After a motorcyclist is involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault, they have the option of working with an attorney to obtain compensation for their injuries. However, many people are unsure of exactly how the attorney can help when the insurance company is already offering them a settlement. Understanding what motorcycle accident attorneys in Oahu actually do can help them see why hiring one is important.
Determine Liability for the Accident
The lawyer will likely want to look at the evidence to determine the liability for the accident. The person liable is the one who owes the compensation to the victim. If there is any question about how the accident occurred, the lawyer will look for evidence to show that their client was not at fault. This is often the reason an insurance company will refuse to compensate the victim, so once this is determined the lawyer can work on figuring out a minimum settlement amount.
Determine Minimum Settlement Accepted
The lawyer will go through all of the person’s expenses related to the accident to determine how much they should receive. This will include medical bills, motorcycle repair or replacement bills, and lost wages. It can also include other amounts that are not as easily quantified, such as pain and suffering. The minimum amount, however, will include all quantifiable expenses and the person’s legal fees.
Negotiate for a Higher Settlement Amount
Once the lawyer knows how much their client should receive, they’ll start negotiations with the insurance company for the at-fault driver. This is often successful and will lead to a higher settlement than the person would have gotten without negotiations.
Take the Case to Court
Although most cases end with successful negotiations, not all of them will. When the negotiations are not successful, the attorney still has the option to take the case to court. They’ll present their evidence of what happened and how much the person should receive, and the case will be decided on by a judge.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact one of the motorcycle accident attorneys in Oahu for help. They’ll take the above steps to help ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. For more information, visit Autoaccidentattorneyhonolulu.com today.
