Motorcycles are an efficient way of getting around, and also, they’re an exciting means of transport. However, as much as they’re efficient and exciting, they’re also prone to accidents. If you have been involved in an accident and you’re confident it wasn’t your fault, you deserve some form of compensation to cater for present and future medical bills, lost wages, and the repair or replacement of your motorcycle. Now, this is where a motorcycle accident attorney comes in handy. This professional can help you navigate the legalities of your case and help you get the best possible compensation. Some understand even more than others such as experienced Santa Clarita motorcycle accident attorney Greg Owen rides too.
Get Medical Help First
After being involved in a motorcycle accident, the first and most important step is seeking medical help immediately. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously hurt, those small aches and pains may turn into critical medical problems, and there is nothing more crucial than preserving your health and life. Once a physician has examined you, you can take the next course of action which is contacting a seasoned and knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney. This legal expert will then guide you from there on what you need to do to launch your claim.
The Roles and Responsibilities of a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Gathering The Required Evidence To Build Your Case
When you contact an attorney, the first thing they will do is schedule a consultation with you. During the meeting, he will talk to you to know what exactly happened. It’s vital that you’re truthful in this part so that he can determine whether you have a case or not. When he determines that you were not at fault and you deserve to be compensated, he will now start gathering the necessary evidence needed to create a firm base for your case. He will do this by consulting with medical professionals, investigators, eyewitnesses, and police officers. He will make phone calls to the insurance company involved, and depending on the accident’s cause; he may also contact the motorcycle manufacturer.
Strategizing On How To Win Your Case
Some motorcycle accidents are very complicated. They may look easy on the surface, but they may be hard to tackle. This is where your lawyer will sit down with you and determine the best course of action. There are two ways in which your case could go: to a settlement or court. Depending on the severity of the case and the evidence available, he can advise the best route to take. Santa Clarita motorcycle accident attorney Greg Owen rides too, and thus, he will use his knowledge and experience to determine what’s best for you.
Negotiating The Best Settlement For You
As we mentioned earlier, your case may either go to settlement or court. If your case has gone to settlement, your motorcycle accident lawyer will be in charge of negotiations that ensure your best interests. Here, they’ll ensure that you get the best settlement possible. If you were to negotiate the settlement yourself, you’re likely to miss out on a lot. For instance, you may factor in the costs of your medical expenses and forget about your lost wages. Also, you may not even know that you can claim for non-quantified things such as pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer will take everything into concern and get you the best possible out-of-court settlement.
Drafting And Filing The Needed Paperwork
If the case goes to court, there are lots of paperwork involved. Going through all the hassles of drafting and preparing the paperwork can be a difficult process for you. The worst thing is that missing any information on the paperwork may lead to a defeat. A motorcycle accident lawyer knows all the documents needed, drafts them with all the necessary information, and files by the required dates.
Giving You The Best Legal Representation In Court
When the time comes for you to face the other party in court, your lawyer will fight for your interest with all his power. He will use his law knowledge and past experiences in cases like yours to argue that you were wronged and you deserve to be compensated. He knows the common pitfalls to avoid, and thus, you won’t lose your case because of careless mistakes. And since the other party’s lawyer may be looking to trick you into saying things that may destroy your case, your attorney will always be there to offer crucial advice. He will also protect your rights to ensure you’re not victimized.
With a qualified lawyer, you can be assured of walking out of court with a favorable outcome.
Your Roles and Responsibilities During the Motorcycle Accident Case
Your lawyer is not the only one tasked with the job of doing various duties and responsibilities; there are some things which you’re also required to do. For instance, your lawyer requires you to:
- Stick to the signed agreements.
- Keep him/her informed if a new piece of evidence has come up, and it can strengthen your case.
- Inform him/her in advance if you won’t be able to attend court hearings or other proceedings.
- Tell him/her the truth at all times. Telling a lie then it gets discovered late may weaken your case or even have it thrown out.
- Reply to their requests, questions, or suggestions in a timely way.
- Keep the relationship as professional as possible.
- Make your payments as agreed.
What to Look for a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Your attorney should be experienced and knowledgeable in all matters concerning motorcycle accident law.
- They should have a record of winning cases.
- They should be licensed and certified.
- Your lawyer of choice should have good reviews. Research on a potential lawyer and if most of their reviews are positive, it’s a good sign that you can work with them.
- They should be able to handle your case personally. This way, they’ll dedicate their time to your case from the start to the end.
- They should have a great personality and hold your best interests at heart. You can determine if he/she has a great character by scheduling an interview.
When you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, proper representation is everything. Without the right representation, you may give up on your rights and may not receive the compensation you desperately need and deserve. That’s why it’s always recommended that you hire a qualified motorcycle accident attorney. He will be your advocate, your legal counsel, and your friend during this tough time. He will fight to ensure you get the most favorable outcome.