No amount of money can take away the injuries and related losses caused by a motorcycle accident. However, victims often want to know how much compensation they are likely to get. This helps them to determine if it makes sense to pursue an insurance claim or a lawsuit. It also helps them to plan their financial affairs. Many are eager to find out how much they can get the very first time they meet with a motorcycle attorney in Baltimore.

However, no reputable lawyer can tell you how much your case is worth without first getting a clear picture of your losses. You don’t simply claim a total that seems like it would be enough or ask for the amount another victim got. You need to accurately quantify your damages and present proof of each expense or loss. The amount you can get will depend heavily on how the accident affected you.

What Determines How Much Compensation You Can Get

A number of factors will influence the amount you can get either via settlement or verdict. These include:

• The nature and severity of your injuries
• How long you’ll be unable to work
• The type of job you have and whether your injuries affect your ability to return to work or perform at normal capacity
• Any scarring, disability or disfigurement you’ve suffered that will affect your enjoyment of life

Each situation is different, but motorcycle accident victims can generally claim damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost income
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

You will need to gather evidence to support your claim for each of these. This will include invoices, payslips, medical reports, and other documents.

Protecting Your Right to Get Compensation

What you do in the minutes and days following your accident matters. If you don’t take the right steps, you could jeopardize your right to get compensation. While your Baltimore motorcycle accident attorney will do everything possible to secure the best outcome, you also have a role to play.

Reporting the Accident

One of the first things you should do if you get involved in an accident is to call the police. Even if it is clear to you that another driver was responsible for the crash, that person may later dispute it. They may even try to put the blame on you. Given Maryland’s pure contributory negligence system, if you’re even marginally at-fault, you can’t recover damages.

When you call the police, it won’t just be your word against the other driver’s. You’ll get an independent third-party report that you can use to support your claim. Even if the driver who hit you begs you not to call the police, you should still do so. It will protect your interests when you file an insurance claim or a civil lawsuit. Reporting an accident involving injury or death is also required under the law.

Getting Medical Attention

Another important step is to see a doctor as soon as possible even if you feel okay. After a motorcycle accident, you’re likely to feel quite shaken. However, if you don’t notice any major bruises or feel pain, you may think you escaped unscathed. The reality is that you may have serious internal injuries even if you don’t experience symptoms immediately.

It’s important to have a medical professional examine you and inform you of the symptoms you may experience later. Organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding are serious, and you need to ensure you see a doctor so they can be ruled out. If you don’t get medical attention right after the accident, you’ll also raise the suspicions of the insurance company if you file an injury-related claim later.

Not Talking to Insurance Adjusters

The other driver’s insurance company will probably contact you shortly after the accident and encourage you to talk about happened. Instead of talking to them, refer them to your attorney. If you haven’t yet hired a lawyer, tell them someone will contact them on your behalf later. While it may seem like the adjuster is asking innocent questions, they’re really looking for things they can use against you. Remember, they want to limit the amount the insurance company has to pay out. Don’t accept the first offer without seeking legal counsel.

Contact Pinder Plotkin LLC to Discuss Your Case

You only get one opportunity to demand the compensation you deserve. Therefore, you need to hire an experienced Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer who will ensure you get fair compensation. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you.