After a motorcycle accident, you might consider filing a lawsuit to recover monetary compensation, and you have every right to do so. If the at-fault party does not have insurance, you can still sue for damages, but getting the amount you need may be complicated. You have other options, and a lawyer can help.
How Legal Representation Can Help You with Your Case
If you are thinking of suing an uninsured party, you likely have a lot of questions about your chances of success, the legal process, and whether hiring a lawyer is worth it. Call a law firm to learn more about these things. If you decide to hire an attorney, they will answer your questions about:
- Investigating: Find out where your lawyer will look for evidence to support your lawsuit and seek witnesses to testify on your behalf.
- Paperwork: Learn which forms your lawyer uses and when.
- Deadlines: Your attorney can keep track of the deadlines for submitting forms and trial exhibits.
- Negotiations: Find out if the liable party’s settlement offer is fair, considering the damages. If not, your lawyer can fight to persuade them to pay you what you really need.
- Trials: It might be time to stop negotiating and go to court. Find out how the liable party’s lack of insurance affects your ability to recover compensation.
- The value of your case: What is the maximum amount of money you can expect to receive? Your legal team can advise you on laws that limit how much you can receive.
All Drivers Must Buy Insurance
Automobile insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers in the state of Ohio. Unfortunately, according to the Ohio Department of Insurance’s Guide to Automobile Insurance, up to 15 percent of Ohio drivers do not comply with this law.
If you are injured in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may have difficulty getting the money you need. Without insurance, the at-fault party is personally responsible for paying whatever damages you receive. Therefore, your payout will be limited by the uninsured driver’s personal assets.
Additionally, you might have to contend with the liable party’s lawyer. They will, of course, do everything possible to protect their client’s interests by minimizing your payout. They may even argue that their client did not cause your accident and that you are owed nothing.
To help you better understand and confront the complications of suing an uninsured driver, you can hire a lawyer who has your interest in mind.
You May Qualify for Damages
In 2020, Franklin County reported 294 motorcycle accidents, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). Such accidents can injure your body, damage your property, and exhaust your finances. You can seek compensation in these areas by suing the liable party.
Economic damages, for instance, include the money you spent or lost due to your motorcycle accident. You could qualify for economic damages if you experienced anything like the following:
- Loss of wages: This damage refers to a temporary inability to work and earn a living. If you are permanently unable to work, you can sue for loss of employment instead.
- Repair expenses: Due to crash-related damage, your vehicle may need repairs or a replacement.
- Medical expenses: This expense can range from immediate emergency care, a precautionary trip to the doctor, or a permanent disability requiring lifelong care.
- Other expenses: If your injuries leave you temporarily or permanently unable to perform chores, like housework or yard work, you may need to hire someone else to do it for you.
Non-economic damages will reimburse you for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. That suffering could stem from things like:
- Disability: Your injuries had a permanent, negative impact on your physical or intellectual capabilities.
- Disfigurement: Scars that are large or painful may entitle you to damages.
- Reduced quality of life: Your injuries make it difficult or impossible for you to live independently or to accomplish tasks, like dressing, bathing, and cleaning.
- Loss of consortium: Your marriage has struggled since the accident.
The Fitch Law Firm LLC Is Here to Help
You can collect damages after a motorcycle accident, even if the at-fault party does not have insurance. The team at the Fitch Law Firm LLC is happy to help you navigate the challenges of suing an uninsured driver. Call today and receive a free case review from a member of our team. You do not have to pay us any fees until you have recovered compensation. The number of our Columbus office is (614) 545-3930.