Enjoying the brisk air and scenery in North Carolina on a motorcycle can be a wonderful pastime. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents occur daily and in various weather and road conditions. Even when motorcyclists take safety precautions while riding, there is always a possibility that a negligent driver will collide with him or her.
Motorcycle accidents can result in minor bruises, life-altering, catastrophic injuries, or even death. Knowing what to do after you have been injured in a motorcycle accident can help you protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.
What to Do if You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle AccidentIf you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is vital that you move to a safe area if you can. Call 911 and request a paramedic and a police officer. Do not admit fault for the accident, even if you made a mistake. The shock of the accident can result in victims unintentionally admitting fault and hurting their compensation claim. If you are unsure how severely you are injured, do not say you are fine.
The best option is to seek medical attention and tell the doctor about your symptoms. Remember, symptoms may not present themselves until hours or even days after the motorcycle accident. Keep your medical doctor informed of all of your symptoms. You should also write down all the details you remember about the accident and how your injuries affect your daily life.
Submitting a Claim For CompensationAfter you have received medical attention, you should consider reaching out to an attorney. North Carolina has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. You must file your claim within the statute of limitations to maintain your ability to do so. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system while you recover.
One of the attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, can help you investigate your case, collect the evidence, and determine the cause of your accident. We will guide you through every step of the process and review any insurance settlement offers. We will also negotiate with the insurance company for the full amount of compensation you deserve.
What Happens After I File My Claim?Two main options for pursuing compensation after a motorcycle accident are an auto insurance claim and a personal injury lawsuit. When you work with Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we can help you determine the best strategy for recovering compensation. We can also help you submit an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. After you file a claim, your attorney can begin shooting with the defendant or the insurance company.
An essential aspect of pursuing compensation is determining the amount of damages you have suffered from the accident and the damages that will happen in the future. When necessary, we will work with financial and medical experts to determine the damages you will face in the future. Personal injury victims cannot pursue all of the following types of compensation:
During the negotiation process, the defendant or the insurance company may decide to settle your claim. A settlement guarantee you said she will recover compensation for your injuries but requires you to agree to drop the case and not pursue additional compensation. It is important that your settlement is valuable enough to cover all of your interests in the future because it will be your primary source of compensation for your injuries.
When a fair settlement is not possible, you may need to take your case to court and pursue litigation. During a trial, your attorney will present evidence, call experts, and present arguments about your case. Your case could still settle after you begin the trial. If it does not settle, the court will rule on your case. If you are successful, the court will award damages.
Schedule a Free Case EvaluationIf you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, you may be wondering what steps you should take next. The thought of pursuing compensation may be overwhelming, especially as you struggle to recover from your injuries. However, it is vital that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you need and deserve. Contact the skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.