What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do? A Detailed Overview

Motor vehicle accidents are exceptionally common in the United States, and if you ever end up suing someone, there’s a good chance it’s because of a car accident. However, not all motor vehicle cases are simple, and two types stand out enough to warrant their own specialized lawyers. Those are tractor-trailer accidents and motorcycle accidents.

You might be a little confused since they all include a vehicle, and the laws seem very similar, but there are unique legal challenges and standards that have to be dealt with, too.

We’re going to explain exactly what a motorcycle accident lawyer does and why it’s important to get that specialized help.

What is a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer and Why are They Different?

On the simplest level, a motorcycle lawyer is no different than any other car accident lawyer, and it all falls under personal injury law. So, what’s the difference?

Well, a motorcycle accident lawyer specializes specifically in accidents that involve a motorcycle.

Even though a motorcycle is a type of motor vehicle and suing people for hitting you is the same process as it is if you drive something else, certain factors have to be considered in motorcycle cases.

1: Difference in Driving Laws

While the majority of driving laws are the same for motorcycles, such as not speeding, cutting people off, or parking in fire lanes, there are some unique laws for motorcycles that can change the dynamic of the courtroom.

Motorcycles can drive side-by-side in one lane. Cars can’t. Motorcycle drivers also don’t have seatbelts, but they have other legal safety requirements they have to follow. Motorcycles are also affected by different road conditions differently, and there are different expectations for motorcycles than for cars.

These are details that need to be fully understood by the lawyer taking on your case, because they can play a huge part in who is liable for the accident.

2: Injuries Tend to Be Significant

Car accidents are common, but a good percentage of them are simple fender benders, and the biggest loss is financial. Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing, or even life-ending, even when they look very mundane.

You want a lawyer who fully understands the seriousness of even the most minor motorcycle accidents. That knowledge is going to help you get the full amount of compensation you deserve, and it helps the lawyer properly articulate to the court how serious the situation is.

3: Societal Bias

Motorcycle riders are sometimes treated unfairly. There’s a bias that claims motorcycle drivers cause their own accidents more often than not, that they’re reckless, and some people don’t like them being on the roads at all.

The legal system is supposed to be free of bias, but it can work its way into the courtroom, and you need a lawyer who is prepared to handle that.

What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do for You?

So, you’ve been in an accident, you want compensation, and you now know that you want a specialized motorcycle accident lawyer. What should you expect?

Motorcycle accident lawyers do a lot more than you probably expect.

1: Consultation and Case Evaluation

The first thing that happens is you speak to the lawyer about what happened. This is the consultation.

The lawyer will go over your side of the story and any available evidence, and they’ll decide if it’s a case that they want to take on. They’ll also inform you of how strong your case is and whether or not they recommend pursuing it.

It’s pretty common for initial consultations to be free with no strings attached. You’re just two people talking about your case, and one of you happens to be extremely educated in the legal process.

2: Investigate the Event and Gather Evidence

When the two of you have committed to pursuing the case, the next step is to start investigating what happened and gathering evidence to prove your case.

This is something that you and the lawyer do. Your testimony is evidence, and you might have evidence of your own to provide. Such as the names of witnesses at the scene, dash cam video, medical records, mechanic invoices, and more. The lawyer can also gather evidence from sources you don’t have access to.

They might be able to get footage from local security cameras, find details showing a history of reckless driving on the defendant’s record, or other things that you typically can’t get on your own.

A lawyer can also hire expert witnesses. These are highly-qualified professionals with skills relevant to the case, and they can explain things that strengthen your case. For example, doctors are often hired to come into the court and explain how injuries tend to impact someone’s life, how expensive those injuries are to treat, and more.

3: Help with Insurance and Resources

For the average person, getting into a motorcycle accident is much more than just a physical injury and a damaged bike. It means losing their job, missing their bills, getting massive bills from the hospital, and more. It’s too much for the average person to handle, even in the best condition. Let alone while they’re dealing with injuries and stress.

A motorcycle lawyer will help fight insurance companies to get you compensated as quickly as possible, guide you toward the right medical decisions to help your case and get better, and even point you toward resources that might help you through hardship.

4: Trial Representation

A lot of accident cases end in settlements. That means the defendant agrees to pay the plaintiff a portion of what they want without a fight, and in exchange, they pay less and sometimes get other benefits.

However, many cases do go to trial. Your lawyer will represent you in the courtroom and make that stressful process a lot easier. They’re also trained to navigate the courtroom effectively.

Get the Compensation You Deserve with Loutos Law

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation. Don’t handle this alone. Contact Loutos Law today.