Were you recently injured in a motorcycle collision? If so, the injuries you sustained may be life-changing. When another party is at-fault, there are legal steps to hold the party accountable for their recklessness and to recover your losses in their entirety.
You are not alone if you feel overwhelmed by what is to come. You can turn to a compassionate Beaufort personal injury lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm for the legal support and advice you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation today to find out who is to blame for your injuries and the steps you can take to bring them to justice.
How Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Paid in Beaufort
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a jarring experience. However, one of the most important elements of the motor vehicle accident claims process is recovering the compensation you will need to cover your costs. The financial burden can often worsen your emotional trauma and physical injury.
Your motorcycle accident attorney in Beaufort, SC will carefully scrutinize the details of your case to determine how to recover the compensation you deserve. Generally, motorcycle accident claims can be paid out through insurance claims or a trial verdict.
When filing a claim with the insurance company, you may expect to be awarded compensation for your medical expenses and property damages, such as the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle. However, when you pursue a civil lawsuit, your motorcycle accident lawyer has the opportunity to seek compensation for multiple types of economic damages and non-economic damages.
Common Injuries Seen in Beaufort Motorcycle Accidents
There are certain types of injuries seen more often in motorcycle crashes. The compensation you will be awarded will not be based on the type of injury you have been dealing with but the extent to which your life has been affected by your injuries.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer in Beaufort, SC will need to discuss how high your medical expenses are, how significantly your injuries are expected to influence your life in the future and discuss the overall impact on your life to ensure we are seeking maximum restitution. Some of the more common types of motorcycle accident injury, as you may be able to see an attorney for include:
- Traumatic brain injuries TBIs
- Spinal cord injuries SCIs
- Surgical or traumatic amputation
- Hearing or vision loss
- Compound fractures and broken bones
- Road lash, whiplash, and back injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ failure
- Conclusions, lacerations, and abrasions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These are just a few examples of the different types of injuries you may be able to seek compensation for after a motorcycle crash. If you have been diagnosed with another type of injury, be sure to contact our motorcycle accident attorneys to discuss your opportunities for financial relief.
What to Expect from Your Beaufort Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claim
One of the most complex elements of the motorcycle accident claims process is dealing with the insurance company. Since recovering compensation through an insurance claim is one of the top ways to recover your losses, it is important to understand how insurance claims work after a motorcycle crash so you can protect yourself and ensure you are not taken advantage of.
How Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claims Work
South Carolina is a fault-based state for motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes. Drivers are not required to carry personal injury protection coverage.
However, those who do may have the option of filing a claim with their insurance company if they are involved in an accident. Generally, since the state follows a fault-based system, you file a claim with the liable party’s insurer, who goes on to cover your damages.
You’ll Be Accused of Causing Your Motorcycle Accident or Damages
It is not unusual for motorcycle accident victims to be accused of sharing liability for their damages. Insurance companies make money by paying out as little on claims as possible. If they have to pay out on your claim, they are losing money.
However, if they can blame you for causing the accident or your subsequent injuries, they may be able to get away with paying you less than you deserve or nothing at all. Thankfully, South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence laws with a 51% threshold.
If your portion of blame does not exceed 51%, you can still recover compensation at a reduced payout. However, your attorney will be by your side every step of the way to ensure liability is assessed accurately and the insurance company does not take advantage of you during your greatest time of need.
Motorcycle Accident Insurance Payouts Don’t Cover Every Loss
We previously mentioned that insurance covers certain types of losses. However, it is important to understand the types of losses insurance covers. When you purchase bodily injury liability or property damage liability coverage, these are designed to cover vehicle repair costs and medical expenses when someone else is injured, and you are at fault.
However, it does not cover any other types of financial losses the victim might experience, nor does it cover any of the non-economic damages. When you help to maximize the compensation you are awarded, you cannot rely on an insurance settlement alone. You should always be prepared to bring your case to court if it will be your best opportunity to get the most out of your motorcycle accident claim.
Contact a Beaufort Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help Today
It is not unusual to feel overwhelmed and intimidated at the thought of going to court, filing insurance claims, and being a part of a motorcycle accident investigation.
However, when you have the support of a trusted Beaufort motorcycle accident attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing our legal professionals are fighting for you. When you are ready to start working on your case but unsure where to begin, fill out our contact form or call our office to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation.
