Motorcyclists are not exactly the public’s most respected road users, as they are often noisy, drive too fast and attract our attention as they move around in groups at weekends and holidays breaking the peace and quiet of normally tranquil destinations. However, they are one of our most vulnerable road users in an accident situation as they do not have an outer shell to protect them when they have a collision with another vehicle or a hard object.
Together with other negligent road users, they have to contend with adverse weather events, such as high winds, ice and snow when they are moving from place. The sorts of injuries that they receive when involved in an accident are often life changing and may require long stays in hospital and further recovery periods at home.
The most common injuries are
- Broken and fractured limbs
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crushed torso
- Damaged to internal organs
Many victims of these injuries fail to completely recover and have to live with the effects for the rest of their lives. If the injury was not the fault of the motorcyclist, then he or she is entitled to compensation from the person who caused the accident.
This is a legal entitlement which is in force throughout all of our states. However, to ensure that the compensation amount suits the severity of the injuries, it is advisable to seek the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer who will, at first, determine your eligibility for compensation and then if satisfied that you have a good chance of gaining a suitable payment will gather the necessary evidence which will include:
- Accessing your medical records.
- Obtaining police reports of the incident.
- Examining witnesses’ statements.
Once these procedures have been completed then the case will be presented to the person at fault who is required to pay the amount that has been laid out in the claim. If the negligent driver refuses to pay, then a court case might be necessary but most claims are settled without the need for a court appearance.
Be wary of insurers
Some victims of motorcycle accidents are tempted to take a no strings amount from the insurer of the person who caused their injuries. This is not a sensible thing to do as the amount rarely covers the financial hardships that a victim may have to handle in both the short and long term. A thorough appraisal of the likely financial hardships, both now and into the future, have to be compiled in order for justice to be done and for the victim to be compensated with an amount that will ensure maximum quality of life
Benefits of motorcycle accident lawyers
Most lawyers will offer a free consultation and will not charge you in advance of the compiling of your claim as they work on a contingency fee basis. This means the fee is paid only when the compensation payment has been received. It also means that victims have nothing to lose when taking on the services of a lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, learn how to protect your rights with a free consultation. Contact an experienced Car Wreck Attorney.
