Motorcycles can be thrilling, but they are also inherently dangerous. Bikers are at an increased risk of catastrophic injury in the event of a collision. If you were involved in a wreck that was caused by someone else’s negligence, demanding compensation from the liable party may be necessary if you hope to avoid being stuck with the bill.
Your dedicated Cowesett motorcycle accident lawyer from Gemma Law does not believe you should be forced to absorb the fallout of someone else’s negligence.
A trial-proven Cowesett personal injury lawyer from our firm with 50+ years of experience can help you hold them accountable to the full extent of the law. Contact our legal team for a free consultation today and learn more about how motorcycle accident lawsuits work, the value of your losses, and what your next steps should be.
The Most Important Aspect of the Motorcycle Accident Claims Process
Your lawyer understands that determining fault in a motorcycle accident claim is the most important aspect of your case. Your Cowesett motorcycle accident lawyer must determine who is responsible for causing the accident so we can hold them accountable for their negligent actions. In doing so, they can be compelled to compensate you for the total value of your damages.
You might assume the driver who hit you is at fault, but this may not always be the case. While speeding and drunk driving accounted for 62% of motorcycle accident fatalities across the country in 2021, they are not the only cause. Dangerous roads, poor weather conditions, and defective vehicle parts may also contribute to motorcycle accident injuries.
There are also cases where multiple parties could share blame for your injuries. This is not necessarily a bad thing, although it may make your case more complex. If multiple parties share responsibility for your financial losses, you stand a greater chance of recouping the total value of your damages.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer serving CowesettCall 401.467.2300
Cowesett Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Can I File a Claim with the Insurance Company?
It depends on whether the liable party is insured. Rhode Island follows fault-based insurance laws as described under 230-RICR-20-05-6, so you will be dealing with the liable party’s insurance provider as opposed to your own.
The types and amounts of coverage the at-fault party has purchased will determine whether you can file a claim with their insurance provider and, if so, how much you can recover through your settlement.
Unfortunately, the insurance company may push back after you file your claim. It will lose money by settling, so the insurance adjuster processing your claim may attempt to reduce your settlement or deny you compensation altogether.
Having a leading Cowesett car accident lawyer from Gemma Law by your side as you negotiate settlement terms may be the best way to protect yourself and your payout.
Is the Biker Stigma Real?
Yes, the biker stigma is very real. Insurance companies and liable parties will attempt to capitalize on these stereotypes to reduce the amount of compensation they may be required to pay.
By stereotyping you as a reckless driver who has no regard for your own safety, let alone that of others, the insurer may be able to get away with reducing your compensation.
The liable party’s legal representative may attempt to paint you as a reckless driver in court as well. If they can argue that you are partially at fault for the accident in any way, they may be able to get your settlement reduced per Rhode Island pure comparative negligence laws under RI Gen. Laws §9-20-4. Even if you were 99% liable, you should still receive compensation for the one percent of the accident that is not your fault.
What Injuries Can I Sue For?
You can sue for any type of injury that has had a significant impact on your life. Injuries that are a minor inconvenience and do not obstruct your life in any way may not warrant legal action.
However, if you are emotionally distraught, dealing with critical physical injuries, or struggling to cope with exorbitant financial losses, retaining a strategic Cowesett motorcycle accident attorney to help you sue the liable parties may be in your best interest.
There are several types of injuries that victims often sue for after a motorcycle wreck. Some of these injuries are permanently disabling. Examples of injuries that may have grounds for a motorcycle accident claim include:
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Concussion
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Neck injuries
- Dental injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial trauma
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
Will I Be Awarded Punitive Damages?
It is difficult to say whether punitive damages will be awarded in your case. As described under RI Gen. Laws §10-7-7.1, punitive damages are intended to punish wrongdoers. However, they are only issued if the defendant was grossly negligent or intended to cause your injuries.
The judge must find it appropriate to punish the individual or entity responsible for causing your motorcycle accident beyond the compensatory damages you are awarded.
For example, if you were involved in a collision caused by a defective motor vehicle part, and the manufacturer had a long history of malfunctions, punitive damages may be appropriate. However, if you were involved in a collision with a driver who lost control of their vehicle in poor driving conditions, punitive damages may not be appropriate.
Cowesett Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 401.467.2300
Connect with a Respected Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Cowesett for Help Today
After the trauma of your motorcycle wreck, devoting your time and energy to a legal claim may seem intimidating. However, with a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer in Cowesett from Gemma Law working for you, you will not need to handle any of the legal details.
We can investigate, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and build a powerful claim against those responsible while you recuperate.
Our team has spent five decades advocating for injury victims and motorcycle accident survivors. Our motorcycle accident attorney in Cowesett has recovered millions of dollars in damages for our clients over the years.
Let us help you get through these difficult times when you call us or fill out our convenient contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
Call or text 401.467.2300 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form