As you deal with the physical and emotional consequences of a motorcycle accident in Hastings, you’re likely wondering what steps to take next. You’re not alone. Motorcycle accidents can be devastating.
That’s where our experienced Hastings motorcycle accident lawyers at Anidjar & Levine come in. If you’re seeking a dedicated Hastings personal injury lawyer, we can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Hastings
One common cause of motorcycle accidents is excessive speed. You may be tempted to push the limits, especially on rural roads with higher speed limits. However, speeding reduces your reaction time and increases your stopping distance, making it more difficult to avoid accidents.
Another common cause is failure to yield or obey traffic laws. While you may be familiar with the rules of the road, other drivers may not be as aware. Be cautious when approaching intersections or merging with traffic, and always yield to pedestrians and other vehicles when necessary.
Furthermore, hazardous road conditions can also contribute to motorcycle accidents. Rural roads may be more prone to potholes, uneven surfaces, and lack of maintenance, which can affect your bike’s handling and braking. Be aware of your surroundings and adjust your riding accordingly.
Injuries Sustained in Hastings Motorcycle Crashes
When you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, you’re at risk of sustaining severe injuries. You may suffer head and neck injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and spinal cord damage, which can have long-term or even permanent effects on your quality of life. Here’s what to know:
Head and Neck Injuries
Riding a motorcycle without proper headgear puts you at risk of sustaining severe head and neck injuries in the event of an accident. Even with a helmet, you’re still vulnerable to serious harm. Head and neck injuries are often the most potentially life-threatening consequences of a motorcycle crash.
You may experience a range of head and neck injuries, including:
- Neck fractures: A broken neck can lead to paralysis, nerve damage, or even death.
- Concussion symptoms: These can include dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. Concussions can be challenging to diagnose and may have long-term effects on cognitive function.
- Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash, strains, and sprains can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and prolonged recovery times.
A Hastings motorcycle accident lawyer can help you handle the legal process and guarantee you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Road Rash and Burns
Road rash, also known as road burn, occurs when your skin scrapes against the pavement, causing friction burns, lacerations, and abrasions. Burns can range from first-degree to third-degree, with the latter being the most severe and potentially requiring skin grafts.
If you’ve suffered road rash and burns, you’ll likely experience significant pain, discomfort, and emotional distress. Pain management will be an important aspect of your treatment, and your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help alleviate your discomfort.
A Hastings Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Deal With Insurance Companies
When you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, you’ll likely interact with insurance companies, which can be a multifaceted and challenging process. You’ll need to negotiate fair settlements, handle insurance adjusters who may not have your best interests in mind, and uncover hidden policies that can impact your claim.
Negotiating Fair Settlements
You’ll need to employ negotiation tactics that take into account the insurance company’s motivations and limitations. Three considerations to keep in mind:
- Know the insurance company’s policy limits: Understanding the insurer’s policy limits will help you determine a realistic settlement range and avoid wasting time on unrealistic demands.
- Gather exhaustive evidence: Collecting thorough documentation of your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages will strengthen your claim and provide a solid foundation for negotiations.
- Be prepared to negotiate creatively: Think outside the box and consider alternative settlement structures, such as a lump-sum payment or a structured settlement, to maximize your compensation.
Handling Insurance Adjusters
As you handle the multifaceted process of seeking fair compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries, you’ll inevitably encounter insurance adjusters whose primary goal is to minimize the payout.
Adjusters may use tactics such as delaying or denying claims, making lowball offers, or requesting unnecessary documentation to wear you down. They may also try to shift the blame onto you or downplay the severity of your injuries.
To counter these strategies, it’s important to remain vigilant, organized, and informed. Keep detailed records of your interactions with the adjuster, including dates, times, and the specifics of your conversations.
Uncovering Hidden Policies
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you’re likely to encounter a web of insurance policies, each with its own set of coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
A thorough policy review and coverage analysis are important to identify potential sources of recovery. This involves:
- Examining policy language: Reviewing policy language to identify specific coverage provisions and exclusions that may impact your claim.
- Investigating additional coverage: Identifying additional coverage options, such as umbrella policies or excess coverage, that may provide further compensation.
A Hastings motorcycle accident lawyer can help you handle the multifaceted process of uncovering hidden policies and guarantee you receive the maximum compensation you warrant.
Proving Liability in Hastings Motorcycle Accidents
Most motorcycle accidents involve several factors, and determining liability can be a formidable task. As you handle the process of seeking compensation for your injuries, it’s important to understand how liability is proven in motorcycle accidents.
In many cases, proving liability involves applying various legal theories, such as negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will work to establish that the defendant’s actions or inactions were the direct cause of your injuries.
Expert testimony can also play a role in proving liability. Accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists can provide valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Their testimony can help establish the defendant’s liability and quantify the extent of your injuries.
Damages You May Be Entitled To in Hastings
Seeking compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries typically involves pursuing damages, which are monetary awards designed to make you whole again.
Economic damages are intended to compensate you for tangible financial losses resulting from the accident. These may include:
- Medical expenses: Past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost income: Wages and benefits lost due to time missed from work, as well as potential future earnings impacted by your injuries.
- Property damage: Compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other damaged property.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are designed to compensate you for intangible, quality-of-life losses. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact a Hastings Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A seasoned Hastings motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you in gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and advocating for fair compensation. By choosing Anidjar & Levine, you’ll have a dedicated team working on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
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