Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Our experienced Toronto lawyers are ready to fight for your rights
When you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, your life can be turned upside-down in a second. You are left with serious injuries and need medical treatment. You may be unable to work for some time. Another driver caused your accident, but you aren’t sure what to do next. You have a lot of questions.
Smitiuch Injury Law can help you find answers. Our experienced motorcycle accidents lawyers can help you apply for accident benefits. We can also help you take legal action against the negligent party that caused your accident. Our lawyers build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously.
Some frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents:
- Do I need to see a doctor after my motorcycle accident?
- Do I have to report my motorcycle accident to my insurance company?
- Should I accept a settlement offer?
- How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
- What types of damages can I seek compensation for in my motorcycle accident case?
- How long will my motorcycle accident case take to resolve?
- Why should I hire your law firm to represent me?
- Can I meet with a lawyer outside of regular business hours?
Learn more about how our motorcycle accident lawyers can help. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. We can review the details of your accident, go over your legal options and answer any other questions that you have. Our offices are located in Toronto, Brantford and Simcoe. Or we can come to your home, hospital room or other location that works for you.
Do I need to see a doctor after my motorcycle accident?
Yes. Even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to be examined. You could be injured and not realize it. For example, internal injuries may show no symptoms at first. A doctor can also document your injuries. This documentation can help you if you take legal action to recover compensation.
If you need treatment, we can help. We have developed an extensive network of physicians and other health care providers throughout Ontario. We maintain a database to provide the best treatment available to assist in our client's recovery. Our firm holds an annual seminar for health care professionals as a further means of establishing ongoing working relationships with them.
Do I have to report my motorcycle accident to my insurance company?
Yes. You have seven days to report your accident to your insurance company. It doesn’t matter who was fault. Failing to report the accident, or waiting longer than seven days, could put your accident benefits at risk. Though you are given seven days, we recommend contacting them as soon as possible.
All you have to report is that you were involved in an accident. Don’t accept responsibility for the crash or answer any questions related to fault. If the insurance company wants to ask more questions or have you make a statement, politely decline and tell them you need to speak to a lawyer first. Then call us.
Should I accept a settlement offer?
The insurance company may contact you with a settlement offer. They may say it’s the best that they can do and will promise quick payment. It can be tempting, especially if your expenses are starting to add up and you are unable to work because of your injuries. The amount they are offering might sound pretty good.
Their offer will far short of covering the damages you have actually suffered. The insurance company is trying to save money. They are hoping you will settle for less. That’s why we recommend that you get legal advice before accepting any settlement offer. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
There’s no simple way to answer that question. It depends on many factors. These include the types of injuries you suffered, the seriousness of those injuries, whether you need home care, whether you were left with a permanent disability and if you missed time from work. It also depends on the strength of your case.
That’s why we investigate your motorcycle accident to find out what really happened. Our legal team gathers evidence, interviews witnesses and carefully reviews police reports and medical records. We also consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists. We build a strong case to help get maximum compensation.
What types of damages can I seek compensation for in my motorcycle accident case?
In general, the types of compensation you can seek in a lawsuit include current and future medical expenses related to your injury, lost income and certain other damages, such as pain and suffering. One of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can determine the total amount of damages you suffered and help you recover compensation.
Our firm can also help you apply for accident benefits with your insurance company. These may include medical and rehabilitation, attendant care and income replacement benefits, up to policy limits. If the insurance company tries to reduce your benefits, we can help you fight back. We are committed to helping you get the best possible outcome in your case.
How long will my motorcycle accident case take to resolve?
That depends on many factors. In general, the more complex the case, the longer it will take to resolve. A case is complex if there are multiple parties involved, if there are questions about liability or a dispute about the extent of injuries, and whether it goes to court. It can take anywhere from months to years to resolve a motorcycle accident case.
However long your case takes, we are committed to helping you get the best possible outcome. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to guide you through the legal process every step of the way. We can handle any type of motorcycle accident case and we are never afraid to take a case to trial, if that’s what it takes.
Why should I hire your law firm to represent me?
Our firm has been helping the injured since our founding in 2001. We offer the experience and resources of a big law firm, but you’ll find the personal attention that only a smaller firm can provide. You can expect honest and helpful advice. Our lawyers guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
The insurance companies are familiar with our firm. They know that our lawyers are always prepared with strong cases. They know from experience that we are not afraid to go to trial to fight for our clients. That’s why they often agree to negotiate a settlement rather than face us in court.
Can I meet with a lawyer outside of regular business hours?
Yes. We are available to meet with clients after business hours, including evenings and weekends. We also understand that it may be difficult for clients to come to our office, so we are pleased to meet with them at their home, hospital or any other location. Just call us to let us know what works for you.
All initial consultations are free. There is no risk or cost for potential clients to contact us to discuss their situation, whether it is held by telephone, or in-person at either our office, their home or in the hospital. We just want you to have the information you need to decide what to do next.
