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If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be facing many difficult and painful decisions. You may also wonder if it is even necessary to go to court.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, our experienced attorneys can help guide you through every step of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Motorcycle accidents can be complex and time-consuming. You may even feel overwhelmed.
Let us help you get the compensation you and your family deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation at 732-888-8888, or complete the online contact form.
Are Most Motorcycle Accident Cases Settled Out of Court?
Many motor accident cases are settled out of court before a lawsuit is even filed. Why do some people choose to settle their case out of court? Here are a few reasons:
- Settling out of court is usually cheaper and comes with a faster settlement than when a case goes to trial.
- Going to trial also carries with it the risk that you could lose your case and end up owing the other side money.
- Both sides usually have the incentive to settle the case before it goes to trial. Outside of court, each party can control the outcome of the settlement negotiations. However, they cannot control what happens at trial.
The insurance company may offer you a settlement that seems fair, but these companies are notorious for giving lowball offers. After a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Judd Shaw Injury Law. Our team can help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
No-Fault State Law for New Jersey Motorcycle Accidents
In New Jersey, motorcycle riders who are injured in an accident are not required to go to court to receive compensation for their injuries. This is because New Jersey is a no-fault state when it comes to motorcycle accidents. In a no-fault state, each driver is responsible for his or her own injuries and damages, regardless of who caused the accident.
This means that your insurance company will pay for your medical bills and property damage, up to your policy limit. If you have severe injuries after your accident, don’t worry. Even if the fees exceed your policy limit, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This way you can recover additional damages.
Should You Settle Out of Court With an Insurance Company?
There are a few different ways that insurance companies can handle motorcycle accidents. For example:
- Liability policy: This type of policy covers the damages that you may have caused to another person or that individual’s property in an accident
- Collision policy: This type of policy covers the damages to your motorcycle if it is involved in a collision
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist policy: This covers any damages to you or your property if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance
There are also risks associated with settling out of court with an insurance company. For example, when you accept a settlement from the insurance company, you waive your right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party in the future.
Remember, if the insurance company offers a settlement that seems generous, do not accept it immediately. The insurance companies rarely offer what your claim is really worth. You should have an accident attorney review the settlement beforehand. The amount offered by the insurance company may not be enough to cover all of your long-term injuries and damages.
When Do You Need to File a Lawsuit?
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, there is a good chance you will have to go to court. Here are a few common reasons why:
- Fault is often difficult to determine in motorcycle accidents: Motorcycles can be hard to see compared to other vehicles. Because of this, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault. This is especially true if there were witness accounts that conflict with each other.
- Insurance companies often lowball motorcycle accident victims: Many accident victims face financial difficulties. Knowing this, the insurance companies may try to offer these victims settlements that are far less than what the case is worth.
- Motorcycle accidents often involve serious injuries: Motorcycle accidents often involve serious injuries. These can include broken bones and head injuries. These injuries can require expensive medical treatment and may prevent the victim from being able to work and earn an income.
How to Find the Right Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident
Whether you choose to settle out of court or file a lawsuit, you will need to hire the right lawyer by your side. Hiring a lawyer can be a daunting task, but you must find a lawyer who is experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases.
Here are some tips for finding and hiring a lawyer:
- Ask around for recommendations: Ask your friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations. The team at Judd Shaw Injury Law is proud of our track record of success. Click here to read why our satisfied clients recommend us.
- Do your research: Once you have a few names of potential lawyers, do some research on them. Look at their websites, and read online reviews. Over the years, our lawyers have won millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Although no result is guaranteed, we invite you to explore our past results.
- Schedule consultations: Once you make a list of potential lawyers, you should schedule meetings with them. This is your chance to ask questions and get a feel for whether or not the lawyer is a good fit for you. During a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys, we can answer any questions or concerns you have about your case. After we evaluate your case, we can advise you on your legal options.
Judd Shaw Injury Law Can Protect Your Rights After an Accident
Accidents involving motorcycles should always be taken seriously. Knowing what to do if you are involved in a motorcycle accident can be confusing, especially when it comes to deciding whether you have to go to court or not. Each decision you make can impact your case positively or negatively. That is why you need legal advisors you can trust.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, our attorneys can help guide you through this difficult time. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an accident can take and are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Depending on the specifics of your case, your case may or may not need to go to court for a motorcycle accident. If you do pursue a lawsuit in court, our legal team can help. When we take your case to trial, we will make sure that you are prepared with all the necessary evidence and documents needed to prove your case.
Our knowledgeable attorneys will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf and help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call us at 732-888-8888 or complete the online contact form.