Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Answers you can trust from experienced Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Maryland caused by another driver, you probably have a lot of questions. But finding accurate information can often be challenging. And if you don’t have the facts, making important legal decisions can often be very difficult.
That’s why we want to help. Our Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan in Silver Spring have years of experience handling such complex legal cases. As a result, we thoroughly understand how the legal system works, as well as a wealth of information about many issues that often come up after a motorcycle crash.
Below, you can find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents. And if you have a specific question about your motorcycle crash, simply contact us and schedule a free case evaluation. One of our Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers can personally meet with you.
What is your motorcycle accident question?
- Should I call the police after my motorcycle accident?
- Who’s responsible for paying for my motorcycle accident?
- What should I do if I’m blamed for causing my collision?
- Should I accept a motorcycle accident settlement offer?
- Can I ask for more money for my motorcycle crash?
- What should I do if my motorcycle accident claim is denied?
- How much is my motorcycle accident worth?
- What expenses can I be compensated for?
- Should I file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
- How much time do I have to take legal action?
- Why should I hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Should I call the police after my motorcycle accident?
Yes. Motorcycle accidents are serious legal matters. It’s also the law in Maryland. If you are involved in a collision that results in a serious injury or fatality, you are required to notify the police about your accident.
Another reason why you should contact the police is because many motorcycle accidents often turn into complicated legal cases. Even if the other driver clearly caused your collision, don’t be surprised if that driver tries to blame you for causing the crash.
This is why having the police at your motorcycle accident is so important. The police officer who responds to your crash will create an official accident report about what happened. This document can help set the record straight and prove who was at fault.
Who’s responsible for paying for my motorcycle accident?
Maryland has an at-fault insurance system when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. This means the at-fault party is responsible for paying injury victims for all their accident-related expenses.
In terms of your motorcycle crash, this will likely mean the at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely be the one responsible for paying for your accident. But just because they should, that doesn’t mean they will.
Often, insurance companies – especially the ones who represent the at-fault driver – will do everything they can to avoid responsibility. That’s why you need a lawyer on your side, demanding the money you rightfully deserve.
What should I do if I’m blamed for causing my collision?
Many times, motorcyclists are blamed for causing accidents that are not their fault. This is because some people think all motorcyclists are reckless thrill seekers who put everyone on the road at risk. And worst of all, the at-fault driver’s insurance company often takes their side.
If this happens, you and your lawyer can work together to set the record straight. Our experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys have years of experience investigating motorcycle crashes and gathering evidence in support of injured motorcyclists. You can count on us when it matters most.
Should I accept a motorcycle accident settlement offer?
The short answer? It depends. Many times, a settlement offer is the best way to pay for your accident-related expenses. But it’s also common for settlement offers to not cover all your expenses due to your accident.
It's also important to understand how settlement offers work. They are a one-time payment designed to cover a lifetime’s worth of expenses. So, if you agree to accept a settlement offer, you cannot ask for more money in the future, even if your expenses are more than expected.
So, before you agree to accept a settlement, make sure you carefully consider any offers you receive. And one of the best ways to do this is to meet with a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer who can review your settlement offer with you.
Can I ask for more money for my motorcycle crash?
Yes. If you have not already agreed to accept a settlement offer, you have the option of requesting additional money. However, negotiating a better settlement offer can be challenging. Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with on your own. And many insurance companies will insist that their first offer is their best offer.
This is why many people choose to hire a lawyer to negotiate a better settlement offer. Our legal team has years of experience dealing with insurance companies and can work with you to negotiate the best-possible settlement offer for you.
What should I do if my motorcycle accident claim is denied?
Don’t be surprised if the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies your motorcycle accident claim. Why? Because motorcyclists are always getting blamed for causing collisions. And many insurance companies would rather fight an accident claim than pay injured motorcyclists the money they rightfully deserve.
If this happens to you, often the best thing to do is to contact a lawyer right away. Our attorneys have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and can work with you to build the strongest possible legal case.
How much is my motorcycle accident worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to motorcycle accident claims. One accident might be worth a few thousand dollars. Another might be worth a lot more money. What matters is you should be paid for all your accident-related expenses. And it’s the at-fault party’s responsibility to pay for all your bills and financial losses caused by your collision.
What expenses can I be compensated for?
You might be surprised to learn just how many expenses are covered by your motorcycle accident claim or verdict. Such expenses can cover a wide range, including:
- All medical treatments, including emergency medical care, follow-up doctor’s appointments and future surgical procedures.
- Motorcycle repairs or the cost of buying a new motorcycle if yours was totaled in the collision.
- Replacement income if you need time off from work to rest and recover due to your motorcycle injuries.
- Lost future income if you cannot return to work or you can only work in a reduced capacity due to a permanent disability.
Should I file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
This is a very difficult decision to need to carefully consider. Filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Maryland can be a very complicated legal process. And if you make a mistake, your lawsuit might not be successful due to a clerical error or lack of evidence.
Even so, many times, filing a lawsuit is the best way to get the maximum financial compensation you deserve. This is especially true if the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies your injury claim or acts in bad faith and refuses to negotiate a better settlement offer.
So, what should you do? When in doubt, always talk to a lawyer. Our attorneys can review your case, answer your questions, and advise you on whether or not to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. You can trust us to give honest advice. It’s how we work and why we have such well-earned reputation for being respected attorneys who put our clients’ best interests first.
How much time do I have to take legal action?
Like other motor vehicle accidents, injury victims have three (3) years from the date of their accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit seeking damages, the legal term for financial compensation. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
However, just because you have three years does not mean you should wait that long to file a lawsuit. The longer you wait, the harder it often becomes to find evidence in support of your case. And without evidence, you will likely have a hard time being successful in court.
Why should I hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Maryland motorcycle accident claims often turn into very complicated legal cases for many reasons. Sometimes, it’s because you’re wrongly blamed for causing your collision. Other times, it’s because the at-fault driver’s insurance company does everything they can to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all.
Whatever the circumstances of your motorcycle crash, an experienced attorney can help you level the playing field. Your lawyer can:
- Conduct an in-depth independent investigation of your accident.
- Obtain a copy of your official accident report for you and make sure it’s correct.
- Deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Negotiate the best-possible settlement offer for you.
- File a motorcycle accident lawsuit on your behalf if necessary.
Don’t underestimate the complexity or the urgency of your legal case. Make sure you have an experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorney handling your case. Make sure you contact Goldberg Finnegan right away. We can help.