Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Tucson, Arizona?

Were you recently injured in a motorcycle accident in Tucson, AZ? If so, the days and weeks immediately following the crash are incredibly important. You need to take this time to heal your mind and body, recover from the trauma, and put plans in place to prepare your claim. 

All of these steps can be incredibly taxing, as well as confusing and difficult to navigate. A local motorcycle accident attorney can help you work through it all. Not only will they make the administrative part of the process easier to follow, but they can also fight for your rights, represent your best interests, and work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Still on the fence about hiring one? Today, we’re sharing a few of the most important reasons why you need a legal team by your side on this important journey. 

Understand Accident-Specific Laws

There are many laws that govern the roadways and highways of Tucson, AZ. There are also laws that apply directly to motorcyclists. When an accident happens, it’s usually because at least one person broke at least one of those laws. 

These details can make all the difference in your claim, but it can be difficult to understand them. Legal forms are usually full of complex jargon and it’s hard to know what the law even says, much less if it applies to your claim.

When you hire a lawyer, you know you’ll get expert, professional advice from someone who knows the local law like the back of their hand. They’ll be able to explain which rules were broken during the incident, and how that could affect the outcome of your claim. 

Prove Negligence

Again, if you can prove that the other party was breaking a law or acting negligently in any way in the moments leading up to the accident, those details could strengthen your case. 

Arizona follows comparative negligence laws. This means that as an injured party, you are allowed to recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for the incident in question. Specifically, you could get a payout even if you are responsible for up to 99% of the accident!

The key is to be able to clearly show that the other party also acted negligently on the road. 

Your lawyer will comb through all of the evidence to learn exactly what happened. They’ll speak to witnesses and record your version of events. Together, all of this information will help them determine who was at fault, and how they need to proceed.

It can be nearly impossible to prove negligence on your own. Your details of the accident might be fuzzy, or you might not be able to remember anything at all. Even if you can remember, it can be difficult to piece together concrete evidence to prove your point. 

Lawyers have access to resources that can help them prove negligence and fault in a convincing, accurate way. This is a resource you’ll need on your side, especially if you were partially responsible for the crash. 

Work With a Team of Experts

When you hire an attorney to represent your motorcycle accident case, you’ll gain access to a team of local experts who can help you with your case. Not only will you be able to work with the attorneys at the firm, but they can also connect you with other people who have the knowledge you need. 

For instance, this might include an accident reconstruction expert. This person will use details from the crash scene to essentially recreate the accident on a smaller scale. If your case goes to court, they can use this reconstruction to show the jury exactly what happened, and who was at fault. 

Collect Evidence and Interview Witnesses

There is so much information contained in physical evidence and witness interviews. Yet, unless someone takes the initiative to go through these details, they can easily get missed. 

As a victim recovering from the accident, you might not have the time or energy to comb through the various reports and mine them for key insights. However, your lawyer does. 

They’ll take a closer look at all of the pictures and videos that were taken of the crash scene. They’ll also read any key witness interviews contained in the police report. They will even contact those witnesses to learn more about what they saw and what really happened. 

Never assume that the information in the police report is all there is to the story. If you have any questions or doubts about the version you’re reading on paper, your first step should be to search “motorcycle accident lawyer near me” online. When you find a local, reputable law firm you can trust, you know that the whole truth will always prevail.

Interface With Medical Professionals

As your attorney works to build your case, they’ll need an accurate and up-to-date understanding of all of your medical issues. Even if you only had minor cuts or bruises, those details are important to your claim. 

Your lawyer can reach out to your physician to learn the full extent of your injuries. They’ll also get information on how you’ve healed since the accident, and what you can expect moving forward.

If you’ll require months or even years of therapy, your lawyer needs to know that so they can relay the information to the insurance agency. The compensation you receive should be substantial enough to cover all of your required medical needs, and they’ll fight to make sure it is. 

Communicate With the Insurance Agent

When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, one of the first things you’ll do is reach out to your insurance agent. However, it’s best to do this in the presence of your lawyer or to let your lawyer take care of the call in the first place. 

Why? 

Insurance companies aren’t exactly out to make money. If they can pay you a low settlement that they know you won’t contest, they come out on top. They know that most people aren’t familiar enough with legal claims to know an unfair payout when they see it. 

Your lawyer does know what your payout should be. They’ll work with your insurance agent, as well as the other party’s insurance agent, to ensure you receive the full compensation that you’re due. 

If you cannot reach a fair settlement, they’re even prepared to take your claim all the way to court. While you could technically represent yourself, it’s much easier and more effective to have a lawyer by your side through the entire process.

Identify the Full Extent of Damages

One issue that will come up during your claim is that of property damage. You might have taken pictures and videos of your motorcycle right after the accident, assuming that was all there was to it. 

However, your lawyer can see the bigger picture and use those details to help you. 

Even if the accident was minor and your bike was just scratched or dinged a little, think about how often you’ve taken it to the shop in the time since. Small impacts can lead to major damage, and could even make your motorcycle unsafe to ride. 

Your lawyer won’t take the damage at face value. They’ll talk with you and look at your motorcycle to understand all of the costs that you’ve incurred. Then, they’ll make sure your compensation is robust enough to cover all of it. 

Explain All of Your Concerns

There are many moving parts to a motorcycle accident claim. With so much going on, you might feel as though your voice and opinions aren’t being heard. 

Your lawyer will take the time to listen intently to everything you have to say, no matter how small or insignificant you think the detail might be. When you first meet together, they’ll ask to hear your side of the story. They’ll go through all the notes you’ve taken up to that point, and discuss any questions you might have. 

From that point onward, you can rest assured that you always have someone in your corner. Not only will your lawyer listen to you, but they’ll also explain everything they’re doing along the way. From the paperwork they’re filing to the people they’re calling, you’ll always be in the know. 

Put a Value on Your Pain and Suffering

Did you know that a motorcycle accident can lead to more than physical injuries and property damages? There could also be an emotional component to your trauma that you need to consider. 

Maybe you’ve been having nightmares since the accident or experiencing extreme fear any time you think of getting back on the road. Or, you could be suffering from debilitating depression, anxiety, or any other type of mental health struggle. 

While you can put a price tag on your therapy bills, there are parts of your pain and suffering that might be considered to be non-economic damages. This means there isn’t a monetary value associated with them, yet they still matter.

Your lawyer will talk to you to understand exactly what you’ve been going through. Then, they’ll make sure your compensation includes coverage for all of your distress, not just the measurable doctor’s visits. 

Decide When to Settle

There may come a time during negotiations with your insurance agent when you’ll need to decide if the settlement they’re offering you is one you’re willing to accept.

Without a lawyer, you might not know what to do. Should you take the money and move on? Or, should you fight for your case and take it all the way to court, where you could wind up losing money?

This isn’t a decision that most people know how to navigate on their own. When you can consult with a lawyer, the answer becomes a little clearer. They’ll look at the amount subjectively, and help you make an informed decision on whether or not to accept. 

As they evaluate the offer, they’ll consider all of the factors that go into accepting it, including:

• The amount of the offer
• Your long-term needs and requirements 
• Your odds of collecting more if the case goes to court 

Handle the Logistics of a Court Case

If you decide not to settle your claim, your next step will be taking your case to court. In this case, it’s in your best interest to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer who knows all of the steps required to file a lawsuit and help you complete all of your next steps. 

Preparing a case for trial can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you don’t have a thorough knowledge of the law. Plus, keep in mind that your claim could be settled at any time before your trial. You could even reach a settlement during court proceedings.  

You’ll need someone who knows how to handle that process and make sure everything is done according to the law. If you are required to represent your case in court, a lawyer will know what to say and which points to make to maximize your award. 

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

A motorcycle accident can shake your confidence, change your future, and impact your quality of life. As you work toward healing, you need a qualified, professional lawyer by your side. This legal expert will know who to contact, what to do, and how to get you the compensation you deserve. 

Yet, not just any motorcycle accident attorney will do. If you’re in the greater Tucson area, reach out to Sweet Lawyers to connect with our team. With more than 40 years of experience in this field, we know how to get results. 

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to get started.