As per the National Trauma Data Bank, over 20,000 road rash injury cases were documented in 2013 alone. This injury is common enough for every rider to be informed about. If you think that the role of an attorney in a road rash case is limited to just legal advice, then you’re seriously underestimating their value.
From navigating insurance laws to filing important documents on time and proving liability in a road rash case, attorneys are central figures in any attempt at seeking justice after a motorcycle accident. Keep reading to learn why consulting an attorney is paramount if you or someone you love has been badly injured due to another driver’s recklessness on the roads.
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Evaluating Your Road Rash-Related Damages
As a road rash injury victim, you can seek compensation for the full extent of the harm you’ve experienced.
An experienced lawyer evaluates your damages to determine the amount you can justifiably claim as compensation from the at-fault parties and insurance companies. A skilled lawyer can typically seek several categories of damages on your behalf.
Medical Expenses
Road rash, being a friction burn, may necessitate extensive medical treatment. You have the right to be compensated for not just your road rash injury but for other injuries and any health complications that arise because of them.
A lawyer can review the medical expenses you’ve already incurred and, if necessary, work with an expert to estimate the future costs you may face. The objective is to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the financial burden of managing your injuries, even if you require ongoing treatment.
Collecting Evidence to Support Your Claim
You cannot receive compensation for your road rash injury unless you have evidence to prove that someone is liable for it. A lawyer knows where to look and how to collect that evidence.
The evidence needed to support your claim for damages can take many forms. For instance, a lawyer may collect and review:
- Witness statements that provide firsthand accounts of the accident and how it happened
- Video footage and images from nearby security cameras, dash cameras, or witnesses’ phones that capture the accident and the scene
- A police accident report detailing the facts gathered by first responders at the scene
- Medical records illustrating the scope of your road rash injuries and treatments
- Bills, invoices, receipts, and other documentation of your accident-related expenses and financial losses
The sooner a lawyer can begin working on your behalf, the better the chances of gathering evidence beneficial to your case.
An accident can trigger coverage under multiple insurance policies, including yours and the at-fault driver’s. However, having a valid claim doesn’t mean insurance companies will automatically pay you what they owe.
An experienced accident lawyer knows all insurance companies’ tactics and strategies to avoid paying you fair compensation. By managing all insurance matters on your behalf, the lawyer can safeguard your interests and take the necessary steps to convince insurers to cover your losses to the maximum extent possible.
Guidance and Support During a Difficult Time
The period following a road rash injury in an accident can feel overwhelming for you and your loved ones. You might need help with where to turn for help or whom to trust for sound advice.
An experienced accident lawyer has guided many clients through the exact challenging times you now face and can be your trusted counselor and sounding board.
Conclusion
Those affected by road rash need to understand the role of an attorney and the nuances of liability in their particular case. With so many variables to consider, getting the right legal advice and representation is essential, as pursuing a successful case requires understanding the facts specific to your situation.
Regardless of how you ultimately decide to proceed with your road rash claim, hiring an experienced attorney who can prove liability is essential. An attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages caused by another person’s negligence.
If you find yourself confused or uncertain about how to move forward, contact an attorney for legal guidance and take proactive steps toward protecting your legal rights.
