Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC helps people that have been injured in motorcycle accidents in Louisville. If you’re in one of these accidents, you probably have a lot of questions that need answered. While the process for getting financial help is the same, the circumstances around your motorcycle accident are going to play a huge part in how it plays out. Our team will be there to guide and support you, though. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
Will I Have to Go to Court to Get Damages After a Motorcycle Accident?
When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you can file an injury claim against whoever is responsible to recover financial support relating to your losses. To do this, you generally have two options:
- Filing an insurance claim outside of court
- Going to court by filing a lawsuit
You can choose whichever option you want, but usually, you start with an insurance claim and then go to court with a lawsuit if:
- The insurance company won’t offer you a fair settlement, where they lowball you or deny your claim altogether.
- The other driver disputes fault or tires to blame you for the accident, making it harder to get fair compensation.
- Your injuries are serious and require long-term medical care or leaves you disabled and not able to go back to work.
- The case is complicated because multiple people or companies are involved, which makes it harder to figure out who’s responsible.
Remember, the main goal of filing an injury claim is to recover “damages.” Your damages are going to be closely related to your motorcycle accident, but usually includes things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income from missed work
- Repair/replacement costs for your motorcycle or other gear
- Costs relating to your physical pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life damages
- Wrongful death expenses (in fatal accidents)
No matter what claim you decide to go with, you have to file it within one year of the date of the accident, as per Kentucky’s statute of limitations. But a huge factor in your claim–and the damages you can ultimately get–depends on what you do after the accident.
What Can You Do to Make Your Motorcycle Accident Claim Stronger?
Motorcycling can be an exhilarating experience, but the risk of serious accidents is always present, even at low speeds. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Louisville, it’s crucial to take steps to protect and strengthen your claim for damages. Here’s how you can safeguard your case:
- Call 911 – The first thing you need to do is to call 911. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked by EMTs on the scene. Some injuries might not be visible right away.
- Call the police – Make sure the 911 dispatcher notifies the police so they can respond, secure the scene, and gather necessary information from those involved.
- Exchange information – Get the contact, insurance, and vehicle details of the other parties involved in the accident. Don’t forget to collect witness contact information as well.
- Document the accident scene – Use your phone to take clear photos and videos of the scene, including the vehicles, your injuries, and any relevant surroundings.
- Report the accident to your insurance – Tell your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, providing them with accurate details about what happened.
- Keep all evidence – Hold onto medical bills, repair receipts, emails, and any other documents related to the accident. Avoid repairing your motorcycle or other damaged property until you receive advice.
- Be careful with statements – Limit your comments to the other driver’s insurance company. Keep statements simple, and don’t admit fault.
- Follow your treatment plan – Stick to your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments to make sure you get better.
By following these steps, you’ll help show how the accident has impacted your life, which is the main way you’re able to get financial support from the claims process. Remember, the more hurt you are, the harder it will be to take these steps. That’s where our team can step in and help you.
Louisville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help
After a motorcycle accident in Louisville, you may have the right to seek financial support–but getting the full amount you need for your injuries isn’t always easy. Insurance companies often try to pay less than what your case is truly worth, and a lawsuit can stretch out for longer periods of time, leaving you facing mounting medical bills and other losses.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can help you through this process by:
- Explaining your options
- Gathering medical records and other evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies and defense lawyers for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get better.