Motorcycle Accident Claims
Texas motorcyclists take on serious risks every time they hit the road. With little protection in a collision, any type of accident can potentially lead to catastrophic injuries and a lifetime of health complications.
If you were the victim of an accident caused by someone else, you probably have several questions running through your mind: Who pays your medical bills? What mistakes should you avoid throughout proceedings? Do you need to hire a lawyer, or can you handle your claim by yourself?
Below are some of the most common questions about motorcycle claims:
1. What Type of Evidence Can Help Strengthen My Claim?
The success or failure of your case can often depend on the strength of the evidence you’ve gathered. As such, taking time to properly investigate the wreck and collect the necessary proof to corroborate your version of events could turn the tides in your favor. However, the types of evidence you will require will usually depend on the unique circumstances surrounding the accident.
Let’s look at a few kinds of proof that might play a role in your claim:
- Expert witness deposition
- Photographs of the vehicles involved, your injuries, and the accident scene itself
- Surveillance camera or dashcam footage
- The official accident report
- Black box data (if the accident involved a commercial vehicle)
- Eyewitness statements
2. How Long Will My Claim Take?
Unfortunately, there is no set timeline for personal injury claims as there are many factors that could change the course of proceedings. For instance, if there are multiple parties involved, they may contest how liability is apportioned, leading to disputes and delays that might prolong the claims process.
Alternatively, your attorney might advise you to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before initiating negotiations, potentially adding weeks, months, or even years to this timeline. Thankfully, a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can explain how your case might unfold and the types of challenges you are likely to face.
3. What Should I Do While My Claim Is Pending?
Once you’ve hired an attorney to oversee your case, you can let them handle the logistics while you focus on what matters most: your recovery. However, there are a few steps you can take that might help prevent disputes.
For instance, you should minimize your social media activity as your posts could be used as evidence to challenge your credibility. You should also make sure to follow your healthcare provider’s orders closely as any signs that you deviated from your treatment plan could result in the insurer asserting that you failed in your responsibilities to take sufficient steps to mitigate damages.
4. How Can an Attorney Assist with My Claim?
After an accident, you might be on the fence about whether or not to hire a lawyer to help with your claim—especially if your case seems relatively straightforward. However, even a seemingly simple case can start to fall apart under scrutiny, so it may be in your best interests to seek representation.
An attorney can not only investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim, but can also provide tenacious representation during settlement negotiations, litigation, and/or trial. He or she can also guide you through the claims process, advising you on common mistakes and how to mitigate them.
Discuss Your Case with a Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Were you hurt in an accident? At Hilliard Law, we understand the strain a serious injury can put on your emotional, physical, and financial well-being.
As such, we’re committed to helping accident victims seek justice in the wake of a collision, fighting tirelessly to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at (361) 882-1612 or send a message through our contact page HERE to request a free case assessment with a Texas motorcycle accident attorney.