Being in a motorcycle accident is one of the worst experiences that a rider can endure. In addition to the injuries and painful recovery, the victim will miss time from work and potentially be unable to return to the same earning potential as before the wreck. There is also the possibility of needing long-term care, suffering a disability, and having a decreased quality of life.
Serious accidents deserve serious legal representation. The right attorney will fight for the compensation you deserve so you can move forward with your life. Find out how the Buckeye, Arizona motorcycle crash attorneys of Gill Law Firm can serve you.
Understanding the Laws, Rules, and Procedures
One of the most obvious reasons to hire an attorney is to have someone who understands the statutes and court decisions surrounding personal injury law. It is the motorcycle accident victim’s responsibility, by filing and litigating a lawsuit, to prove that the driver or other party was somehow negligent in causing the wreck. However, there is more to a lawsuit than just knowing the substantive laws.
More specifically, there are various rules and procedures that govern lawsuits which all parties to a case must follow. These include rules of evidence, rules of civil procedure, discovery rules, and local court rules. A knowledgeable attorney will know how to use these rules to the benefit of the motorcycle accident victim’s case.
Conducting Negotiations and Mediation
Many motorcycle accident cases settle out of court through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, insurers are known for using various tactics that are designed to underpay or deny a victim’s claim. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer will stand up to the insurers and communicate with them on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.
A specific method to resolve your case in Arizona is mediation, a process by which a neutral third party mediator helps the parties to a lawsuit negotiate and reach a mutually agreeable settlement. You can have legal counsel present with you during mediation to explain the potential consequences of accepting a settlement offer versus going to trial. We help clients understand their options during mediation so they can make an informed decision.
Understanding the Value of Your Case
Motorcycle accident victims may be able to seek an array of legal damages, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage
Many of these account for future losses that a victim is likely to incur, for example to treat ongoing medical problems stemming from the accident. It’s important for a victim to understand that once a settlement agreement is signed or a jury verdict is returned, there will not be another chance to ask for more money. If your damages haven’t accounted for reasonably projected future losses, you will have to bear those on your own.
A skilled attorney knows how to value a motorcycle crash victim’s damages, including those that may arise later. For instance, a vocational expert witness can testify as to the impact of your injuries on your career and how much it may cost you in lost future benefits and income. Our firm has a reliable network of expert witnesses to help you win a fair and reasonable amount of compensation.
Taking Your Case to Court
Lastly, a motorcycle accident lawyer can take your case to court and advocate for you if a settlement cannot be reached with the defendant. Our firm understands each stage of litigation and how it affects the victim’s personal and financial future. We’re ready to take your case to court and make the strongest case for the most amount of money possible.
It begins by reaching out to the Buckeye, Arizona personal injury team at Gill Law Firm. Contact us today to begin your claim.