Why do I need a lawyer for a Motorcycle accident?
Motorcyclists are about five more times likely to be injured in an accident than passengers in a car. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, older riders appear to sustain more serious injuries than their younger counterparts. A motorcycle injury may affect you for the rest of your life. After an accident, you need a lawyer to protect your rights and see to your interests.
In New Jersey, your motorcycle policy does not carry personal injury protection (PIP) or medical expense benefits. You will have to use your health coverage. It is important to seek an attorney right away to ensure that the medical providers are properly billing the insurance companies.
Additionally, you may be entitled to monetary compensation from the other driver’s insurance. Many times, the other person’s insurance company will make a small settlement offer. We have seen clients come into our office with offers of $100, $500, and up to $1,000. If you take this money, you will not be able to seek further money. We have seen people actually take the money believing that they were simply accepting assistance in paying medical bills and that their claim for personal injury would go further later. This is incorrect. To ensure that you obtain maximum recovery, you should immediately talk to an attorney before you take any money. Accepting money before you are done with treatment is a huge mistake, so is accepting money before you talk to an attorney.
Especially in motorcycle accidents, police reports may lay all or some of the blame on the motorcyclist. Unfortunately, this fact is from an incorrect perception of motorcycle riders. An attorney can assist you in ensuring that the police report accurately reflects the statements of the parties at the scene and the happening of the accident. Furthermore, an attorney can help preserve the evidence that will be necessary for trial, should that necessity arise. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner you will know what your risks are.
It’s important to have the right information for your own case. While a lawyer cannot guarantee an outcome, a good one can tell you what your chances are about your settlement. Then, you can make a determination about what to do. Harrell, Smith & Williams of course offers you a free consultation. Additionally, if we agree to take your case, we do not have a fee unless we obtain money for you. There is simply no risk in consulting with an attorney. The benefits are clear. So call today to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.
