What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida, there are several ways a lawyer can help you. In fact, one of the best things you can do after being injured in an accident is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. From proving liability (i.e. who was at fault) to proving damages (i.e. how much you are entitled to recover), virtually every step in the process of recovering just compensation requires the knowledge and insights of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.

At Colling Gilbert Wright, our Orlando motorcycle accident lawyers understand the hardships faced by accident victims. You may be facing high medical bills, pain and suffering, and time away from your job. We are committed to helping you pursue the justice, lost wages, and compensation you deserve.

10 Ways a Motorcycle Lawyer Can Help After a Crash

So, what exactly does a motorcycle accident attorney do? When you hire an experienced lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will: 

1. Give You Advice

One of the first things a motorcycle accident lawyer will do is give you advice. Your lawyer will explain what you need to do, what you need to not do, and what you can expect over the next 24 to 48 hours. Your lawyer will also answer any questions you may have, and he or she will discuss the process of moving forward with legal representation. 

2. Conduct an Investigation

If you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will conduct an investigation. This will typically involve sending an investigator to the scene of the crash, hiring an expert to examine your motorcycle and the other motor vehicle (or vehicles) involved in the collision, and gathering evidence from a variety of other sources. The goal of this investigation is to determine the cause of the crash and identify the party (or parties) that are legally responsible. 

3. Deal with the Insurance Companies

In most cases, recovering just compensation for a motorcycle accident means dealing with the insurance companies. This can be a challenging task, and there are many pitfalls you need to avoid. Your lawyer will deal with the insurance companies for you so you don’t inadvertently say or do anything that could compromise your claim. 

4. Determine if You Have a “Third Party” Claim

In addition to pursuing claims against negligent drivers, injured motorcycle riders will often be able to pursue claims against other “third parties” as well. If you have a claim against your helmet or motorcycle manufacturer, for example, your lawyer can fight to make sure this company is held accountable. 

5. File Your Claims For You

Regardless of the claim (or claims) you have, you need to file your claims appropriately and on time. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will handle this for you as well. 

6. Advance the Costs of Pursuing Your Claim(s)

From investigator and expert witness fees to filing fees and court costs, there are a variety of costs involved in pursuing a motorcycle accident claim. Your lawyer will advance these costs so that you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket while you await the outcome of your claim(s). 

7. Negotiate On Your Behalf

If you are entitled to financial compensation for your motorcycle accident, it may be in your best interests to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. Negotiating with insurance adjusters and defense lawyers is not easy, and it is a task you will want to have an experienced lawyer handle on your behalf. 

8. Help You Avoid Settling for Too Little

When you settle a motorcycle accident claim, your claim is over. No matter how much (or how little) you accept, you can’t go back and ask for more. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you make informed decisions so that you don’t make the mistake of settling for too little. 

9. Go To Court if Necessary

If you do not receive an acceptable offer, you will need to go to court. This is a complicated and time-consuming process all on its own. In order to fight for just compensation at trial, you will need an experienced lawyer who is intimately familiar with the facts of your case—and your lawyer will need evidence of liability and damages to convince the judge or jury to rule in your favor. 

10. Give You Peace of Mind

Finally, a motorcycle accident lawyer can give you peace of mind. Rather than constantly wondering if you are doing the right thing, you can rest easy knowing that you have a skilled and proven advocate on your side.  

Speak with an Orlando Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida, we encourage you to contact us to learn more. For a free, no-obligation consultation at Colling Gilbert Wright, call (800) 766-1000 or tell us how we can reach you online today. We proudly serve clients in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and other areas in Florida.