Attorney or not? Please advise me......

RT_Russ

RT_Russ

Half Fast at best......
So, after a nice overnighter to the Hwy 36 area with Rodr and crew http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=481994&page=21

I got taken out by a Prius. Paramedics cut all of my gear off (expect for the small dangly bits), put me on a back board and trucked me off to the Trauma unit at Santa Rosa Memorial.

I'm currently at home, on the mend, shopping for replacement gear online etc. The big question is whether to lawyer up or not? I have Geico coverage and they are being great taking care of things and will seek reimbursement from AAA (other party). I am looking for advice from those that have been here before me. Should I trust insurance or lawyer up?

Russ
 
Maddevill

Maddevill

KNGKAW
I think with the injuries and all the gear damage it would be a good ides to at least get a consultation with a good M/C lawyer.
 
rodr

rodr

Well-known member
Hope you're mending well...

You should be able to get an initial consult for free, and insurance will probably not volunteer to pay for things like pain and suffering and lost wages... so sure, give it a shot.
 
NB0tt

NB0tt

Well-known member
I tried to not do the lawyer thing when I got hit. The insurance company were dicks and so I ended up having to get one anyway. Def find one now.
 
J

jpc647

Member
Def. get one. Agreed, they probably won't pay for gear, etc. Better to get the consult and go from there. Get two from two different attorneys if you need to.
 
Crjunkee

Crjunkee

Well-known member
I will tell you this. I work in a chiropractors office. we do lot of personnel injury cases. Things get done much quicker with a lawyer.
Was the police called
If so who did they find at fault.

If it was the other person definitely get one.
If you where then that's up to you then.
Just make sure your bills are covered before you settle.
I have seen a few people get screwed over as they where not able to cover There bills because the other party had cheap insurance and they settled early
 
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rl_sy

rl_sy

RiderzLaw Attorney
If you hadn't been hurt, and all you were worried about was your bike and your gear, you generally don't need a lawyer. But as soon as there are medical bills incurred -- even if you are fortunate enough to have good health insurance -- competent legal help is a good idea. There are a lot of pitfalls, and a $5k check from an insurance company (to randomly chose a payoff amount) could cost you a lot more in the long run. For example, your health insurance carrier probably has a right to reimbursement if the injuries were the result of an auto accident.

Make sure, whoever you hire, doesn't take any attorneys fees for property damage (i.e., your motorcycle, helmet, riding gear, etc.) If that's not clear in the retainer agreement, it's a sign that they are not to be trusted.

Best of luck in a speedy recovery.
 
Unicorn Power

Unicorn Power

My cat uses toilets
If you do hire a lawyer, which personally I do advise - or at least get a consult, a good one worth their salt will tell you to not say anything more about it here or on social media, in case things go to trial, etc., or even if they don't progress that far just in case.

If you have posted any photos or posts to FB, etc., I'd remove them. :2cents
 
rl_sy

rl_sy

RiderzLaw Attorney
Unicorn Power said:
If you do hire a lawyer, which personally I do advise - or at least get a consult, a good one worth their salt will tell you to not say anything more about it here or on social media, in case things go to trial, etc., or even if they don't progress that far just in case.

If you have posted any photos or posts to FB, etc., I'd remove them. :2cents
Click to expand...

Great advice!
 
Burning1

Burning1

I'm scareoused!
I checked your other thread. Looks like you had broken ribs? If so, yes, you should talk to a lawyer. While you're insurance company will probably do a decent job of collecting for your bike and medical bills, a lawyer will help recover for a lot of your other expenses / losses.

FWIW, the other drivers liability will cover your gear, bike, etc.

I also recommend you follow the other advise here... Delete this thread, delete your other thread, and do not discuss this accident online. There's a good chance the other insurance company has already archived these comments. They will use it against you.
 
Honey Badger

Honey Badger

...iz a girl
Hi Russ,

I'd highly recommend contacting an attorney - in fact, one of our newest BARF sponsors is one who I'd highly recommend - they are riders themselves, and focus on injury cases. They'll give you an honest assessment of the situation. Pretty cool guys outside of a court as well :) The website is http://www.riderzlaw.com/ I'll PM you the personal contact info for Sy as well, good dude and he'll take care of you.
 
afm199

afm199

Well-known member
Any injury you have may impact your future ability to earn. You don't know. If it's just a bike, no biggie, when it involves your livelihood, get a lawyer. And don't mention the accident online or in the media.
 
summitdog

summitdog

Motorcycle Lawyer
Russ,

It is unfortunate that you were taken out. I hope you heal completely and quickly. A couple of notes:
1) Keep a pain diary of all of the pain, pain meds, loss of opportunity (not being able to do what you normally do), lost nights of sleep, etc.
2) Take plenty of pictures of your injuries (to include your property damage)
3) If you have an appointment with the DR., don't miss it. (The insurance company will say that if your injury was soooo bad then you would not have missed the appointment)
4) If something does not feel right, go to the Dr. Don't wait to see if it feels better in a week or two.
5) Keep track of lost time from work.

If you have any questions, feel free to call my office and speak to me or Angelo.

Scotty
408-920-6300
 
A

ABC

Well-known member
I don't have much to add but I can say that Santa Rosa Memorial was the saving point of my life. They are amazing.. I hope you heal well.
 
EastBayDave

EastBayDave

- Kawasaki Fanatic -
ALWAYS get at least a consultation. You never know, one of those pains you have may last the rest of your life! (happened to me! crash in 73' still hurts.)

be smart, get a consult...
 
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