There is no such thing as a “good” settlement after a motorcycle accident in South Carolina. Ideally, you will take every precaution to avoid getting into a motorcycle accident in the first place. However, even if you prioritize safety, you may need to seek compensation as part of a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we have handled dozens of motorcycle accident cases to date. If you want to hire a South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer, please get in touch with us. From here, our attorney can review your case and help you pursue the most damages possible.
Do Not Settle for a Subpar Settlement After a Motorcycle Accident
Following a motorcycle accident in South Carolina caused by someone else, you may lose money. This is due to the fact that you may have been injured in your accident, which can lead to costly medical bills. On top of that, you may be forced to miss work, which can hamper your earning potential and result in lost wages.
In the days after your motorcycle accident, the at-fault party may try to settle. In this instance, resist the urge to accept a settlement offer. Instead, reach out to a South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm provides legal resources to motorcycle accident victims and others interested in filing personal injury lawsuits. If you want to find out if you have a viable case after your motorcycle accident, please connect with us. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in South Carolina can help you decide if now is the right time to file a lawsuit, and if so, how much you should request in damages.
You Can Request Tens or Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
In a motorcycle accident lawsuit in South Carolina, you can ask for economic and non-economic damages. If you request economic damages, you seek money for any medical bills, lost wages, and other quantifiable expenses that you have incurred. Comparatively, if you ask for non-economic damages, you request compensation for pain, suffering, and other subjective losses.
A motorcycle accident attorney in South Carolina can help you decide how much money to ask for in your personal injury lawsuit. To do so, your lawyer will look at your financial losses to date and account for how your motorcycle accident and injury will impact you moving forward. Next, your attorney will come up with a reasonable amount to request and submit your legal claim.
As soon as you file your motorcycle accident lawsuit, you should prepare for a lengthy legal process. It can take months or years before a court hears your case. Meanwhile, the defendant in your case may present you with a settlement — and you need to respond accordingly.
How You Should Respond to a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Offer
There is no harm in reviewing a settlement offer. Even if the offer falls short of your expectations, it can give you a glimpse into how the defendant views your case against them. In the worst-case scenario, you decline a settlement offer and continue to build your case.
If you get a settlement proposal, it is beneficial to review it with your lawyer. You have the final say on a settlement offer and must decide whether to accept compensatory damages from the defendant. Yet, your lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons of any decision you make regarding a settlement proposal.
When you partner with a motorcycle accident lawyer that has a track record of getting great case results, there is no pressure to approve a settlement. You can reject a settlement in the hopes of getting sufficient compensation from the defendant. If no settlement is reached prior to your trial date, you and the defendant get the opportunity to share your respective arguments in court.
When a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Gets Settled in the Courtroom
You can bring your motorcycle accident lawsuit to court and share your insights into what happened. At this point, your attorney will argue on your behalf and explain why you deserve to be awarded damages. On the other hand, the defendant’s lawyer will advocate for their client and argue you should not be awarded any damages.
A judge or jury has the responsibility to listen to all parties involved in a motorcycle accident case and make a decision that aligns with their best interests. Overall, a motorcycle accident trial can require hours or days to complete. Once a judge or jury hears testimony and reviews evidence from both sides, you will find out if damages will be awarded.
There is no requirement for a judge or jury to award damages in a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Regardless, if your attorney presents a compelling argument, they put you in a great position to receive compensation. If you are awarded damages, the defendant is legally required to pay them to close your case.
How to Get the Most Damages You Can in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
To boost your chances of securing a settlement that lines up with your expectations, hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. You can choose an attorney that commits the time, energy, and resources required to answer your legal questions. This lawyer will work with the defendant’s attorney to negotiate a fair settlement.
Of course, there are no guarantees that a settlement will come to fruition before your motorcycle accident trial date. Fortunately, if you have a lawyer who has a wealth of relevant experience at your side, you are in good hands. Your lawyer will help you prepare for your trial and make sure you know what to expect when it begins.
Your attorney will work with you to make your case as strong as possible. When your trial date arrives, you and your lawyer can enter the courtroom with confidence. Then, your attorney can argue your case and do what is necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Get Started with a South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you take the first step to receiving compensation after your South Carolina motorcycle accident. For more information or to request a free case evaluation, please contact us today.