If you were recently injured in a California motorcycle accident, you might be wondering if you need to hire a lawyer to handle your case.
Although it is possible to handle a personal injury claim all on your own, working with a reputable attorney will substantially improve your odds of receiving the maximum amount of financial compensation.
After a motorcycle accident, there are multiple factors that could influence the outcome of your case and dictate whether or not you should put your claim in the hands of an experienced professional.
Generally speaking, if you only sustained bumps and bruises that didn’t require hospitalization or lead to long-term disabilities, you might not need to work with a lawyer. However, if you sustained a severe injury or a loved one was killed, you should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Costa Mesa as soon as possible.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Motorcycle accidents are usually traumatic events. It is not unusual for a victim to feel frightened and overwhelmed after being involved in one.
When you take into account medical expenses, lost income, and damage to your property, the monetary impacts of a motorcycle accident can add up quickly. Working with a skilled lawyer will help ensure that you understand your rights and are likely to receive full and just financial compensation for your accident-related damages.
What Factors Will Affect My Motorcycle Accident Case?
There are multiple factors that can have an impact on the results of your motorcycle accident case, such as:
Liability
California personal injury laws state that the party responsible for an accident is liable for the damages it caused. Unfortunately, determining liability is not always as straightforward as it seems. Insurance companies often attempt to blame the victim. An experienced motorcycle injury attorney will know how to build a convincing case and prove that you were not at fault for the crash.
Damages
The total amount of financial compensation you are ultimately entitled to will hinge on the severity of your injuries and the extent of the financial damages you incurred. A knowledgeable lawyer can accurately calculate your losses so you know exactly what your claim is worth.
Insurance Carriers
Insurance carriers are focused on their profit margins, not on making sure you are fairly compensated for your losses. A reputable attorney will always keep your best interests in mind while negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
When Should I Consider Hiring a Lawyer?
Even though it is plausible that you could handle a motorcycle accident case without any legal assistance, there are numerous scenarios in which it would be strongly recommended that you seek qualified legal representation, including:
Severe Injuries
If you sustained severe injuries during a motorcycle accident, then working with an attorney is crucial to the successful outcome of your case. An attorney can guide you through each stage of the legal process and make sure you receive the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries and damages.
Complicated Cases
If liability is not completely clear or multiple parties were involved in your accident, it is essential to work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer with a track record of handling complicated cases.
Disputes With the Insurance Company
If the insurance company is trying to deny your claim, refusing to offer you a fair settlement, or dragging its feet when it comes to paying out, an attorney can protect your rights and aggressively advocate on your behalf.
What Are the Advantages of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer After a Crash?
Working with a well-established lawyer offers several advantages to accident victims, such as:
Knowledge and Experience
Lawyers who specialize in motorcycle accident cases are familiar with the legal system and the various nuances of California personal injury law. They will use their experience and extensive knowledge to build the strongest case possible for you.
Larger Settlements
Multiple studies have established that personal injury victims who work with a lawyer receive settlements an average of three times greater than those who represent themselves.
Less Anxiety
Trying to navigate the legal system is extremely stressful, especially if you are recovering from serious motorcycle accident injuries. Working with a seasoned lawyer will ease some of the burden and let you rest and focus on healing.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Costa Mesa?
Most reputable California personal injury law firms operate on a contingency fee. This means you do not pay any money unless they win your case. Once that is achieved, your attorney will collect a previously agreed-upon percentage of your total settlement.
What Should I Look For When Choosing a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
When selecting a lawyer to represent you, you should look for one with a proven track record of success in managing motorcycle accident cases. You should also look for an attorney who is responsive, patient, communicative, and most importantly, makes you feel seen.
How Long Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Going to Take?
Personal injury cases do not take any predetermined length of time. How long it takes to resolve your case will be based on many different variables, such as the difficulty of the case, the degree of your injuries, and whether clear liability has been established. For a general frame of reference, the majority of personal injury cases take anywhere from several months to a year to resolve.
Will I Have to Go to Court to Receive Compensation?
In most cases, personal injury victims do not have to go to court. The majority of cases are settled by negotiating with the insurance provider. If an equitable settlement can’t be reached, however, it could become necessary to present your case in court.
What if I Am Still Unsure About Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Almost all personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation to prospective clients, so you risk nothing by scheduling a meeting and discussing your case with an attorney. During the meeting, they will review the facts of your accident and advice on the best way forward.
Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
It is entirely possible to deal with a motorcycle accident case without any help, however, working with a qualified attorney will vastly improve your odds of the maximum settlement award.
Regardless of if you were seriously injured or are embroiled in a heated dispute with an insurance company, an experienced attorney can give you invaluable support and advice throughout the personal injury process.
