To ask a person who rides a motorcycle why he or she rides is a bit like asking a bird why it flies. Riders ride not because they have to, but because they can also because it is something they enjoy. Unfortunately, while riding can be a fun activity, it can also be a dangerous one. In 2017 alone there were approximately 89,000 motorcyclists injured in crashes and another 5,100 killed according to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA. In the event of an accident, all riders need to know that just because can be considered a dangerous activity, it does not mean that a rider does not have a legal case for recovery. Any rider seriously injured in an accident should speak to an attorney. If you are on the fence, here are just a few of the things an attorney can do for you post-accident:
- Answer your questions. After a serious motorcycle accident, you may feel like you suddenly have a lot more questions than answers. You may be wondering about how you will pay for medical expenses, follow-up treatments, and bike repairs. You may not know if you should contact your insurance company and what you need to tell them. An experienced injury attorney will not only answer your questions but he or she will also let you know if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
- Explain the legal process. Post-accident you need someone who can explain and evaluate your legal options. When bills are piling up and you are out of work, you may be tempted to take the first offer the insurance company makes. However, a skilled attorney who understands the legal process will know when to settle and when to file a lawsuit.
- Research the facts of your case. To help ensure that you receive the most compensation, your attorney will need to gather facts related to your accident. Then, he or she will use these facts to help build your case. The stronger your case, the more power you have to force the insurance company to settle or to win big at trial.
- Negotiate a settlement on your behalf. In order to negotiate a good settlement, you need an attorney who can calculate your total damages. He or she will calculate not only your current medical costs and bike repairs, but also estimate your future medical expenses, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses.
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court. If the insurance company does not want to pay a fair settlement, then the next step is to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you have an attorney, he or she will not only prepare your case but also represent you in court. In the event your case goes to a jury trial, it is important to have an attorney who will show the jury the facts of your case as well as quash any misconceptions the jury may have about riders being reckless.
- Allow you to spend your energy on recovering. Recovering from a serious crash takes a ton of mental and physical energy. When an injury victim hires an attorney, it allows them the peace of mind to focus on their recovery.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle collision you need a Personal Injury Attorney that you can trust. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. our experienced team of Kansas City Injury Attorneys will make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. For years the Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have assisted countless motorcycle injury victims around the area, in both Missouri and Kansas. To schedule a consultation with one of our skilled Injury Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673.