A motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm understands the liability and negligence involved in motorcycle accident cases. You deserve a strong legal advocate on your side who will stand up to insurance companies. We serve motorcycle accident victims nationwide – if you cannot come to us, our lawyers can travel to you, no matter where you live in the United States.
You should not have to suffer financially from someone’s reckless behavior that caused your injuries and damages. Our motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency basis – you pay nothing out of pocket and nothing upfront. We are paid from a portion of the compensation that we successfully recover on your behalf.
Please call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 223-5115 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team.
Is It Worth Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Is It Worth Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists involved in a traffic accident have an 80 percent chance of injury or loss of life. Some drivers misjudge the distance between their vehicle and a motorcycle, often following too closely or changing lanes too abruptly. Motorcycle riders are often struck twice: once by the motorist and again when they are thrown to the pavement.
These injuries can place a tremendous financial burden on you or your loved ones. However, it is our experience that many people underestimate their damages, particularly those that include long-term care or emotional loss, such as pain and suffering.
It may be worthwhile for you to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to help you:
- Objectively assess your damages based upon your injuries and prognosis
- Secure testimony, evidence, and documentation to support your claim for damages
- Navigate the complexities of insurance claims and, if necessary, a personal injury lawsuit
We offer a free, no-obligation case review. You pay nothing upfront to have a motorcycle accident lawyer represent you. You also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your legal rights are protected. An attorney with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages while you focus on your health and well-being.
Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Minor Accident?
Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Minor Accident?
Unfortunately, most motorcycle accidents are not minor. Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe because motorcycles offer little protection from impact and debris. Although wearing a motorcycle helmet can reduce your risk of serious injury or death, they do not stop you from being propelled or ejected into an oncoming vehicle, roadway, tree, or guardrail.
Traumatic head injuries are just one type of injury common to motorcycle accidents. Other injuries that may occur include:
- Broken, crushed, or fractured bones
- Spinal cord and neck injuries
- Broken rib cage
- Internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations, burns, and “road rash” from the pavement
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may have weeks or months of rehabilitation and recovery ahead of you. You may not want to deal with an insurance adjuster or an attorney from the other party while you are recuperating.
What a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Do While You Are Recuperating
You may not feel well enough to take care of all the details necessary for pursuing compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer with our firm can take care of these tasks, including:
- Obtaining evidence
- Identifying liable parties
- Filing and managing an insurance claim
- Negotiating for the best possible outcome
Remember that an accident is never “minor” if it interferes in any way with your health, work, or family.
For a free legal consultation with a Motorcycle Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 223-5115
What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident?
What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident?
There are many factors that affect a settlement for a motorcycle accident. This makes it difficult to predict an “average” settlement.
Some of the contributing factors in a settlement include:
- Severity and extent of your injuries
- Liability and negligence laws in your state
- Insurance requirements and coverage per your state guidelines
- Value of your economic and emotional damages
- Maliciousness or extenuating circumstances of your accident
In our experience, a motorcycle accident settlement is also affected by the depth of detail and information provided in the claim. That is why it can be helpful to have a motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm by your side.
Proving Liability for a Settlement
All personal injury claims should contain proof of injury and damages. This proof may include:
- Photos, police reports, witness statements, and other evidence from the accident
- Medical tests, reports, and an evaluation from your healthcare provider
- Copies of bills and receipts for medical treatment, lost pay, property damage, and other specific expenses
- Valuation of emotional damages including pain and suffering, with supporting documentation
Depending on your state’s negligence, your damages may be reduced if you played a part in the accident. A motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will be familiar with your state’s guidelines and can help you understand how they could impact your compensation.
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What Damages Can I Collect for a Motorcycle Accident?
What Damages Can I Collect for a Motorcycle Accident?
Damages is the legal term for losses you experience because of your injuries.
Here are some common damages for a motorcycle accident:
- Medical care and treatment, including ambulance, emergency room care, surgery, hospitalization, tests and lab work, specialists, prescriptions, and mileage to and from your home to the doctor
- Lost pay and/or reduced earning ability because of your injuries
- Lifecare services
- Property damage including temporary transportation
- Pain and suffering
We believe that the liable party should pay for your treatment and other damages, not you. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation and justice.
Understanding Types of Damages
Most states allow you to pursue more than one type of damage for a personal injury. Here is a quick description of the two types of damages:
- Special damages are specific costs, such as a bill from the radiologist or other types of economic loss.
- General damages are more intangible and geared toward the emotional losses you have suffered, such as pain and suffering or loss of consortium.
While we cannot take away the pain of the accident, our team will do all we can to make you whole.
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Can I Sue Someone Personally After a Motorcycle Accident?
Can I Sue Someone Personally After a Motorcycle Accident?
You may have the option to sue someone personally after a motorcycle accident, but whether you need to sue is another matter.
That is why we recommend talking to a member of our team for a free consultation. Each case is different. While a motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is certainly capable of helping you sue someone, it may not be in your best interest.
Settlements Versus Verdicts
In our experience, many personal injury cases are successfully resolved with a settlement. In other words, you and the other party reach a mutual decision for compensation. It is usually an insurance settlement, and you are awarded an amount to cover your economic and emotional damages.
A verdict involves taking your case to court and usually, before a jury. While juries can be sympathetic and may award you more than what you asked, they may also award you less – or they may not find in your favor at all.
You should know:
- Most personal injury cases are successfully settled with an agreeable compromise on both parties.
- Settlements help you avoid the emotional and financial cost of going to court.
An attorney with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can negotiate a favorable settlement. To learn more about how our legal team may help you recover compensation, call (800) 223-5115 for a free consultation.
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Will My Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Deal with the Insurance Companies for Me?
Will My Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Deal with the Insurance Companies for Me?
Our lawyers can and will deal with the insurance company for you. There are several benefits for you when you choose an attorney to represent you and help with your claim:
- You may be under a doctor’s care, and it is not advisable for you to make legal decisions at this time.
- You may omit a detail or make an innocent remark that the insurance adjuster may try to use against you.
- You may feel pressured to accept a lowball offer.
As a nationwide law firm with key legal partners across the country, our lawyers understand your state’s liability and negligence laws. We can protect your rights and negotiate a favorable settlement.
Suggestions If You Must Talk to the Insurance Adjuster
We recommend that you politely decline to speak to an insurance adjuster until you have a chance to speak with an attorney. However, we realize that sometimes you cannot avoid the insurance company entirely.
In these situations, we suggest that you:
- Provide objective information only, such as the date and time of the accident and the make and model of your car.
- Decline to make a recorded statement; we advise that you wait and prepare a written statement when you feel better.
Remember, it is your right to hire a lawyer you trust to speak on your behalf.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Claim Take to Settle?
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Claim Take to Settle?
It is reasonable that an insurance company needs time to review your information. Ideally, you want to submit a claim for the insurance company that leaves you enough time to reach an acceptable settlement or for you to file a lawsuit.
Each state has its own deadline, or statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury lawsuit. A motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is familiar with the statute of limitations in your state. You want to have time to make an informed decision about recovering compensation.
Factors that Affect When Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Settled
There are several factors that can influence how long it takes to settle an insurance claim for a motorcycle accident. These include:
- The complexity of your case
- More than one liable party
- Serious dollar damages
- Insurance regulations and statutes
Your claim can be delayed by something as simple as omitting copies of bills. That is why many people prefer to have an attorney prepare, file, and manage their claim. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company. This may take time. It is in your best interest to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after any type of motorcycle accident to begin the claims process.
Do You Have to Go to Court for a Motorcycle Accident?
Do You Have to Go to Court for a Motorcycle Accident?
About 95 percent of all personal injury cases are settled without going to trial, according to Black’s Law Dictionary. Our lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm have successfully resolved many cases and recovered damages for clients without having to go to court.
If you have tried to negotiate with the insurance company on your own, it may be time to consult with an attorney. He or she can negotiate on your behalf. If the insurance company will not negotiate in good faith, you and your attorney can discuss the consequences of going to court. Most personal injury lawsuits begin as insurance claims that failed to be settled amicably.
Mediation and Arbitration
Sometimes a judge may order mediation or arbitration to try and settle a personal injury case without going to court. Mediation and arbitration may sound similar, but there are differences between them:
- Mediation involves both parties and a mediator, who is a neutral party that listens to both parties and attempts to influence a compromise.
- Arbitration consists of an arbitrator who listens to both party’s complaints and then makes a judgment based on these arguments.
Mediation is sometimes recommended for smaller claims. It does not replace or nullify your choice to go to court.
What Happens If the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Insurance?
What Happens If the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Insurance?
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), an estimated 13 percent of American drivers do not have auto insurance. Nearly all states require auto insurance of some sort, except for New Hampshire, although the state requires that motorists prove that they can cover liability costs.
If you are injured by a motorist who does not have insurance, recovering damages is more challenging. It is possible that:
- Your motorcycle insurance pays for your medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
- You have a specific uninsured motorist policy to cover your damages.
Depending on your injuries, you may exhaust your personal insurance coverage. When this happens, an attorney can help you recover additional damages from the insurance company.
Other Sources for Compensation
A motorcycle accident lawyer can identify all liable parties, which may include the at-fault party’s employer, family, or another motorist if your accident involved multiple vehicles.
If you were injured in an accident that was caused by a defective part, you could seek compensation from the manufacturer. Mechanical failure, recalled parts, or mistakes in the manufacturing process may be cause for you to seek damages from a third party.
Who Can Be Sued in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Who Can Be Sued in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
One of the many benefits of hiring a motorcycle accident attorney with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is that we have the resources to investigate your accident. We may identify multiple liable parties who could be held accountable for your injuries and damages.
Depending on the circumstances of your motorcycle accident, the following parties can be sued:
- The driver or operator of the vehicle that caused the accident
- The driver’s employer if the vehicle was being used for business, industrial, or commercial use at the time of the accident
- The leasing company if the vehicles were leased through a third party
- The manufacturer if the accident was caused by a defective part
A lawyer can carefully assess each party based on the type of liability, such as:
- Direct liability refers to the party or parties who directly caused your injuries.
- Vicarious liability refers to the party or parties who may be held accountable due to a relationship with the at-fault party, such as an employer who is responsible for an employee.
You could also be entitled to damages from a municipality that fails to maintain safe roads, such as fixing potholes, removing debris, or failing to post adequate signs and lane markings.
What Should I Do in the Days Following a Motorcycle Accident?
What Should I Do in the Days Following a Motorcycle Accident?
We encourage you to focus on your health and well-being in the days following a motorcycle accident. A motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can relieve you of the burden of pursuing recovery from the at-fault party. You should concentrate on feeling better and following your healthcare provider’s advice.
In addition to making your health a priority, our lawyers suggest that in the days after a motorcycle accident you:
- Write or record an account of everything you remember before, during, and after the accident.
- Keep all receipts, bills, and expenses related to the accident.
- Refrain from posting photos or comments about your accident on social media.
- Discuss your case only with your attorney in the privacy of your home, hospital, our office, or in a private telephone conversation.
While you focus on recovering from your injuries, a personal injury lawyer can:
- Gather evidence of liability.
- Valuate your damages.
- Communicate and negotiate with liable parties for you.
- Protect your rights.
We treat our clients with the respect, courtesy, and dignity that we would expect for our own family. You will be kept updated on the progress of your case, and we are never too busy to answer your questions. For a free case review with a team member, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 223-5115.
What Should I Do at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident?
What Should I Do at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident?
We understand that the first few moments after a motorcycle accident are chaotic and frightening. Here are some suggested actions when you are at the scene of a motorcycle accident:
- Your first action is to administer first aid until medical help arrives.
- You should also move your motorcycle out of traffic if possible.
- Stay clear from traffic on the shoulder or side of the road.
- If you have emergency flares, light them to alert law enforcement and paramedics to your location.
- Take pictures with your cell phone of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and the other vehicle(s).
- You can also use your phone to take pictures of the other party’s contact and insurance information.
No one expects you to be a superhero or do everything on this suggested list. Remember, one of the most important actions you can take to protect your rights after an accident is to call the office of a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Shock Is Common After an Accident
It is common for accident victims to go into shock from the trauma and pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the most visible symptoms that you or someone else may be in shock:
- Fast pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Skin feels cool and clammy
- Skin looks pale and ashen
- Fainting or feeling dizzy
Shock can be life-threatening if untreated. Call 9-1-1 immediately for medical care.
What Percentage Do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Take?
What Percentage Do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Take?
Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm help you recover damages on a contingency-fee-basis.
This means that our fees are paid from a portion of what we recover on your behalf:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- You pay nothing out of pocket.
- Your lawyer is paid from an agreed-upon portion of your financial compensation.
You retain most of the compensation that we obtain on your behalf. A member of our firm will make certain that you understand the terms and conditions of an attorney-client relationship before starting on your case.
Factors that Influence Contingency Percentage
We believe that everyone should have access to quality, affordable legal representation. A contingency fee helps ensure this access. The exact percentage for a case may depend on:
- The complexity of the case
- Time involved
- If consultants or experts are needed
- Court fees or other costs of doing business
Hiring a lawyer means that you do not have to take time away from work or family to take care of the many details in pursuing compensation. It also gives you time to recuperate from your injuries. Finally, paying a lawyer a percentage of the recovered compensation is often outweighed by the peace of mind clients feel by having a strong legal advocate by their side.
What Lawyer Deals with Motorcycle Accidents?
What Lawyer Deals with Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are considered personal injuries. Personal injury is an accident, injury, or illness that you suffer because of someone else’s negligence or omission. For example, if the other party ran a red light, your injuries are the result of the driver failing to obey traffic signals.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is a personal injury law firm that helps people who are injured, harmed, or disabled by another party.
Our lawyers accept many forms of motorcycle accidents, including:
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Drowsy driving accidents
- Reckless driving accidents
- Failing to yield accidents
- Mechanical failure or defective part accidents
- Road debris or hazard accidents
- Multiple vehicle accidents
You may be entitled to damages for such losses as medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering, and more.
Benefits of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
It is helpful to find a lawyer who has a deep understanding of the unique nature of motorcycle accidents. A lawyer with our firm can:
- Take an objective, thorough assessment of your injuries and damages.
- Offer a valuation of your damages.
- Guide you through your state’s specific liability and negligence laws.
Our firm offers a free, no-obligation case review at our office, your home, the hospital, or by telephone. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about our attorneys, services, and results.
What Can I Do to Protect My Rights After a Motorcycle Accident?
What Can I Do to Protect My Rights After a Motorcycle Accident?
One of the easiest and fastest ways to protect your rights after a motorcycle accident is to speak with a personal injury lawyer who accepts these cases. However, we know that you may not be able to call us right away if you were severely injured and taken from the accident scene to the hospital.
Until you can talk to a lawyer, please be sure to:
- Avoid making any statements to the insurance adjuster other than to confirm your name, address, make, and model of your motorcycle and your insurance information.
- Decline any invitations to talk to reporters if you are contacted by members of the press.
- Take pictures at the accident scene (if you are able) and get the telephone numbers of the involved parties and witnesses, if any.
- Stay off social media and certainly do not post any photos of the accident, tag or identify the other party, or make disparaging remarks about the other party.
A motorcycle accident is a civil matter that is often resolved without the need to go to court. However, you have the right to have an attorney of your choosing to speak and act on your behalf to the police, the insurance company, and to the court.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
We cannot speak for other law firms, but it costs you nothing upfront to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. We are paid our fee from a percentage of what we recover on your behalf.
It is often helpful to consider what you gain by hiring a motorcycle accident attorney:
- Free case review at your home, the hospital, our office, or by telephone
- Gather evidence and documentation of liability or wrongdoing by the other party
- Secure expert testimony on the likely cause of the accident, your injuries, and your prognosis
- Compile your receipts and expenses
- File, manage, and track your insurance claim
- Negotiate for the most favorable settlement
- Prepare your case for court if the other side will not negotiate in good faith
You should not have to deal with insurance adjusters or attorneys for the other party while you are injured or unwell. You see your healthcare provider for your injuries; maybe it is time to see a legal professional about recovering damages for your injuries.
Free Case Review and No Recovery, No Fee
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation and justice on a contingency basis – in other words, no recovery, no fee. There is no risk for you, so call the office of a motorcycle accident attorney today at (800) 223-5115.
How Much Should You Settle for After a Motorcycle Accident?
How Much Should You Settle for After a Motorcycle Accident?
Any settlement for injuries from a motorcycle accident is influenced by several factors, including:
- Your injuries: Generally, the more extensive or severe your injuries, the more likely you could be awarded a larger settlement.
- Your state statutes: Some states have a cap on certain types of damages, which could limit the amount of your settlement.
You should know that settlements often begin with the insurance adjuster making a lowball offer, a monetary amount that is not adequate for your injuries or damages. A motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can counter this offer and try to negotiate the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
Accurate Valuation of Damages Is Key to a Settlement
Although it is easy enough to add up bills for the emergency room, doctor, and other tangible costs, it is more complicated when you consider the emotional losses of your injuries.
For example:
- Will your injuries prevent you from returning to former activities, including your job and your family responsibilities?
- Will your injuries create a loss of companionship or consortium?
- Will your injuries result in long-term healthcare issues that diminish your quality of life?
In our experience, many accident victims do not have the resources to accurately assess the cost of their injuries without the guidance of an attorney.
How Much Is a Rear-End Motorcycle Accident Worth?
How Much Is a Rear-End Motorcycle Accident Worth?
As nationwide motorcycle accident lawyers, one of the first questions that clients ask is how much a rear-end collision is worth. Rear-end collisions are common, particularly in accidents that happen in busy, congested traffic.
However, our focus is not on how much other accident victims have recovered from a rear-end accident; it is on pursuing the maximum compensation for you and your loved ones. Each case is unique, and Pintas & Mullins Law Firm treats each client with personalized legal services that include:
- Securing evidence of liability or wrongdoing by the other party.
- Obtaining documentation of your injuries.
- Talking to your healthcare provider to gain a full understanding of how your injuries may impact your health, personal life, and earning potential.
- Valuating your damages from both an economic and an emotional perspective.
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
If we find that negotiations are fruitless and are unable to secure an acceptable settlement, it may be necessary to take the at-fault party to court.
Each state has its own statute of limitations. Your attorney can advise you of these time limits so that you may have ample opportunity to pursue all legal options for compensation.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge for Motorcycle Accident Claims?
How Much Do Lawyers Charge for Motorcycle Accident Claims?
We can only speak for our own firm, but a motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm charges you nothing upfront for legal services.
Our lawyers work on contingency – meaning our fee is contingent upon recovering compensation on your behalf. This arrangement allows us to help clients regardless of their financial situation. It also motivates us to do all we can to recover a favorable settlement.
We are paid from a percentage of what we successfully recover, but the majority of the recovered awards is for you and your family.
We Tackle Tough Cases
Our legal team has more than 50 years of combined legal service. We are not afraid to tackle complex cases or powerful defendants. No matter where you are in the United States, we can help you with motorcycle accident cases that involve:
- Cars and SUVs
- 18-wheeler tractor-trailer trucks
- Commercial vehicles
- Buses and motor coaches
- Uber and Lyft drivers
- Other motorcycles
- Road hazards and debris
- Manufacturer defects or faulty repairs
You do not have to go through a motorcycle accident claim on your own. A member of our team can take your call right now.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident?
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident?
Every state has a different deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident or other type of motor vehicle accident. This deadline is legally known as a statute of limitations.
There are several reasons why you, as the plaintiff or injured party, have a deadline on filing a lawsuit, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica:
- Evidence can become damaged or lost
- Witnesses’ memories become less accurate
- Witnesses are more difficult to interview (they have moved or, in some cases, died)
- Protects defendants from an indefinite window of opportunity for legal action
While there may be rare exceptions to the statute of limitations in your state, a personal injury lawsuit that is filed after the statute has expired will likely be dismissed by the court.
Our Lawyers Understand Deadlines
A motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will know the statute of limitations in your state to make sure that you have time to take legal action if necessary. We also know that you want closure to this traumatic event so that you may focus on your health, your loved ones, and your future. That is why the sooner you contact our firm, the sooner we may begin to work on your behalf for compensation and justice.
Can You Sue for a Motorcycle Rear-End Collision?
Can You Sue for a Motorcycle Rear-End Collision?
A motorcycle accident attorney can advise you about all your options to pursue compensation from the at-fault party, including filing a lawsuit (suing).
However, you may not need to sue for damages after a rear-end collision that was not your fault:
- Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in damages for our clients through settlements.
- Our legal team can prepare a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance.
- Some personal injury cases are resolved at a pretrial hearing or at mediation.
It is your right to pursue awards for damages for an accident that you did not cause. It is also your right to hire a lawyer to represent you to the insurance adjuster and to the court. Your best course of action may be to connect with a motorcycle accident lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to help you understand your rights.
Should You Settle or Sue?
Here are some key differences between an insurance settlement and a verdict:
- Accident claims that conclude with a settlement tend to be resolved more quickly than filing a lawsuit.
- Personal details about the case will be made public in court.
- Juries may decide to award you more than what you seek, or they may not.
You can have a strong legal advocate by your side whether your case involves an insurance settlement or a courtroom verdict.
When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
We encourage people who are injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. This is for several reasons, including:
- Evidence can erode, become lost, or may even be removed by the at-fault party.
- Witnesses can disappear.
- Witnesses’ memories are less accurate as time passes.
The most compelling reason for speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident is that your state has a statute of limitations. Your state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit, and any legal action after this deadline will likely be dismissed.
After You See Your Doctor, Speak with a Lawyer
Your first call after an accident is to your doctor or healthcare provider. However, we know from our years of practice that insurance companies tend to view any delay in filing a claim or a lawsuit as a reason to question the validity of your injuries or damages. Some states or insurance companies have a deadline on when you may file.
If you want a lawyer to help you through the complexities of an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, it is in your best interest to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
How Do I Find a Good Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
How Do I Find a Good Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
This may be the first time you have hired an attorney. There are many law firms that advertise on television, on the internet, and on billboards in your community. We encourage you to research a law firm and not base your decision on an advertisement or commercial.
Many of our new clients are referred to us by our existing clients. There is no better compliment a law firm can receive than to have earned the trust of those we serve. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is an award-winning firm with more than 50 combined years of legal service. We are proud to be the voice of many people who have been harmed by the negligent or malicious actions of another party.
Questions for a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer to help you pursue damages is a serious decision. Here are some ideas for questions in your initial meeting:
- Are you familiar with motorcycle accident cases?
- Do I have to pay upfront fees, or do you work on contingency?
- Have you tried many cases in court?
- Will my case be assigned to an attorney or to an assistant?
We invite you to learn more about our firm. For a free, no-obligation case review, call (800) 223-5115.
What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?
What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?
A motorcycle accident lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm performs many important services to help you recover compensation from the liable party.
These services may include:
- Obtain evidence such as police reports, videos or photos, witness statements, and any drug or alcohol tests performed on the other party.
- Gather documents such as receipts, credit card statements, bills, pay stubs, and other items that prove financial loss.
- Identify all potentially liable parties and communicate with them for you.
- Valuate your damages.
- File, manage, and negotiate with the insurance company.
- Prepare a case to trial if negotiations are fruitless.
Your rights will be protected throughout this process. A lawyer who is working on your behalf gives you the time you need to recover from your injuries.
We Stand Up to the Insurance Companies
Although many motorcycle accident cases are successfully resolved out of court, it is helpful to have an attorney negotiate on your behalf. Sometimes an insurance adjuster tries to deny, delay, or downplay the validity or amount of your damages. A motorcycle accident lawyer with our firm will use evidence, testimony, and documentation to stand up to such tactics.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most motorcycle accidents happen in urban traffic. However, there is a growing trend for more accidents on undivided, rural roadways.
In addition, many motorcycle accidents:
- Occur at night
- Occur at intersections or when the motorcycle or the other party is turning left
- Occur when drivers are intoxicated or driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medication
Motorcycle riders are 80 percent more likely to suffer serious injuries or death than drivers or passengers in automobiles.
Catastrophic Injuries Are More Likely
Motorcycle riders and passengers have little protection from the force of the impact. This makes catastrophic injuries more likely, and may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crushed or broken bones
- Disfiguring cuts and lacerations
- Internal bleeding and organ loss
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
If you suffered injuries due to someone’s negligence, you should not have to suffer financially. If your accident was caused by someone with a history of causing accidents, acting may also remove an unsafe driver from the road.
How Are Motorcycle Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
How Are Motorcycle Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents tend to result in more extensive injuries for the motorcycle rider and passenger. This leads to greater damages, sometimes in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of injury and length of medical care or treatment.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can identify liable parties and seek recovery for damages related to your accident injuries, including:
- Medical care and treatment
- Lost pay from missing work due to injury
- Domestic or lifecare services
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
In some instances, you may need long-term care or skilled nursing. An attorney with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can pursue additional damages for this care.
Motorcycle Accidents Are More Deadly
Motorcycle accident fatalities are 23 times greater than car accident fatalities, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Besides lacking the protection of a car, motorcycle riders do not have seat belts or airbags. While wearing a helmet and protective clothing can help, motorcycle riders are extremely vulnerable to serious injuries or death.
Leading factors in motorcycle accidents:
- Lack of experience by the motorcyclist
- Alcohol or drug use
- Motorists failing to yield
Motorcycles are lighter in weight and smaller in size. Drivers tend to underestimate the distance between their vehicles and motorcycles, making it more likely for motorcyclists to be run off the road or hit from behind.
Can You Sue for Wrongful Death in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Can You Sue for Wrongful Death in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
If your loved one dies from injuries caused by a motorcycle accident that was not his or her fault, you may be entitled to damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. You may be entitled to compensation for your loved one’s lost earnings, support, and emotional comfort.
An unexpected loss of a family member is hard enough without the emotional pain that another party might be responsible for. A lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can seek damages on your behalf so that you may focus on your family and loved ones.
Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
Some of the damages for a wrongful death claim might include:
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
- Your loved one’s medical care prior to passing
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of expected income based upon life expectancy given your loved one’s age, gender, and health at the time of passing
- Loss of inheritance, benefits, and other assets
- Loss of companionship and consortium
Each state has different rules regarding who may file a wrongful death claim. An attorney may file a lawsuit for surviving spouses, parents, and children. In some circumstances, siblings may also file a wrongful death suit if there are no other surviving family members.
How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Pain and suffering refer to the emotional and physical distress from an injury or illness. It is considered part of general damages that may be sought after a motorcycle accident.
It can be challenging to assign a value to pain and suffering in a motorcycle accident case. Sometimes, the insurance company or the court uses the “multiplier method.” According to the Sacramento County Public Law Library (SacLaw), pain and suffering is often valuated with a mathematical formula in which your other damages are multiplied by a factor from one to ten.
Typically, a higher number is used if you are severely injured, disabled, disfigured, or will need long-term medical and lifecare.
Examples of Pain and Suffering
A lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may seek awards for such types of pain and suffering as:
- Diminished quality of life
- Chronic physical pain
- Anger issues
- Anxiety including generalized anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts
- Insomnia, night terrors, or other sleep disturbances
- Loss of consortium or companionship
Each person reacts differently to the emotional and physical trauma of a motorcycle accident or from losing a loved one to this type of accident. If you lost a loved one due to a motorcycle accident, please call for a free case review at (800) 223-5115.
How Negligence Is Established in a Motorcycle Accident
How Negligence Is Established in a Motorcycle Accident
Most of the time, the at-fault party will not admit to causing the accident. That is when it may be time to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer who can determine liability.
There are certain elements that must be present to show liability, including:
- Establish that the other party owed you a duty of care to take reasonable measures to avoid the accident.
- Determine that the driver breached this duty of care in some way, such as speeding or driving while under the influence.
- Show that this breach of duty caused you to be injured.
- Prove that you have damages from these injuries in the form of medical expenses, lost pay, pain and suffering, and other losses.
A lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will obtain evidence with consideration to these elements of liability.
Types of Evidence Used to Show Liability
Our firm has the resources to investigate your accident and to secure evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Proof of your injuries including test results, X-rays, and a statement from your healthcare provider
- Proof of your economic and emotional damages, such as pay stubs, doctor bills, and expert testimony regarding your emotional or mental suffering
A reckless driver should be held accountable for your injuries and losses.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
There are motorcycle accidents that involve one party (for example, when the motorcyclist runs off the road or into an object), two parties, or more. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help after all types of accidents, including:
- Head-on collision in which the motorcyclist and the other party are traveling in opposite directions and collide with the front of their respective vehicles.
- Left-turn accidents when either the motorcyclist is struck from behind by a driver or a driver turns into the path of the motorcycle.
- Lane splitting accidents occur when motorcyclists try to maneuver between two lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction (lane splitting is illegal in most states).
- Rear-end collisions that occur when a driver follows a motorcycle too closely.
- Side-swipe accidents may occur when a driver does not check his or her blind spot for motorcyclists before changing lanes or making a turn.
- Road hazard accidents can be caused by a slick surface, potholes, debris, or an animal crossing the road.
- Defective parts can cause an accident, such as mechanical failure due to improperly designed or repaired parts.
A motorcycle accident lawyer will fight for compensation for an accident that was not your fault. We are here to help with motorcycle accidents that involve cars, trucks, buses, and other motorcycles.
What Do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Do?
What Do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Do?
A motorcycle accident lawyer has a thorough understanding of your state’s negligence and liability laws and can:
- Assess your injuries and damages.
- Interview witnesses.
- Review police reports.
- Request videos or photos of the accident.
- Valuate your damages.
- Submit a claim to the insurance company.
- Negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
- Protect your rights.
An attorney with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm gives you peace of mind because he or she takes care of the many details involved in seeking compensation.
Recover Damages on Your Behalf
You pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket for our lawyers to help recover damages for your losses. If the other party does not negotiate in good faith, you and your attorney can discuss filing a lawsuit. Either way, you will not have to worry about dealing with insurance adjusters or the other party’s lawyer when you have a strong legal advocate by your side.
Can I Seek Compensation for a Motorcycle Road Rash Injury in South Carolina?
Can I Seek Compensation for a Motorcycle Road Rash Injury in South Carolina?
Road rash – large, deep skin abrasions – are a common and painful injury for motorcycle accident victims. The impact and momentum from the accident can literally peel away layers of skin, making it more vulnerable to infection.
A lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you recover compensation for road rash and other types of injuries, such as:
- Concussion
- Whiplash
- Broken or fractured bones
- Sprains or tears in soft tissue
- Spine and back injuries
- Hand and wrist injuries
- Displaced shoulders
The Mayo Clinic advises that motorcyclists who suffer road rash should watch for warning signs of infection, such as:
- The wound worsens or does not appear to heal despite several days of proper care, or has pus or drainage
- Pain worsens
- The wound remains warm, swollen, or red
- Fever
Untreated infections can quickly become critical. Get medical help immediately for road rash that becomes worse with time.
Call for a Free Case Review Today
You did not ask to be injured in a motorcycle accident, but you can ask for help from a professional. A motorcycle accident lawyer will fight for compensation and justice so that you may focus on resting, recovery, and spending time with your loved ones.
Our legal team is here to protect your rights, identify liable parties, and pursue damages. We work on a contingency basis, so you do not have to pay upfront fees or out-of-pocket fees. Our lawyers are paid from a percentage of what we recover for you – no recovery, no fee.
Please call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to learn more about our award-winning legal team. We offer free consultations at your home, the hospital, or by telephone. You are not alone after a motorcycle accident. Call the office of a motorcycle accident lawyer today at (800) 223-5115.
Call or text (800) 223-5115 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form