This is a guest blog by Cincinnati, Ohio personal injury motorcycle accident attorney Anthony Castelli.
With the rise in fuel prices, the thrill of the ride, and the undeniable “cool-factor,” motorcycles are more popular than ever. Motorcycle sales have increased over 30% since 2001, while the rate of motorcycle-related accidents has grown over 50%. Although representing only 3% of all registered vehicles, motorcycles are involved in over 13% of vehicle fatalities. When accidents occur, a motorcycle rider is at a much higher risk of personal injury or death than an occupant of a car or truck. Just as motorcyclists face unique challenges on the road, they face unique challenges in personal injury cases. It’s a good idea to hire an experienced motorcycle attorney who can walk you through the ins and outs of the entire process.
1. Hiring an experienced motorcycle attorney, especially a lawyer who is a biker, will help the rapport and confidence level you feel about an attorney. Face it, most people want help from someone that they have a common bond with. Someone they feel comfortable talking to.
2. Your personal injury lawyer will also negotiate with the insurance company. If you don’t know how to play the negotiation game then you’ll get eaten alive by the adjuster (the person working for the insurance company trying to get you to take the lowest settlement possible). The lawyer will have tons of experience negotiating and will not be intimidated by the adjuster. He knows how to handle them.
3. A real motorcycle attorney will be willing to file suit and go to trial if necessary so you don’t have to take their low ball offer. The truth is you surely would not want to try your own case. If you try negotiating by yourself, what incentive does the insurance company have to pay you a fair dollar when they know that you pretty much have to take what they offer since you are in no position to try your own case?