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How an Attorney Can Help You Following a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injury. Getting financial recovery may depend on having an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer on your side. An attorney familiar with motorcycle accidents identifies who’s at fault, calculates owed damages, and negotiates with opposing lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, consult with a skilled lawyer who deals with motorcycle claims before taking any other action. Be prepared to offer as much information to your attorney as possible. Take time to review the facts to explain better what occurred and whose fault it was. If possible, gather photos of the scene of the accident, witness statements, police reports, and any other evidence that assists a motorcycle accident lawyer evaluate the case.  

Know what your insurance policy says in connection with the damage. A motorcycle accident lawyer needs to develop a basic understanding of your case and the strength of the evidence available before committing to represent you. Anything you can provide to your attorney that demonstrates a strong legal position helps you.  

Obtaining Compensation for Injured Victims

Those who have been seriously injured in motorcycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for injuries if some other party is at fault. It is helpful to meet with an attorney to evaluate the strength of your case. Generally, those partially responsible can receive damages if another party’s negligence is greater than yours.

First Step 

Get medical help. See a doctor if medical attention is needed. Quickly getting treatment helps diagnose injury symptoms such as internal bleeding or TBI that may not be as obvious initially. It helps establish a link between the injuries and the accident.  

Mandatory Helmet Laws 

The amount awarded may be reduced if the judge and jury finds failure to wear a helmet played a role in the severity of injuries.  

Talking to the Police 

Anyone in a motorcycle accident should seek assistance from the police. Authorities will often use the evidence when creating an accident investigation report. It can help file an insurance claim or take action against the other party. Before you make any statements, however, it’s important to consult an attorney since anything you say to police or insurance companies can be used against you.

When to Seek a Lawyer for Help 

An accident attorney, experienced in motorcycle accidents is valuable in the pursuit of compensation when a crash occurs. Often, each party has some role in the cause of a motorcycle crash. Depending on what state you live in, in Florida for example, a comparative negligence state, the negligence blame is distributed among the responsible parties. Qualified accident lawyers in Oregon, would be able to address particular legal needs, explain the laws, and represent your interests in court.

Work closely with your attorney to develop a strategy for the case. Throughout the process, your attorney should keep you informed. Your lawyer will handle the injury claim or lawsuit and make strategy recommendations. Ultimate decisions are yours to make, but you should consult with your attorney before making decisions related to your case.

In most instances, injury lawyers are not paid until the lawsuit reaches a settlement outside of court or a verdict at trial. Most personal injury lawyers take cases on a contingency basis. They earn a percentage if the lawsuit outcome is favorable for you. In short, they only get paid if they succeed on your case. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, schedule a free consultation with a attorney near you.

About

Marc Johnston

Lead Attorney at Johnston Law Firm, P.C.

Based in downtown Portland, Marc A. Johnston is the owner and managing attorney of the award-winning, internationally-known personal injury law firm, Johnston Law Firm, P.C. Marc's career has been dedicated to representing the injured and individuals who have been treated unfairly by an insurance company. His focus on trial law creates the backbone of the Johnston Law Firm — a firm that is ready to go the distance in seeking justice for its clients.