Should I Get a Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident? Legal Help, Benefits & Lawsuit Timeline Explained

By Emery Ledger on August 11, 2025

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

After you have been in a motorcycle accident, you are probably very sore at best and possibly hospitalized. You may be on strong painkillers that can dull your judgment. You might ponder, “should I get a lawyer for motorcycle accident?”

The stress and confusion of having to make important decisions while recuperating can prove too much to manage. Retaining a reputable motorcycle accident lawyer can preserve your rights to seek compensation from liable parties.

What Does a Motorcycle Injury Attorney Do?

A motorcycle injury attorney is your legal advocate. They can investigate the site of the wreck and gather any evidence. That might mean taking photos of skid marks or interviewing eyewitnesses to the crash.

Your motorcycle injury attorney is also the buffer between you and the insurance company’s adjusters. Your legal team will arrange for damage estimates and counter low-ball settlement offers.

The Benefits of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Your motorcycle attorney will expertly guide your case through the shoals of the civil court system. Injured riders who try to handle their own insurance claims typically fail to maximize the financial compensation which they are entitled to seek.

But a motorcycle accident lawyer knows when to file petitions, responses and other legal documents, so the case doesn’t prescribe.

A Lawyer Uncovers All Your Damages

There are different kinds of damages that plaintiffs can seek in motorcycle accident cases. Below are some of the damages your personal injury attorney might pursue:

• Medical bills – Some motorcycle accidents leave victims with lifelong medical expenses.
• Lost wages – These are part of the economic damages a motorcycle accident attorney can seek.
• Pain and suffering – This is a non-economic damage and not usually subject to taxation.

A Lawyer Can Keep You in the Loop

After a motorcycle wreck lays you low, your priority should be to rest, recuperate and heal as best you can. Meanwhile, your lawyer is busy behind the scenes trying to satisfactorily resolve your claim.

Your personal injury attorney should maintain clear communication with you and provide you with timely and relevant updates as your claim wends its way through the legal process. They must also present their clients with any settlement offers from insurers and defendants.

Can You Win a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Without a Lawyer?

It has been done before, but that is the exception to the rule. Representing oneself without legal guidance is never recommended.

Insurance companies love it when claimants choose to self-represent rather than retaining legal counsel for their motorcycle accident claims. They use all sorts of delaying tactics and offer claimants far less than their motorcycle injury claims are truly worth.

Personal injury attorneys also know how to sort out complex liability issues where more than one party is at fault.

When Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Is Worth It

The more serious your injuries are, the more vital it is to engage a reputable motorcycle accident attorney. You might be too severely injured to even file your own claim for damages or know how to respond if the insurance company denies your claim.

Having a motorcycle accident lawyer is also critical when the wreck was a hit-and-run or more than one vehicle was involved. Sometimes, your attorney might identify other defendants with even deeper pockets, e.g., motorcycle or parts manufacturers.

How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?

Inevitably, clients want to know how long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take. The short answer is that it depends. The more compensation being sought and the more devastating the injuries are, the more complex the case will be.

Complicated cases can take months to years if they don’t settle and must be set for trial. Your attorney may hire experts to testify on your behalf, and the defendants can counter with their own experts. It’s definitely a marathon and not a sprint.

What Affects the Length of a Motorcycle Lawsuit?

Ideally, the insurer will eventually offer a fair settlement and your case will conclude. Failing that, depositions and discovery can create further delays.

The length of the court docket is another factor. In busier jurisdictions, you can wait months to get a court date. You also have to consider the severity of your injuries. You may need extensive surgeries or other treatments to be able to participate in litigating your case.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Often, people seeking personal injury attorneys ask friends and family for recommendations. Others do their online research, reading client reviews and evaluating the experience levels of the motorcycle accident lawyers near them. You should always feel comfortable with the attorney you retain to represent you.

Many personal injury attorneys offer clients free consultations and won’t get any money upfront until the case is won.

A Lawyer Helps With Wrongful Death Cases

These cases are some of the saddest ones that personal injury attorneys litigate. No sum of money can ever restore your loved one’s life. But attorneys can and will seek damages that can make your life much easier after the fatal motorcycle collision.

This is especially important for families who lose their primary breadwinner. Filing a wrongful death case against the at-fault parties responsible for your loved one’s death holds them accountable and may offer you some closure.

Staying Out of the Insurance Fight

When you are sick or grieving, the last thing that you want to do is haggle with aggressive insurance adjusters that toss out lowball offers to avoid paying legitimate motorcycle injury claims.

Retaining an attorney allows you to stay above the fray of the insurance battle over your claim.

When to Call a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident

Knowing when to call a lawyer after a motorcycle accident can wind up saving you time and aggravation. After you are medically stable, call a motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case.

Ledger Law Firm understands the complexities involved with both negotiating a settlement and winning a judgment in a motorcycle accident case. These qualities are what allow their attorneys to stand out from the crowd of motorcycle accident lawyers.

FAQs – Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident

Is it necessary to hire a lawyer after a motorcycle crash?

Yes, hiring a lawyer after a motorcycle crash is often essential. Most injured riders are not in a position—physically or emotionally—to manage the legal process alone. An experienced attorney will protect your rights, handle insurance negotiations, and help you secure maximum compensation.

What support can a motorcycle attorney provide during recovery?

A motorcycle accident attorney takes over the legal burden while you focus on healing. They manage communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, track medical records, and keep your case moving forward—all without you having to lift a finger during your recovery.

Can an attorney identify compensation you may not know about?

Absolutely. A lawyer can uncover multiple types of damages beyond just your medical bills. They’ll calculate economic and non-economic losses like lost wages, long-term care, emotional distress, and pain and suffering—ensuring nothing is overlooked in your claim.

What happens if you deal directly with the insurance company?

Insurance companies are known for offering low settlements to unrepresented claimants. Without a lawyer, you might be pressured into accepting far less than your case is worth. An attorney shields you from these tactics and negotiates on your behalf for fair compensation.

When is the right time to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer?

The best time to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer is as soon as your medical condition is stable. Early legal intervention helps preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and improve your odds of a successful claim from the beginning.

Can you handle a motorcycle injury case on your own?

While it’s possible, self-representation is extremely risky. Motorcycle accident cases often involve complex liability, aggressive insurance defense, and legal nuances that are difficult to navigate without experience. A lawyer improves your chances of a favorable outcome.

How do lawyers help in fatal motorcycle accident cases?

Lawyers assist families of deceased victims by filing wrongful death claims. They seek financial damages to cover funeral expenses, lost future income, and emotional suffering. Legal support during these times ensures justice and financial relief for surviving loved ones.

How can you find a lawyer who focuses on motorcycle injury cases?

Look for personal injury attorneys who have specific experience with motorcycle accident cases. Check reviews, request free consultations, and ask about past case results. A good lawyer will have a proven track record in handling similar claims and make you feel confident in their representation.

Emery Ledger

Emery Brett Ledger brings more than 27 years of experience to personal injury law. He founded & led The Ledger Law Firm in securing over $100 million in compensation for clients with life-altering injuries & complex claims. Licensed in California, Texas, & Washington, Emery earned his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. His practice areas include car & truck accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, maritime claims, & mass tort litigation. He has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100, Mass Tort Trial Lawyers Top 25, and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys. Emery also received the 2025 Elite Lawyer Award & holds a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating with Platinum Client Champion status. His legal work has been featured on CNN, Forbes, NBC, & ABC.