People who use motorcycles are especially vulnerable during a collision. Whether they’re operating the motorcycle or riding on it as a passenger, they’re at a safety disadvantage. Their vehicle doesn’t have the extra layer of protection offered by the body of a car or truck.
According to a report issued by Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety, 44 motorcyclists died during accidents in 2019, while 840 sustained injuries. Along with deaths and injuries, people may struggle with the financial toll of an accident, including its impact on their job, relationships, and lifestyle.
Presenting a strong case to insurance companies or to a court may also prove difficult. Instead of trying to cope with the challenges on your own, take the crucial step of contacting an attorney who is highly skilled and experienced with vehicular accident cases.
Which Challenges Can Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help You Overcome?
Insurance Complications
Motorcycle accidents may lead to enormous expenses, particularly bills for surgeries, hospital stays, outpatient care, and various types of therapy. After an accident, you may be asking yourself the following:
- What if I don’t have personal injury protection coverage specifically for my motorcycle?
- What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
- What should I do if the other driver fled the scene after the crash?
- What coverage applies to motorcycle passengers?
Your lawyer will help you figure out your insurance situation and handle insurance companies effectively. You won’t overlook potential sources of coverage, miss out on a claim you’re eligible for, or make other costly mistakes.
Potential Weaknesses in Your Case
Motorcyclists tend to face bias from insurance companies and in court. For example, there’s a perception that people who ride on motorcycles don’t care enough about safety or traffic laws. That perception may exist even in cases where the motorcyclist isn’t at fault.
Whether you’re confronting insurance companies or appearing in court, your attorney will find ways to reduce any bias against you. They’ll also help you deal with issues that undermine your case, such as:
- Flawed or missing evidence. For example, when motorcyclists have sustained a serious injury, they’re usually in no position to take photos of the accident scene. Other problems arise when witnesses give conflicting statements.
- Being held at least partly at fault for the accident or injury outcomes. What if you were going a little over the speed limit at the time of the accident or not wearing a helmet? With your attorney’s help, it may still be possible for you to present a strong case.
- The full impact of the accident isn’t yet known. One example is how the effects of a traumatic brain injury may last for weeks, months, or years. Also, a problem may not show up immediately, or it may escape notice for weeks.
With your lawyer’s help, you’ll collect and organize every available piece of evidence. You’ll be in a better position to calculate current costs and make reasonable predictions about future costs. And your attorney will use the full extent of their analytical and persuasive skills to craft a powerful case.
Struggles With Coping in the Aftermath
Motorcycle accidents can be brutal on the body and mind. After an accident, it’s common for people to experience high levels of stress and pain for a number of reasons, including the following:
- Grief over the death of a loved one.
- A slow recovery from injuries.
- The realization that some injuries will have permanent effects.
- Missed work, job loss, a derailed career, or an inability to work.
- A struggle to take care of children or pets or fulfill other obligations.
- Various adjustments to a new way of life, including the potential need for a wheelchair or other assistive devices.
- A growing stack of bills.
- Psychological trauma.
- Relationship problems.
Under these stressful circumstances, it’s difficult for people to deal with insurance claims or figure out whether they should file a lawsuit. An attorney will provide you with clear guidance, compassionate support, and the promise of tireless advocacy on your behalf.
Reach Out to Swor & Gatto
When you contact us, you can expect a quick response and personal attention. We offer a free consultation, and we can meet with you either at our office or at a location that’s more convenient for you.
Whatever challenges you face after a motorcycle accident, you can rely on us for sound legal guidance and a dedication to your well-being. We’ll uncover every possible way to strengthen your case and fight for you to receive fair compensation.