What Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Include?
If you were wounded in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey and are wondering how the typical motorcycle accident settlement works, what you need, and what the compensation covers, we have answers for you. A settlement for a motorcycle crash covers both financial and non-financial losses.
Before you speak with the insurance company about filing a claim, you need Jersey City motorcycle accident attorneys who have a proven track record of handling motorcycle accident cases and settlements.
What To Do After You Have A Motorcycle Accident
Get Medical Attention
Your life matters most. If you have been in a motorbike accident, you should seek medical help right away. Get someone to call 911 or get yourself to a hospital if you can. Don’t play down your injuries; let the doctors assess you and judge the seriousness of the injury. Even if you don’t see or feel injuries right away, it’s still a good idea to get checked out by a doctor to ensure that there are no hidden or internal injuries.
Gather Evidence
You should try to gather as much information on the accident as possible. This is so you have sufficient evidence for your injury claims. If you can, take pictures and videos of the crash site. It is recommended to take photographs before removing your bike from the accident scene. Do this at a safe distance; if you are on a busy road, get yourself to a safe location first before you begin to take pictures.
Also, exchange information with everyone who was involved in the accident. Get their names, license plates, and vehicle information such as make, model,and year. Also get their cell phone numbers and home address. This holds true for any eyewitnesses as well. You want to have as much information as possible to provide to your attorney.
Get the cops involved
If there is serious bodily injury or your motorcycle is destroyed, either partially or totally, you are mandated to report to the police. In New Jersey, all accidents that involve more than $500 in damages must always be reported to the police. Ensure the cops arrive on the spot and file a report. In addition to this being a requirement, this is a good idea anyway. The police will take an accident report and make notes of what the scene looks like. This can help your attorney and your case in the future.
How Long Does It Take to Get Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident?
The duration of getting fair compensation for a motorcycle crash is determined by several factors, such as:
The Amount of Compensation Requested
Severe injuries from motorbike accidents may require extensive medical treatment and therapies. This costs money and time. Many more financial losses need to be calculated and documented, such as lost wages, property damage, specialized care, and other personal financial obligations that are affected by the accident.
In certain cases, the injuries are severe and permanent, making it impossible to gain employment in the future. Compensation for lost future wages is also possible. You and your attorneys need to keep track of all these bills, calculating the current losses and future expenditures. The lengthier the compensation list, the heavier the sum and the longer negotiations take to obtain a reasonable compensation sum.
The Number of People Involved
If the accident involved multiple drivers or riders, the settlement claim would involve a larger number of people. This means more attorneys, insurance companies, and individuals are involved in the case, resulting in multiple contacts and longer collaboration time. If the accident involved only one other driver, it could be way faster.
The Legal Process
A compensation claim can be settled by the individuals involved or through a lawsuit. If it is resolved out of court, it will typically be much faster than if it has to go to trial.
Although personal injury attorneys might obtain a better outcome by arguing your claim before a jury, court cases generally take significantly longer to resolve because it requires more paperwork, witness testimonies, and detailed legal arguments. There is also a risk of receiving nothing if things don’t go your way in court.
Contact Us Today
If you have been in a motorcycle accident and believe you are entitled to compensation, contact Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC today. We have been assisting victims in New Jersey since 1965. When you hire us, you can be certain that you are hiring a firm with the experience and resources necessary to fight your case and recover the compensation you deserve. Call (201) 636-1993 or contact us online to request a free consultation.