Even if you ride your motorcycle responsibly and wear appropriate safety gear at all times, you are at constant risk of getting seriously hurt in a crash. Unfortunately, that risk comes mainly from the fact that many automobile drivers do not look out for motorcyclists the same way they do for people in cars. Even a minor mistake by someone in a sedan or SUV can lead to a collision with life-altering—if not life-threatening—consequences for a nearby motorcycle rider.
Just like people injured in traffic accidents involving only commuter cars, you have the right to seek help from a personal injury attorney and file suit if someone else’s negligence leads to you getting hurt in a motorcycle crash. If you want to effectively enforce that right and maximize your chances of obtaining the compensation you need, you need support from an experienced Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer who knows how to handle situations like yours.
While every motorcycle accident has its own unique set of circumstances, primary causes tend to involve other motorists who:
Every driver accepts an immense responsibility for the safety of everyone they share the road with, and this includes motorcyclists. An Albuquerque attorney could review a motorcycle accident case to determine the cause.
When you are on your bike, you lack the protective metal shell that your car affords. This means you experience the full impact generated in a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common injuries associated with these dangerous accidents include:
Many of these are classified as catastrophic injuries, which means they are life-altering.
In your motorcycle accident claim, your dedicated Albuquerque lawyer will skillfully pursue a settlement or court award that addresses your complete losses.
In a motorcycle accident, your bike could easily be totaled. You may have also suffered property damage that relates to anything you were carrying with you, such as electronic devices.
The medical expenses you face as a result of a motorcycle accident can mount quickly. They may also be ongoing, which only serves to amplify the overall financial loss.
If your injuries keep you off the job, you will likely experience a decline in earnings. If your career is affected, however, this category of loss will be that much more significant.
Being injured in a bike accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence is a terrifying experience that can lead to staggering physical pain and emotional distress. These consequences can intensify the impact of your other losses and may eclipse them in terms of overall scope.
The bottom line when it comes to motorcycle accident claims is that the involved insurance companies do everything they can to limit settlement amounts. One tactic is turning to a form of bias and stereotyping that is not uncommon.
The idea is that, because you ride a motorcycle, you do not take your own safety seriously enough or you engage in reckless behaviors on the road. Choosing to ride a motorcycle does not translate to being inherently unsafe in any way, but you can expect the insurance company to champion this stereotype.
Being aware of the biases working against you is important. You can trust your knowledgeable Albuquerque motorcycle accident attorney to effectively counteract them on your behalf.
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, there are several steps you should take in support of your recovery and your claim. To begin, you should seek immediate medical attention and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Early diagnosis and treatment are so closely associated with improved health outcomes that waiting to see a doctor is never advised.
Next up is consulting with a trusted motorcycle accident attorney in Albuquerque. They will skillfully negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and will smoothly guide you through the challenging legal intricacies ahead.
Everyone who operates any kind of motor vehicle on public roads has the same duty of care requiring them to obey applicable traffic rules, pay attention to their surroundings, and generally act responsibly while driving. If an automobile driver breaches their duty and directly causes injury to a motorcyclist, they can be held legally liable for losses stemming from that injury under the legal theory of negligence.
Importantly, motorcyclists who get hurt in wrecks like this can have percentages of comparative fault assigned to them if they contributed to causing their own injuries through reckless or careless actions. A court overseeing their civil claim could reduce the total amount of money available to them by that same percentage. This is one of many legal obstacles a skilled Albuquerque attorney could help navigate around during a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Legal counsel could also provide vital help with building and filing the strongest possible claim within three years of the date of a motorcycle wreck. New Mexico Statutes § 37-1-8 sets this filing deadline for most personal injury claims involving any kind of motor vehicle accident.
It is not always possible to wait until the full effects of a long-lasting injury become clear before filing suit over that injury, which can significantly complicate claims over wrecks, resulting in permanent and debilitating losses. Assistance from a knowledgeable motorcycle crash lawyer in Albuquerque can be even more crucial in situations like this. Legal counsel can help identify and estimate a fair financial value for expected future damages like long-term medical bills, lost working capacity, physical pain, and psychological distress.
Getting involved in a wreck while on your motorcycle is one of the most frightening experiences anyone can have on a public roadway. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most dangerous and impactful kinds of accident, both in terms of the injuries you may sustain and the financial losses those injuries may cause you in the future.
A seasoned Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyer’s guidance could proactively handle the aftermath of your wreck and protect your long-term best interests. Call our local firm today to learn more.
