Motorcycle accidents can end terribly for all parties, especially if other vehicles are involved. Victims usually spend thousands of dollars on medical bills and vehicle repairs. Nonetheless, they must also deal with lost wages and terrible pain and suffering.
Moreover, anyone who gets in a Des Moines motorcycle accident must immediately contact reliable Iowa motorcycle injury attorneys and get a free initial consultation to fight their case.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The first thing that needs to be done after a motorcycle crash is to find out what caused it, as this is going to help determine who must pay for the losses of the victim. Moreover, the most common causes are the following.
A reckless or distracted driver may impact the motorcycle and cause the accident.
There could be roadway defects that cause motorcyclists to lose control of their vehicles.
The motorcycle may have a manufacturing defect that caused it to break in the middle of the road.
These cases have a different responsible party, which is why it is essential to correctly identify the cause of the accident. However, victims can file claims against several at-fault parties at once.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Usually, motor vehicle accidents cause extremely severe injuries to the biker, and in the worst-case scenario, it can result in wrongful death. Nonetheless, the most common non-fatal injuries include broken bones, brain injuries, loss of mobility, road rash, spinal cord injuries, and disability.
It is common to find permanent injuries in these accidents, but victims must also consider all psychological and emotional wounds they may suffer. This is why it is crucial to hire an experienced car accident attorney who can settle a full and fair compensation for their clients.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents
Most victims usually wonder how much money they can get from a motorcycle accident. This is going to depend on the direct losses they suffered, but the best advice to follow is to not accept the first amount the insurance company offers.
Nonetheless, to calculate an adequate compensation, they must consider all medical expenses, lost income sources, possible disabilities from spinal cord injuries, legal fees, and emotional and psychological damages. A motorcycle accident law firm in Des Moines IA can easily calculate all those factors when negotiating with the other party.
Accident victims deserve to get adequately compensated for their suffering, no matter how severe their case is. However, the best thing to do is to settle the claim instead of going to trial, so collecting as much evidence as possible and collaborating with the law firm in all needed procedures is crucial.
Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations
Some people may not be aware that there's a time limit in which they must file the claim against the at-fault party, or they may lose the opportunity to be compensated. Moreover, victims must file the claim within two years of the accident. Therefore, it is crucial to take action as soon as possible and contact a lawyer who can act fast to get properly compensated.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident can be pretty scary, especially if people get hurt. However, if all parties follow these simple steps, this process might be easier for everyone.
If possible, everyone involved should go somewhere safe close to the accident scene. Then, they must check if anyone has any identifiable injuries.
Then, they should move the vehicles away from the road to prevent causing more accidents.
Afterward, they need to call 911 and report the accident. An ambulance should also be called if required.
Both parties must exchange their insurance information, but they should abstain from admitting fault.
It is essential to document as much as possible, either through pictures or videos.
All injured motorcyclists must go to the hospital as soon as possible to get a professional review of their wounds.
Then, both parties must inform their insurance companies about the accident and file a report within 24 from the crash.
The victim must take care of their wounds and follow all the doctor's directions. Insurance companies usually claim that victims exacerbate their injuries if they fail to follow the doctor's directions.
Then, the victim can contact their attorney and give them all the information they gathered to help their case.
Finding the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Although finding a good motorcycle accident lawyer is crucial for winning the case, it isn't easy an easy job. Therefore, the following list has several tips that victims should follow to find the right law firm for them.
Getting a lawyer referred from other people in similar situations is usually the most reliable way to go. Nobody would recommend a bad lawyer, and knowing they have helped other people before is a fantastic way of getting to trust them.
Once the victim finds a lawyer, they must ask about their previous experience. The best-case scenario is to find someone who deals with these accidents every day. This usually means they know how to manage themselves with insurance companies and motorcycle injuries.
Nonetheless, it is also important to ask how much money they've won in previous settlements and if they've lost any cases. In addition, they should be willing to go to court for the case and fight until the end.
Another crucial aspect of hiring a lawyer is getting to know their fees. The standard fees of this industry range from 33% and 40% of the total settlement. Therefore, any lawyer who works within those ranges is a great choice.
Why Should Someone Get a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
In most cases, when victims don't have an attorney, the insurance company tends to offer just enough money to cover their medical bills and fix their bikes. However, with a lawyer, they are sure to get a much larger settlement, and they can enjoy their peace of mind knowing a professional is taking care of everything.
Other Waukee Practice Areas
Contact the Tom Fowler Law Firm
After a motorcycle accident, the best thing to do is find a professional motorcycle accident lawyer who can help the victim get the compensation they deserve and ease their suffering during the legal process.
Luckily, the Tom Fowler Law Firm offers a free initial consultation from highly-trained motorcycle accident lawyers to anyone who gets in a motorcycle crash.