Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing, leaving victims with severe injuries and financial burdens. If you get involved in a motorcycle accident, hiring the right lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC can offer legal advice and support for your motorcycle accident case. Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC has a great track record. The firm has accumulated over 1000 five-star reviews. Their client-centric approach makes them the go-to for accident victims.
You should know that lawyers do not accept all cases. Before taking your case, lawyers evaluate several factors to determine whether it’s worth pursuing. We will discuss those four main things in this blog.
Strength of Evidence
One of the first things a lawyer assesses is the evidence supporting your claim. With the rate of fatalities and serious injuries caused by motorcycle accidents, it is essential to have solid evidence to build your case. Without strong evidence, proving negligence or winning a case is difficult. Essential evidence includes:
- Police Reports: These often indicate who may be at fault.
- Witness Testimonies: Eyewitness accounts can corroborate your story.
- Photos and Videos: Visual evidence of the accident scene, damage, or injuries is vital.
- Medical Records: These connect your injuries directly to the accident and show their severity.
Nature and Severity of Your Injuries and Damages
The extent of your injuries and damages is another crucial factor. Lawyers are more likely to take cases involving severe injuries, such as spinal damage or traumatic brain injuries, which lead to significant medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs. Cases with minor injuries may not justify the time and resources required to pursue a claim. Lawyers assess the potential compensation to ensure the case is financially worthwhile.
Liability and Negligence
Clear liability makes a case easier to pursue. Suppose the other driver was clearly at fault—such as by running a red light or driving recklessly. In that case, a lawyer will likely accept the case. However, the case becomes more complicated if the fault is unclear or shared.
In states like Texas, comparative negligence laws apply. This means that if the court finds you partially at fault, it may reduce your compensation by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will decrease by 20%. Lawyers may hesitate to take cases where proving liability is difficult or contentious, as this could impact the compensation you receive.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has a deadline for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. In Texas, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline means you cannot pursue legal action. Even within the allowable timeframe, delays can weaken your case.
Evidence can be lost, and witnesses may forget details over time. Lawyers prefer to take cases promptly to strengthen their chances of success and to ensure that the statute of limitations is not missed.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, ensure your case is well-prepared by gathering strong evidence, documenting your injuries, and acting quickly. Lawyers consider the strength of evidence, the severity of your injuries, liability clarity, and whether you’ve met the legal deadlines.
