Whether you are feeling skeptical or are genuinely unsure, it's a valid question: Do you really need a motorcycle accident lawyer, or can you handle things on your own? Your motorcycle accident has likely changed your life significantly, and you don't want to waste your valuable time on help that won't make a difference in your recovery.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can truly be a game-changer. Many motorcycle riders across the Midwest pride themselves on figuring things out on their own. While we commend self-sufficiency, personal injury cases are not known for being easy endeavors. There are deadlines to meet, fine print to parse through, and the insurance company isn't likely to make the process any easier. An experienced Minnesota motorcycle accident lawyer can help with all of those moving pieces, taking the stress off your shoulders.
Why Motorcycle Claims Can Get So Expensive
It's easy to see: motorcycles are not built for safety. Even the latest safety features in cars have limitations. The minimal protection motorcycles offer can maximize the risk of catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
These can require long-term care and may lead to permanent disability. That level of harm plays a central role in increasing the value of a motorcycle accident claim.
Insurance Companies Are Biased Against Motorcyclists
In the eyes of the insurance companies, anyone who starts a motorcycle's engine is accepting the heightened risk that comes with it. Insurance companies are a business with a bottom line to protect, turning motorcycle riders into an anticipated financial sore spot. Riders are thus treated not so much as victims but as people who brought the risk upon themselves.
You may interact with insurance adjusters who won't give you the benefit of the doubt and put you on the defensive about your conduct.
This dynamic can be exhausting to navigate. That's why having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who is familiar with the insurance company's playbook can be invaluable.
How A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
After an accident, you deserve someone in your corner who is fighting for your best interests. The workload required to build your case is not something you should shoulder alone. A lawyer can help you evaluate the value of your case, gather and organize the evidence surrounding the accident, and present your case in insurance negotiations or in court, if needed.
There is a lot of ground that a motorcycle accident lawyer can cover:
- Gathering evidence from the scene of the accident to gain additional perspective
- Looking for available footage from surveillance cameras, cell phones, and more
- Contacting subject matter experts who can define and explain complex evidence
- Handling insurance communications to level the playing field against adjusters
- Guiding you through the process and keeping you informed about what comes next
You should not be expected to manage all of this work by yourself.
Talking To The Insurance Company
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can counter the tactics the insurance company may take to try to lower your settlement. Even if their offer seems generous, approach it with caution. Those who decline legal representation are far more likely to underestimate their needs. What seems like a fair settlement can run out much quicker than many imagine.
If these insurance negotiations do not prove successful, litigation may be necessary. An experienced lawyer should be ready to showcase the full scope of your damages no matter who the audience is, judge or jury.
What Can Happen If You Don't Hire A Lawyer
You're likely not familiar with the insurance strategy playbook for motorcycle accidents, and who could expect you to be? The insurance company is hoping that you'll go without legal representation to keep you at a disadvantage.
Even if you think you are clarifying details, your words can be used against you.
Some see representing themselves as the easier, cheaper option. It's an understandable thought process, but self-representation can be like walking into a conversation where the other side has a script.
Why You Can Afford To Hire A Lawyer
You just got in an accident, and you're aware that your life is about to get very expensive. Hiring a lawyer may seem out of reach financially. This is a common myth, which can be debunked by a simple explanation of contingency fees. If a personal injury law firm operates on contingency, you won't owe any money unless they succeed with your case.
Speak To A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accidents and their aftermath can be overwhelming. At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we strive to support accident victims and help them seek their rightful compensation. While self-representation is possible, the advantage an experienced Minnesota personal injury attorney can provide is significant. You shouldn't have to go through this experience alone. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer with Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers as soon as possible. We'll help you understand your rights and whether you can reasonably pursue compensation for your injuries.