Getting into a motorcycle accident can turn your life upside down. Medical bills pile up, insurance companies play hardball, and you’re left wondering if you’ll ever get the compensation you deserve. But this is where an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer steps in to fight for you.
Many accident victims settle for much less than they should, simply because they don’t have the proper legal guidance. They somehow take it for granted that with the right lawyer, things can change dramatically.
Here are 5 ways hiring a skilled attorney can boost your settlement:
1. They Know How to Value Your Claim Properly
Most people don’t realize how much their case is truly worth. Being injured in an accident is not just about medical bills but also lost wages, future treatment, and even emotional distress. Insurance companies will lowball you, hoping you’ll take a quick payout. A good number of accident victims actually take their initial offer because “a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.”
However, a lawyer knows how to calculate every penny you’re owed. They use expert opinions, medical records, and legal knowledge to make sure you’re not shortchanged.
2. They Handle the Insurance Companies for You
Dealing with insurance adjusters is no walk in the park. They aim to pay you as little as possible and have plenty of tricks up their sleeves. A lawyer steps in to negotiate on your behalf, ensuring the insurer doesn’t take advantage of you. In fact, studies show that people with legal representation often receive higher settlements than those who go it alone.
3. They Gather the Right Evidence to Strengthen Your Case
The stronger your case, the bigger your settlement. But gathering solid evidence isn’t as easy as it sounds. A skilled attorney will collect accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and even surveillance footage if necessary.
Additionally, they may work with accident reconstruction experts to prove the other party’s fault. Without proper evidence, the insurance company can argue that you were partly to blame, which could lower your compensation.
4. They Can Take Your Case to Court if Needed
Most motorcycle accident cases are settled outside of court, but not all. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, an attorney can take your case to trial. This puts pressure on the insurer to reconsider their offer because they know they might lose in court. On top of that, having a lawyer ready to fight in court signals that you mean business, which often leads to better settlement offers.
5. They Know New York’s Laws Inside and Out
Motorcycle accidents in New York involve complex legal rules, and one small mistake can hurt your case. A lawyer understands these laws and ensures everything is filed correctly and on time. Moreover, New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partly at fault.
An attorney will fight to minimize any claims that you were responsible for the accident, keeping your settlement as high as possible.
Wrapping It Up
Believe it or not, trying to handle your claim alone could cost you thousands of dollars in lost compensation. Insurance companies are not on your side, and without the right legal help, you might settle for far less than you deserve. If you’ve been injured, hiring an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer could be your smartest financial decision.