Weighing in at between 400 and 800 pounds, the average street bike is no match for the massive weight of a big truck. Even with an empty trailer, a commercial truck can still weigh an impressive 35,000 pounds. With that kind of weight coupled with their Goliath-like size, a motorcycle is no match for a truck. Two wheels versus eighteen is not a fair fight. A motorcyclist against a big rig is almost always a losing battle.
If you’ve lost a fight with a big rig, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer from Trantolo & Trantolo. While on the mend, a biker-friendly attorney will jump into the ring and fight for justice and the compensation you deserve.
Survival After a Losing Encounter Between Biker and Trucker
Rarely does a biker do well when colliding with a truck. With no cage of protection, a motorcycle doesn’t stand a chance against a big rig or other large commercial vehicle. Oftentimes, the result is catastrophic, life-changing injuries and a wrecked bike. Motorcyclists’ injuries after a truck accident can leave them unable to work, and while they’re recuperating, medical and monthly bills can go unpaid. So, how does a biker survive after a traumatic crash?
While they can’t erase the wreckage, an experienced, biker-friendly attorney can help a biker seek accountability and compensation. Most truckers, either independent haulers or those who are employed by a cargo company, will have a team of savvy and ruthless lawyers and insurance company claim adjusters who will fight to limit the trucker’s liability along with fighting your claims for compensation. To battle the big boys, you’ll need a legal team of your own.
What Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Do to Help Bikers After a Truck Accident?
It’s fair to say that most bikers don’t have extensive knowledge of personal injury laws or the know-how to negotiate with insurance company claims adjusters. To level out the battlefield, they’ll need an attorney who’s gone down this road before. Here’s what a lawyer can do for bikers who’ve been injured by a careless trucker.
- Investigate the accident – One of the biggest challenges of a truck accident lawsuit is determining liability. While most would think that the truck driver is fully responsible for the crash, that’s not always the case. Truck loading personnel, trucking companies, and even truck manufacturers could also be named as liable parties. A personal injury attorney has the know-how to figure out all responsible parties.
- Recover all damages – Insurance companies may be quick to offer a settlement as long as the biker signs on the dotted line and gives up all rights to seek full compensation for their injuries. A savvy truck accident lawyer will ensure that all economic and non-economic damages are recovered in full.
- Provide peace of mind – Bikers hit by commercial trucks almost always suffer catastrophic injuries that can take months or even years to recover from. While they’re out of work and unable to earn a living, their lawyer will be fighting to ensure that the responsible party or parties are held liable for their negligence.
- Represent you in court – While the majority of truck accident personal injury cases never see the inside of a courtroom, some do. Imagine trying to prove negligence and damages to a judge and a jury without proper legal representation. You’ll want to have an experienced personal injury lawyer representing you in the courtroom.
How To Survive Financially After a Motorcycle Accident
When you’re laid up due to life-altering injuries after ending up on the wrong side of a big truck, you’ll most likely be unable to earn a living. All of your time will be taken up with doctor’s appointments, medical treatment, and lots of R&R. Fortunately, a personal injury attorney will work on a contingency basis, meaning they won’t be paid unless you receive a successful settlement. But how does a biker who can’t work pay their bills?
An option to stay afloat while your attorney fights for a settlement is to apply for a personal injury settlement loan. While personal injury settlements can take six months to a year to reach an agreement, bikers with strong cases can typically get a settlement loan. Once you receive your insurance company settlement, you’ll be obligated to pay back the loan with interest.
Truck vs. Motorcycle: How To Survive After a Crash With a Commercial Vehicle
Bikers rarely come out on top when involved in an accident with a big rig truck. A collision of this type leaves its victims with severe, life-changing injuries that could take quite some time to heal if they can be healed at all. While coping with their injuries, bikers should seek out experienced legal representation.
The only way to win the most successful settlement is to have a personal injury attorney go to bat for you. They have the savvy to fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. Don’t go into the legal battlefield alone. Reach out to a biker-friendly lawyer today.
