If you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you don’t know how insurance companies calculate premiums, it can cost you much more than you may imagine. Motorcycle accidents are frequently very expensive to repair, and insurance companies will pick up most of the tab. When an accident like this happens, you may not feel like talking to your insurance agent or settling with your insurance company until everything has been settled. This means that you can be sued after an accident for a large sum of money. If this happens to you don’t have insurance, you might not have the financial means to pay for your injuries and repair costs.
Many times victims choose to fight back, even if they believe they are at fault, and this can result in huge legal fees and medical bills. Some cases have especially interesting twists and turns, as some plaintiffs decide to accept a small amount of money, even if they don’t win their original case. In other cases, the original defendant decides to offer a total motorcycle accident settlement, without ever having to go to court. In these cases, the plaintiff is responsible for paying the entire award, without a refund, since the original defendant was never sued.
The best way to avoid paying too much when you’re hit by another motorist is to be prepared. If you think you may have been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if there’s any evidence that the injury case you’re involved in is strong, call your attorney before you sign on with a jury verdict. The initial consultation will give you a good idea of the fees and potential jury verdict, but you should also get some advice on fighting the case. You may not want to admit to being partly at fault, so a knowledgeable attorney may advise you not to admit liability, as it will make the case worthless in court.
There are some factors in determining what the motorcycle accident settlement will be, such as how severe the injuries are, how long the rider is suffering, and the costs of the injuries. The judge will take these all into consideration, along with the testimony of witnesses. Even if the plaintiff files for a Workers’ Compensation claim, he or she may still receive a percentage of the settlement. This varies from state to state, so checking with a knowledgeable employee of the WRC or state workers’ compensation agency in your state may help you narrow down the options.
Some attorneys offer a free consultation, and others work on a contingency fee basis. Some law firms prefer an upfront settlement amount, while others work on a percentage basis. If you are in need of immediate cash, you may prefer to visit with a motorcycle accident settlement lawyer who prefers to negotiate a fixed amount of money without giving up any of your rights. You will have to provide the law firm with all the details of your injuries and the damages which you wish to receive. If you choose this option, make sure you tell the attorney about the settlement amount you expect as part of the fee.
Most motorcycle injury cases settle out of court, but there are cases where the case must go to trial. If a jury decides in your favor, you can receive additional compensation for lost wages and medical bills. If the judge rules in favor of the other party, you may also be awarded punitive damages, which can be particularly helpful if you were hit by someone who was uninsured. You can also receive compensation for pain and suffering, but the settlement amount will depend on how much the other driver’s insurance company is willing to settle for. In addition, if the other driver does not have health insurance, you can receive payments for lost wages as well as pain and suffering.