For victims of motorcycle accidents, there are many forms of compensation available. These include monetary damages for out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
A knowledgeable motorcycle injury lawyer can bolster your personal injury claims against insurance companies by adeptly maneuvering through legal procedures and negotiating efficiently with the insurance firms. Contact Salt Lake City Motorcycle Injury Lawyer for professional help.
The days, weeks, and months following a motorcycle accident can be harrowing. Often, victims have to deal with excruciatingly painful injuries that cause them to lose work and income. In addition, they are likely to have expensive medical bills and property damage that can add up quickly. Unfortunately, most insurance companies won’t offer victims the compensation they deserve for their losses.
A skilled attorney can ensure that victims are compensated for all of their losses. They can file a claim against multiple parties that may be responsible for the crash including insurance policies of at-fault drivers, construction companies that caused road hazards, and even governmental agencies that are responsible for maintaining roads. They will also be able to determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault, which is necessary for pursuing full compensation for a victim’s losses.
When determining what a victim should receive in compensation, their attorney will take into account many factors such as the severity of their injuries, the extent of their financial and property damages, and the length of time they’ll be out of work due to their injuries. In addition, they’ll consider whether a victim is expected to experience any permanent impairments or disabilities.
After assessing a victim’s losses, the attorney will develop a strategy for seeking maximum compensation. This can involve filing a police limits demand against the at-fault driver’s liability policy to begin settlement negotiations.
During settlement negotiations, the lawyer will be ready to present any evidence they believe will strengthen their client’s case. This can include documents such as receipts for medical expenses, notes from doctors or other providers, proof of lost income, and any proof of property damage. They’ll also be prepared to counter any offers the at-fault party makes that don’t fully reflect a victim’s total losses.
In some cases, the actions of an at-fault party are so shocking that standard forms of compensation aren’t enough to adequately cover a victim’s losses. In such situations, an experienced attorney can pursue additional compensation in the form of punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault party and serve as an example to others who might engage in similar behavior.
Insurance Negotiations
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be devastating, especially if your injuries are serious. Besides the physical pain and emotional trauma, victims often have to deal with hefty medical bills and a prolonged hiatus from work. As a result, many turn to insurance companies for help. However, navigating the claims process can be a nightmare. Unfortunately, most laypersons don’t have the legal experience or knowledge necessary to fight for a fair settlement. As a result, they may unknowingly settle for less than their case is worth. Thankfully, an experienced lawyer can prevent this from happening.
During the claims process, an attorney will handle all communications with insurance representatives. This way, you can focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track. Additionally, an attorney will ensure that all essential documents are filed promptly and correctly. This includes securing a police report that serves as an impartial account of the accident, compiling all medical records related to your injuries, and compiling evidence of any financial losses you’ve incurred.
When it comes time to negotiate a settlement, an attorney can counter low offers by providing evidence that your claim is legitimate. They can also review previous settlements for similar accidents to determine if an offer is fair. Finally, an attorney can also consider the possibility of shared fault when calculating compensation amounts.
Insurance companies are notorious for using various tactics to minimize their payouts. They might delay the process, question the severity of your injuries, or even attempt to get you to sign a statement that forces you to accept an unfair offer. Thankfully, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can handle these and other tactics effectively.
In the end, it’s important to understand that accepting a final settlement closes all future compensation claims. So, it’s critical to approach this stage with a clear strategy that accounts for current and future losses and a firm understanding of average compensation values in your area. With an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer by your side, this can be accomplished without any stress or frustration. The team at Rheingold, Giuffra, Ruffo & Plotkin LLP is ready to assist you.
Subrogation Actions
For those injured in motorcycle accidents, there is much more to a claim than the cost of medical bills and lost wages. A successful injury claim also includes compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, and other non-tangible losses. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will assist you in assembling the evidence necessary to prove the full extent of your damages. This will include receipts for any expenses related to the crash, notes about lifestyle changes caused by your injuries, and expert witness testimony where appropriate.
The legal process of subrogation is the right of your insurance company to recover payments they have paid on your behalf, either from the at-fault party or their insurer. This can include both your health and auto insurance, as well as any other coverage you may have, including uninsured/underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) and property damage.
Subrogation essentially means “stepping into someone else’s shoes.” Your insurance company will be reimbursed by the at-fault party or their insurer for any money they have fronted you, which will reduce your total payout from a settlement or verdict. The goal of subrogation is to prevent the insured from profiting more than what they are owed in the aftermath of an accident, which is why many policies include a subrogation clause.
Our legal team assists insurance companies in pursuing subrogation against negligent parties for the payment of claims they have made on their insureds’ behalf. This includes pursuing recovery for medical payment coverage (MPC), which can be quite complex and involves reimbursement from a third party. We work to resolve these matters as quickly and cost-effectively as possible while remaining ready for litigation when necessary.
As a client, you may be asked to sign a release of subrogation rights as part of your claim. Our attorneys can review this document before you sign, helping you understand what it means and ensuring that you are not agreeing to waive any rights that you should have. This is particularly important for UM/UIM and property damage cases where an open release could result in a loss of any future compensation you might be entitled to.
Trial Representation
Whether they ride for work or enjoy the exhilarating experience of the open road, motorcyclists face many of the same risks as drivers of passenger cars and trucks. Without the protective barrier of steel frames and seat belts, they are vulnerable to severe injuries from even low-speed accidents. This is why motorcycle accident lawyers are more than courtroom advocates; they are stalwart defenders of their clients’ rights and well-being.
When insurance companies refuse to offer a reasonable settlement for your claim, it may be necessary to take your case to trial. A lawyer with substantial trial experience has the judgment required to evaluate the stakes in your case accurately and can provide you with clear advice on whether pursuing a trial or accepting a settlement is in your best interests.
During trial, your attorney will present evidence and testimony from experts to prove the defendant’s liability and the extent of your damages. In opening statements, your attorney will explain to the jury or judge how the accident occurred and why the defendant is liable for your losses. They will also summarize the damages you are seeking, which include compensation for the following:
Medical expenses: including emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatments. Lost income: compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity. Pain and suffering: compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of your injuries. Property damage: reimbursement for repair or replacement of your bike and any other personal property damaged in the accident. In cases involving gross negligence, your lawyer will also seek punitive damages to punish the negligent party and discourage similar behavior in the future.
When a trial is imminent, your attorney will gather all documentation, records, and evidence related to your case and prepare it for presentation at the courthouse. They will work closely with a network of experts, such as accident reconstructionists, physicians, and vocational specialists, to strengthen your case. This network of resources can significantly increase your odds of securing a fair settlement offer or winning a trial verdict in your favor. In addition, your lawyer’s willingness to fight in trial sends a strong message to insurance companies that they are not afraid to take the case all the way to the judge and jury.