If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you are likely overwhelmed by the aftermath of serious injuries, lost wages, and financial stress from mounting bills. You should not be financially responsible for an accident you did not cause, but getting a fair settlement may not be as straightforward as you hope. When you are overwhelmed and recovering from an accident, you need knowledgeable and experienced help when negotiating with insurance companies.

After the Accident: First Steps to Take

When you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Rossford, Ohio, knowing what not to do can be just as important as knowing what you should do. Your first priority is to seek medical attention, even if adrenaline is keeping you from feeling the full scope of your injuries.

motorcycle helmet on the ground after an accident in Rossford Ohio

Be careful not to say anything at the scene that can be interpreted as accepting fault for the accident. If you are asked to give a statement, let the first responders know that you need to prioritize medical attention and you will give your statement once you have been evaluated. Once you have received medical attention, prioritize speaking with an attorney before you talk to anyone else about a settlement. If you work with an attorney early in the process, they can assist you in gathering the appropriate evidence from the scene, documentation from the hospital, and an assessment of total damages. Be very careful about what you say, either in person or on social media, and trust your attorney to handle the aftermath of the accident while you focus on making a full physical recovery.

Recovering After a Motorcycle Accident

The recovery after a motorcycle accident can be long. Motorcycle accidents usually result in serious injuries for the rider. Some of the most common injuries include:

1. Soft Tissue Injuries

This includes injuries like bruises, lacerations, road rash, sprains and strains, and whiplash. Most motorcycle accident victims will have some degree of soft tissue injury, even if they were wearing protective gear at the time of the crash. These injuries may range from mild to severe and are often compounded by other injuries.

2. Broken Bones

Broken bones are also common after a motorcycle accident. In some cases, the stress on the bones can be so severe that crush injuries can occur. Compound fractures and crush injuries can require years of recovery, extensive reconstructive surgery, or even amputation.

3. Brain Injuries

Any head injury is severe. In many cases, wearing a helmet can protect riders from the worst head injuries, but in a serious motorcycle accident, brain injuries are still a risk. These can range from a mild concussion to a serious traumatic brain injury that can have lifelong consequences.

4. Spinal Cord Injuries

Trauma to the spinal cord can result from a hard hit to or penetration of the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can be temporary or permanent and vary in severity, but in worst cases, can cause lifelong paralysis.

It is important to always follow the advice of the medical professionals when recovering from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash. Following instructions and keeping up with therapy will not only aid in a speedy recovery, but will demonstrate to the insurance company that your injuries were serious and require a full coverage settlement.

What to Claim in Damages after a Motorcycle Accident

Most accident victims know that they can recover medical expenses and property damage after an accident. What many victims don’t consider is the long-term effect that a motorcycle accident can have on their quality of life. In addition to the immediate medical expenses, you can also claim anticipated future medical expenses related to your injuries from the accident. For example, if you require additional physical or psychological therapy, additional surgery or treatment, or ongoing medication, this should be part of your settlement. You are also entitled to claim lost wages, as well as loss of future earning potential, costs to compensate for pain and suffering, and damages that account for losing some of your quality of life.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident?

There is no requirement to hire an attorney after a motorcycle accident in Rossford, Ohio. Many motorcycle accident victims are hesitant to hire an attorney for several reasons, either because they feel the cost will only add to the their financial stress, they are confident that the evidence will speak for itself, or they are concerned that they may end up with an attorney who is just an “ambulance chaser” and put themselves in a worse position. In reality, none of these reasons outweigh the benefits of hiring a motorcycle accident attorney. In fact, by choosing to negotiate on your own, you may be putting your settlement at great risk. Negotiating with the insurance company can be very challenging, and insurance companies often try to take advantage of a victim’s inexperience and vulnerable position by offering far less than what they deserve. When you hire an attorney, you have someone experienced and knowledgeable who understands the complexities of negotiating a settlement, the tactics insurance companies will use, and the documentation and evidence needed to get you the compensation you deserve. By working on contingency, they will make sure your investment pays off.

Experience is Key When Selecting a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Rossford, Ohio

There are many options for motorcycle accident attorneys, and the last thing you need when recovering from an accident is to wade through advertisements from lawyers making unrealistic claims. When you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Rossford, Ohio, experience is key. Look for an attorney who has worked with many accident victims and has a proven track record of getting fair settlements. Your attorney should offer a free initial consultation where they share their proven legal process, outline their fee structure with full transparency, and provide testimonials from clients who have gone through the process successfully before.

A motorcycle accident can be devastating, but you can recover. Get the support you need to move through the aftermath with as little stress as possible so you can focus on healing. You don’t need to face the process alone. With a skilled and experienced attorney on your side, you can get the compensation you deserve. We know what you’re up against, and we fight for motorcycle accident victims’ rights. With our Fair & Square Fee Guarantee, we promise that your attorney fees will never exceed your net recovery. If you’re the victim of a motorcycle accident in Rossford, Ohio, please contact Arthur Law Firm right away (419) 782-9881 for a free consultation to discuss your case.