Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accidents

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accidents:

Anthony Castelli has represented people who have suffered significant injuries in motorcycle accidents. It will cost you nothing to speak with him regarding your potential claim. Mr. Castelli works on a contingency basis, which means that a legal fee is paid if he successfully obtains a recovery for you, although there may be expenses.







Q: What am I entitled to receive for my injuries?



A: Every case is different. The exact type of compensation and the amount you might receive depend on your individual situation. For example, the amount you receive will vary depending upon how severely you were injured, whether you are working and what type of job you have, if your injuries are permanent, if you are married, and numerous other factors.



As a general rule, you are entitled to recover for any of the following expenses:



Medical bills

Lost wages

Pain and suffering

Future medical expenses

Probable loss of wages in the future

Property damage

Loss of relationship with your spouse

Other out-of-pocket expenses due to your injuries

In some cases, in which the other party's conduct was unusually bad, you may be able to recover punitive damages.



Q: Is compensation automatic?



A: The types of compensation listed above are not automatically awarded in every case. It is up to you to prove what expenses you have incurred, or will incur in the future, and how much those expenses were or will be.



Q: How long will my case take?



A: The length of time a case takes depends on a number of things. A complex case, with several different parties, all with different claims, can take a lot longer to resolve than a relatively simple case, involving one injured party, and one party who caused the injury.



Many straightforward cases are resolved in four to eight months. It is possible, but unusual for a case to take much more than one and a half years to resolve.



Q: I wasn't wearing a helmet when I was in an accident. Does that make a difference?



A: You may bring an action for your injuries even if you were not wearing a helmet, but not wearing a helmet may make a difference in the amount of damages you receive. If not wearing a helmet did not cause or aggravate your injuries (for example, if you were hurt in your legs, and wearing a helmet would not have made any difference in your injuries), it probably will not make a difference. Your attorney will discuss your specific case with you.



Q: What is comparative negligence?



A: Comparative negligence compares the negligence of everyone involved in an accident. When a jury hears the case, the jury members decide what percentage of the total fault goes to each person involved. The amount of compensation awarded to a person will be reduced by his or her share, or percentage, of the total fault.



Q: I was hurt in an accident last week, and the other driver's insurance company has offered to pay me some money. Should I accept it?



A: No! Accepting that check may mean that you have released the other driver from all liability for your accident. You may have to sign a release to get the promised money, or the back of the check you get may have a notation on it that your endorsement of the check means that you release the other driver from any past, present, or future liability for your injuries. "Some" money might be all that you get for your injuries.



The problem with a quick settlement, such as the one you have been offered here, is that it may take weeks or even months before you know the full extent of your injuries. Perhaps you've been out of work since the accident: do you know for sure when you will be working again? Do you know how much your medical bills will be? Odds are good that there are too many unknowns to make it a good idea to settle your case now. You would do best to consult with an attorney who has experience handling motorcycle injury cases before you sign anything.