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How to File a Claim for Motorcycle Accident Injuries

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September 6, 2022 by babinlaw Posted in

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus can help you file a claim for your motorcycle accident injuries.

Motorcyclists are among the country’s most vulnerable road users, and this is also true for Columbus, Ohio. You might face life-changing consequences if you are injured in a motorcycle accident. It’s understandable to be concerned about insurance and how to submit a claim for the compensation you require following a motorbike accident; just a friendly tip: reach out to a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus. After a bike accident, victims can file personal injury and property damage claims. Understand how filing a case can help you get your life back on track.

And of course, as always, motorcycle accident victims can count on the legal team at Babin Law, LLC for legal representation and help with getting a fair settlement for their medical expenses and more.

What Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes?

The following are the most prevalent causes of motorcycle accidents:

  • Other drivers not paying attention
  • Other drivers failing to see the motorcycle at an intersection
  • Being hit by an open automobile door
  • Damaged roads

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in more severe injury or property damage than a collision between two automobiles. Bikers are not protected by a car’s frame and can sustain severe and life-threatening injuries.

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus should have experience in handling severe injury cases, such as brain traumas and back and spinal damage. Reach out to us with your case for legal advice and guidance.

Claims for Personal Injury vs. Claims for Property Damage

If another motorist caused the collision, you would file a claim with their insurance carrier. If another motorist did not cause your crash, you might be filing a claim with your vehicle insurance provider. Essentially, you’ll be filing a personal injury or property damage claim:

  1. Personal injury claims cover bodily injuries and any associated losses suffered by another motorist in a motorbike accident. Imagine you had a passenger on your motorcycle; their injuries and other damages might also be included in your claim.
  2. Property damage claims cover accident-related damage to your motorcycle. Property damage claims are filed in the same manner as personal injury claims, although they are far less complicated.

If you suffered property damage but no bodily injuries, you would almost certainly file a property damage claim with your insurance. However, if you incurred physical injuries and property damage, you must make an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.

To submit a successful motorcycle accident claim, you must demonstrate that the other driver was to blame for the collision and your losses. This involves gathering proof of your accident and the following expenditures. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus can help you build a strong claim.

Damages That Can Be Included in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Common injuries inflicted upon the victims in such accidents include (but are not limited to) broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, road rash, head injuries, permanent disability, spinal injuries, leg injuries, permanent injury to the face, soft tissue injuries, loss of limbs, catastrophic injuries to internal organs, arm injuries, burn injuries, chronic pain, and so on, all of which necessitate immediate medical attention. Depending on the severity of these injuries (and the associated losses such as loss of income, other financial losses, non-economic damages, mental anguish, etc.), the compensation amount will vary, the more the losses, the more you can demand in your motorcycle injury claim or personal injury lawsuit. 

If you file a property damage claim without claiming injuries, you are usually entitled to the lesser of the two:

  1. The worth of your bike at the moment of the accident (meaning the amount you would have sold it to anybody at a reasonable price, not the price you paid for the bike when you got it)—not counting salvage value or the repair costs.
  2. You should be able to recover the whole amount if you file a claim against the other driver’s insurance. If you file a lawsuit against your insurer, the amount you can recover is determined by your insurance coverage.

Many accident victims may be curious as to how much their claim for compensation is worth. The response depends on your case’s specifics, such as your level of responsibility and the severity of your injuries and other losses. However, your possible compensation will be excellent if you were not at fault in the accident and sustained significant losses. Just be sure to seek legal advice from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus before moving ahead with your claim for damages.

What Can You File a Claim For?

If you were wounded in a crash, you should be ready to submit a claim to get compensation for your emotional and physical injuries and any additional losses. It might include lost wages, inability to work, and other out-of-pocket expenses, such as transport to and from doctor appointments.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be eligible to file a claim for the following:

  • The impact on your mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues.
  • Reduction in the present and potential profits due to reduced ability to work or function.
  • Damage or loss of your bike, clothes, or other belongings.
  • Recovery costs, such as professional physiotherapy or consulting.
  • The cost of medical care provided during your recuperation period and any further consideration that may be required.

Be sure to keep a hold on the accident reports and assorted documents to prove your losses and the fault of the negligent party (i.e., the police report may specify that the at-fault driver was drunk driving).

Documented evidence is vital for securing fair compensation, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus can help you gather evidence for your claim.

What is the Initial Step in the Complaint Process?

  1. See a doctor as soon as possible following the occurrence for any wounds you may have sustained.
  2. If possible, obtain proof from the scene of the occurrence, such as photographs of the harm to your motorbike, clothing, and other goods. Taking photographs that show the location of the crash is also beneficial.
  3. Obtain contact details for any witnesses.
  4. Contact the police to determine who was at fault for the occurrence and details such as injuries or damage to your motorcycle and personal goods.
  5. If you’ve been in an automobile accident, contact your insurance company. If you do not comply, your case may be canceled.
  6. Consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus and begin the claims process.

What is the Average Compensation Amount for a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Motorcycle accident compensation varies depending on the circumstances. The following criteria will determine your ultimate payment:

  • The complexities of your losses and the possibility of future health hazards.
  • Your continued and future access to high-quality healthcare priorities.
  • The reduction in your current and future ability to work.
  • How the repercussions of the accident will influence your lifestyle.

What Evidence Do You Require To Back Up Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

To build a case against the at-fault party, your motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus will require the following information:

  • Photographs that were taken at the scene, such as images of your injuries, ruined bike, accessories, and personal goods.
  • Pay slips from the four months preceding the crash and recent pay slips are demonstrating your lost earnings.
  • Eyewitness statements.
  • Medical records.
  • Documentation for out-of-pocket expenses such as transport to and from doctor appointments.

Is It Possible To Recoup The Total Market Value Of Your Motorcycle?

If your motorbike was damaged, you must present the following documentation to prove your losses:

  • Photographs of the damage to your motorcycle. You should also send images of the bike showing all the characteristics.
  • A maintenance estimate statement or bill from a motorbike repair business.

Your motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus will work hard to obtain your case’s highest possible compensation value. Compensation is offered to return you to your pre-incident state. Factors such as the motorcycle’s history will become relevant while evaluating your payment.

For example, suppose you damage a four-year-old motorbike. In that case, you are not qualified to claim compensation equivalent to the total cost of the motorcycle because this would put you in a better position than before the occurrence.

Will You Require a Medical Appointment for Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

To adequately examine your situation, you must have an approved medical examination. The doctor will assess your injuries and provide a report outlining your long-term prognosis and treatment options.

The analysis is nothing to be concerned about, and it is performed on your behalf for your attorney to obtain the maximum compensation.

Reach Out to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Columbus

Auto insurance company representatives are not on your side, they don’t want to compensate you for your injuries and other losses, even if your case falls perfectly within the bounds of the insurance policy. You need a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus on your side, and this is what Babin Law, LLC is here for!

Looking to file a collision insurance claim against a careless driver? We’ll do our best to ensure that you get a reasonable settlement for all your losses and fight for maximum compensation in all regards. When you reach out to us, you will get to consult with a team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys who will examine the case’s specifics and development. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Columbus will then gather evidence to back up your claim against the at-fault driver. They will also arrange for an extra medical assessment to determine the degree of your injuries.