When you have been involved in a seemingly minor motorcycle accident, you may be wondering what your next steps should be. Do you need to contact the police to file an accident report? Should you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
The answers to these questions are not always clear. However, hiring a motorcycle accident attorney after a minor accident could be the right decision depending on how your life has been affected by the crash.
How Are Motorcycle Accident Injuries Evaluated?
It can be difficult to determine whether you need help from a motorcycle accident lawyer after a minor incident. However, understanding how motorcycle accident damages are evaluated can help you understand whether you may have grounds for a claim.
Many people assume that you cannot pursue legal action unless you suffer catastrophic or life-threatening injuries. However, the type of injury you sustained is not necessarily relevant. Instead, the extent of your injuries is used to determine your right to financial compensation.
What one person may consider a “minor” motorcycle accident could be devastating for another. For example, you may consider a broken leg a minor injury. But a man who also runs marathons every year would be devastated by a broken leg.
Contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer about your case can give you the clarity to decide whether you should pursue compensation for your damages.
For a free legal consultation, call 877-239-4878
What You Need to Know About the “Biker Stigma”
Motorcyclists are often treated unfairly by the insurance company. Insurance companies like to capitalize on the biker stigma to reduce or deny motorcycle accident victims’ claims.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, the proportionate responsibility laws, sharing fault for your injuries can reduce your motorcycle injury settlement.
If an insurance company can make it appear as though you are a reckless driver who has no regard for their safety or those that share the roadways, they may be able to get away with reducing your injury settlement.
One of the top reasons to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to take on your case is to get the help you need dealing with the insurance company during this difficult time. You can expect the insurer to fight back with a seemingly minor accident.
Your motorcycle accident attorney can handle the negotiations process and will be prepared for typical insurance company tactics.
What does Insurance Cover for Motorcycle Accidents?
After a motorcycle accident, you may not feel it necessary to contact a lawyer because you believe filing a claim with the insurance company is the best way to recover the compensation you need.
Unfortunately, you may find that insurance settlements do not cover what you thought they would. In many motorcycle accident claims, insurance companies are only required to cover specific types of damages.
These are often economic losses such as the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle, your medical expenses, and in some cases, your lost income. However, your damages likely far exceed these financial losses. Further, the insurance company is only required to pay out up to the limits of the policyholder’s policy.
When your damages exceed the amount the insurance company is upheld to, the insurance company will not be expected to cover the excess. One of the best ways to understand what your minor motorcycle accident insurance settlement should cover is by getting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to take on your case.
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Having legal representation will increase your chances to recover maximum compensation for injuries and damages by filing a claim. Another reason to hire a motorcycle accident attorney for your minor injury is to benefit from expert legal guidance if your case goes to trial.
The insurance settlement may not be enough to cover your damages fully. Remember, even a “minor” motorcycle accident can have a devastating impact on your life. You could be dealing with psychological trauma, diminished quality of life, trouble connecting with family and friends, and are otherwise struggling to cope after your crash.
Since these types of damages are not eligible for recovery through the insurance company, you might need to bring your case to trial. No one wants to bring forth a frivolous lawsuit. If your lawyer recommends bringing your case to trial, you can feel confident in your decision to move forward with your civil claim.
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Let a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Texas Get Started on Your Claim Today
When you decide that hiring a motorcycle accident attorney after a minor accident is in your best interests, consider contacting Loncar Lyon Jenkins.
Schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation when you give our office a call or fill out our quick contact form.
Call or text 877-239-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
