FAQ
Q: Why do I need a lawyer to handle my motorcycle accident case?
A: It is our experience that insurance adjusters often encourage injured riders to handle claims themselves and dissuade them from hiring a qualified motorcycle injury lawyer. It is often the friendliest insurance adjusters who do so. In our view the reason is simple. They pay less in claims by doing so.
Hiring a qualified motorcycle accident attorney is essential if you’re goal is to maximize the value of your motorcycle injury claim. Qualified motorcycle accident attorneys streamline the process for you, and are prepared to handle all aspects of your claim, from resolving issues with your damaged bike to negotiating medical and insurance liens on your behalf. Most importantly, insurance companies are aware that injured motorcycle riders with qualified counsel are equipped to take their case to trial where their attorneys will seek all appropriate categories of damages supported by admissible evidence.
Q: How will I pay for a motorcycle lawyer?
A: The motorcycle attorneys at the Gancedo Law Firm represent injured motorcycle riders on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay out-of-pocket for your lawyer, but rather your lawyer receives a percentage of the recovery when the case is resolved through settlement or verdict. If there is no recovery, you pay no attorney fees. This ensures that motorcycle riders without means are able to afford an attorney to represent them, and it provides an incentive for your motorcycle attorney to attain the highest possible recovery for you. Also, the motorcycle lawyers at the Gancedo Law Firm advance all costs in your case and only recover those costs if there is a successful outcome.
Q: If you take my case, what will I have to do?
A: The client is the most important person in the claims process. They are the most crucial witness to the events surrounding the accident, their medical treatment, and their employment. We ask our clients to gather information that will help us support their case, and we independently secure necessary records. It is our obligation to see to it that the client is always aware of what is going on with their case, and in return we expect our clients to keep us apprised of developments in matters related to the accident, and their injuries, recovery and employment.
In the event a lawsuit is filed, the client will have further responsibilities related to responding to written investigation from the other side, as well as giving truthful testimony in the form of a deposition. A deposition is a question and answer period with the opposing counsel regarding the events surrounding the accident, your injuries and your damages. We prepare the client well before giving deposition testimony, and we are always by their side at deposition to protect the client from unfair questioning. In some cases you may be further evaluated by experts in certain medical fields, and if trial goes forward, you will have to be present for the trial.
Rest assured that we will be by your side through the entire process and will explain every step along the way.
Q: How long will it take to resolve my case?
A: The facts of a particular matter, your injuries and medical treatment, the number of parties, and the evaluation of liability, among others, all influence how long a case takes to resolve or go to verdict. Generally, though, many cases settle or are otherwise resolved within one year of initial contact with our office, and two years from the time a case is filed in court. The time it takes can vary significantly in either direction depending on the facts of your case. Our goal, like yours, is to reach an acceptable accord or verdict as soon as possible so that you can put the accident behind you.
Q: What if I was partially at fault? Can I still recover for my injuries?
A: Generally yes, but it depends on your jurisdiction. In a few jurisdictions, an injured motorcycle rider cannot recover compensation from another party if their negligence partly contributed to their injuries. In most jurisdictions, injured riders are eligible to receive compensation even if they were partially at fault for the motorcycle accident, though their recovery may be reduced by their degree of negligence.
Q: How much is my case worth?
A: A case’s worth varies greatly and is determined by several factors. Assuming liability is established (that is, someone is legally responsible for the injuries caused) factors include, among others:
Whether your action or inaction contributed to the motorcycle accident
The identity of the Defendant and its Insurance limits
Your age and health before your injury
The severity and extent of your injuries from the accident
The amount and cost of your medical treatment and rehabilitation
The amount and cost of your future medical treatment and rehabilitation
Your ability to recover fully from the injury and return to a similar lifestyle
Whether you were required to miss work because of the injury
The amount of future loss of income as a result of your injuries
The presence of emotional and physical pain and suffering
While there is no formula for determining a case’s value, based on our experience with past motorcycle injury cases, we can estimate the value of the case once we have analyzed liability, injuries, and expected future losses related to medical treatment and employment. The motorcycle lawyers at the Gancedo Law Firm can preliminarily assess your claim at an initial case evaluation without cost or obligation to you. Just give us a call at (800) 500-5735.
