involved in the accident. Insurance companies and defense lawyers will attempt to show you must be assigned higher fault, so they pay less in compensation. Your Lubbock motorcycle accident attorney from our firm will make every effort to reduce the blame on your side so you can recover as much as possible.
Contact Our Experienced Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Attorneys To Fight To Get You Maximum Compensation
Motorcycle riders only want to enjoy their pastime without the worry of injury by irresponsible motorists. However, even the most careful biker can become the victim of those who do not share the road with care and respect for others on smaller vehicles. When that happens to you, you need trusted legal advice to ensure you receive justice.
When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in or near Lubbock, Texas, caused by the fault of someone else, you should not have to bear the costs of your injuries and damages. The motorcycle accident lawyers of Liggett Law Group will fight to protect your rights and hold the responsible party accountable for what they did to you.
Our experienced legal team is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure you get full and fair financial compensation. We will investigate what happened and use the evidence, expert reports, and other information to determine the total financial relief you should be paid so you do not settle for less than you deserve. Contact us below to begin your case investigation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is at fault in fatal motorcycle accidents?
The drivers of passenger vehicles are most often at fault in fatal motorcycle accidents. Car drivers commonly fail to detect and recognize bikers in the flow of traffic, as motorcycles are smaller and less visible on the road. Car and truck drivers making errors at intersections and/or in hazardous road conditions often cause fatal motorcycle crashes.
What is a major cause of death in a motorcycle accident?
One of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents is an injury to the head and/or brain. Motorcycle crashes often result in serious head trauma even if the rider and/or passenger are wearing helmets. Traumatic brain injuries are the most common cause of death in motorcycle accidents.
What are the odds of getting into a motorcycle accident?
While a variety of factors can influence your chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident, the most recent statistics show that at least 1% of or one out of every 100 motorcycle riders is likely to get into a motorcycle accident.
Lubbock Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in or near Lubbock, Texas caused by the fault of someone else, you shouldn’t have to bear the costs of your injuries and damages. The motorcycle accident lawyers of Liggett Law Group will fight to protect your rights and hold the responsible party accountable for what they did to you.
Our experienced legal team is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure that you get full and fair financial compensation. We will investigate what happened and use the evidence, expert reports, and other information to determine the total amount of compensation you should be paid so you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us below to begin your case investigation today.
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