Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Clayton

Name: Motorcycle Accidents
Brand: Pendergrass Law
Rating: 5 (5 reviews)

Nothing matches the freedom of riding a motorcycle, but accidents are always possible. If you’ve been in an accident caused by someone else, a motorcycle accident attorney in Clayton might be able to help.

Do you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Clayton?

When you’re on a motorcycle, you don’t have much protection. Even a seemingly small bump from another vehicle can result in catastrophic injuries. Many people injured in motorcycle or car accidents attempt to coordinate a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. That might seem like the right course of action, but talking to an insurance company without an attorney is not a good idea.

What causes motorcycle accidents?

Being a safety-conscious, defensive rider might reduce your chances of getting into a motorcycle accident. However, some factors are simply out of your control. Here are some of the most common reasons why even careful riders get into motorcycle crashes.

Poor Visibility: When it’s hard to see other cars on the road, it’s even harder to see motorcycles
Distracted Drivers: If a driver isn’t paying attention, it’s easy for them to hit a motorcyclist by mistake
Road Debris: Foreign objects in the road may cause your motorcycle to fall or flip, and in some cases, you might be able to file a claim against the local government
Speeding: The faster a car is going, the longer it takes to stop — speeding drivers might be more likely to hit you
Opening Car Doors: If a parked driver opens a car door right in your path, they can easily cause a crash

Both single-vehicle accidents and collisions have the potential to cause serious, life-altering injuries. In some cases, they can be fatal.

After a motorcycle accident

For insurance companies, the main goal is to pay out as little as possible. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf, increasing your chances of getting a respectable settlement. Contrary to what some people think, settlements aren’t just an attempt to capitalize on an unfortunate situation. After an accident, you’re left to contend with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. A settlement can give you financial security so you can focus your efforts on healing.

How a motorcycle accident attorney can help you

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Clayton as soon as possible. You should, of course, seek medical treatment first, but make sure you speak with an attorney before you speak with the insurance company! An attorney doesn’t automatically take your case. First, they will schedule a consultation with you to go over the facts. If the attorney thinks you have a good chance of winning your case, they’ll agree to represent you. Personal injury lawyers generally work on contingency, meaning you only pay them if you win. If you and your legal team win your case, you’ll generally receive a settlement. The amount of that settlement depends on the facts of your case, and it’s intended to compensate you for the following:

Pain and Suffering

You can’t put a dollar sign on the physical and emotional pain you suffer after an accident. But often, settlement decisions are based on the degree of suffering you experienced in order to compensate you accordingly. Some settlements also include what are known as “punitive damages.” These are additional funds meant to punish the responsible driver. They’re usually included if the at-fault driver’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious.

Lost Wages

Unless your injuries are very mild, you'll probably need to miss work while you heal. That leads to lost wages, which in turn can lead to significant financial difficulties. Settlements will usually include payment for wages you would have earned if you hadn’t been injured. In some cases, motorcycle accidents leave you with major injuries or medical conditions that reduce your earning potential for life. For example, if you worked a high-paying physical job before the accident and were forced to take a non-physical job that paid less, the settlement might compensate you for that difference.

Medical Expenses

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, the cost of medical care can add up quickly. You probably will need emergency care right after the accident. If you have ongoing medical issues as a result of the accident, your settlement might also include compensation for future medical care.

Need a motorcycle accident attorney in Clayton?

At Pendergrass Law, we believe in holding reckless and negligent drivers accountable. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else, you shouldn’t be left to handle the fallout alone. Our firm is committed to fighting for justice for injured people, and we’ve recovered $40 million and counting for our clients. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, we might be able to help. Contact us or schedule an appointment at our Clayton office at 41 S Main St, for a free case review!