Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Vancouver, WA attorney Colin Scott helps the injured get answers
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be a confusing and frustrating time. You are suddenly dealing with injuries and facing mounting medical bills. You might be unable to work and worried about losing income. You may not know what to do next. The Scott Law Firm, PLLC understands what you are going through and can answer your questions.
Motorcycle accident attorney Colin Scott knows the challenges that injured motorcyclists face. You just want to get your life back on track, but the insurance company doesn't seem interested in helping you. Colin fights to hold negligent drivers accountable and help you get the best possible outcome in our case.
Frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents
- Do I need to see a doctor right away?
- Do insurance companies view motorcycle accidents differently?
- How much financial compensation can I recover for my motorcycle accident?
- How long will it take to recover financial compensation after a crash?
- What if the driver who hit me denies responsibility?
- What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
If you have questions about your case, attorney Colin Scott can help you get answers. Contact The Scott Law Firm, PLLC online or call 360-718-3640 for a free consultation. There's no pressure, and no obligation. We just want you to have the information you need so you can decide what to do next.
Do I need to see a doctor right away?
Yes. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, or even suspect that you may have been injured, you should seek appropriate medical attention right away. Some medical conditions, such as brain injuries, may not be visible without medical imaging (such as a CT Scan or MRI) and can be life threatening if left untreated. The other reason it's important to seek treatment right away is for legal reasons. If you avoid or delay seeking appropriate medical attention, the insurance company may argue you weren't really hurt and don't deserve compensation.
Do insurance companies view motorcycle accidents differently?
Yes. Insurance companies know that in the event of an accident, motorcyclists are up to five times more likely to be injured and 30 times more likely to be killed than occupants of vehicles. These statistics explain why motorcycle insurance is so expensive. Some insurance companies won't even offer motorcycle insurance to their customers, which they view as too great a risk.
Here at The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face in personal injury cases. We understand you're not a statistic. You're a person, and you have a story to tell. The accident wasn't your fault. The other driver didn't see you. And now you're being blamed for someone else's mistake.
Attorney Colin Scott works together with his clients to develop a strong case that focuses on the facts. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident and it wasn't your fault, call us. Tell us your story and the circumstances that led you to contact our firm.
How much financial compensation can I recover for my motorcycle accident?
This depends on many different factors including the circumstances of what happened, who is at fault, and the severity of your injuries. When liability is clear and injuries are significant, the amount of insurance money is available can also be a factor.
In general, you can seek compensation for all past and future medical expenses related to your injuries, so long as the treatment you received is reasonable and necessary. If you were left unable to return to work, you can also seek compensation for lost wages and any future loss of earning potential. You may also be able to recover non-economic damages for your pain and suffering. Punitive damages may also be available in a very limited number of cases.
Call attorney Colin Scott to discuss your motorcycle accident. He can investigate, review your medical records, obtain information about the various insurance policies that might provide coverage, and develop a legal strategy that is designed to maximize your financial recovery.
How long will it take to recover financial compensation after a crash?
This depends on a variety of things, including the overall complexity of your case. If the circumstances were fairly straightforward, a resolution may be reached in months. More complicated cases can take years to resolve. It also sometimes happens that when there is more money at stake, the harder the insurance company will fight to defend against your claim. So, again, the answer is: "It depends."
Attorney Colin Scott focuses his efforts on helping clients get the best possible outcome under the facts in each case. He strives to build the strongest case possible and can fight to help you recover the compensation you deserve. In many cases, he is able to negotiate a settlement without filing a lawsuit that meets your needs. But if the insurance company isn't willing to make a reasonable offer prior to litigation, Colin can fight for you in court.
What if the driver who hit me denies responsibility?
A negligent driver caused your motorcycle accident. The driver may have been texting, speeding, fallen asleep at the wheel or drinking. But negligent drivers often deny doing anything wrong. Insurance companies are happy to believe them, because they don't want to pay you anything (or they will offer to pay you as little money as possible to "go away").
The Scott Law Firm, PLLC knows how to build strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable. Attorney Colin Scott reviews all documentation, identifies and interviews witnesses, and consults with experts as needed in each case. He knows where to look for evidence that proves another driver's negligence caused the crash that left you injured. Using this knowledge, he can formulate a legal strategy that considers your individual needs and desired outcome. Then he can fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
It is almost always advisable to consult a motorcycle accident attorney first. The insurance company may contact you soon after the accident occurred with a settlement offer. They may even tell you it's the best they can do. Don't believe them. Insurance companies are mainly interested in their profit margins. To keep profits high, they try to keep payouts low.
Initial settlement offers made by insurance companies typically fall far short of covering the total damages you have suffered. They may offer you a check and ask you to sign a settlement agreement that is completely one-sided. Attorney Colin Scott is not interested in lowball offers from insurance companies. He fights for his clients to help them recover the financial compensation they need and deserve for their injuries.