Motorcycle accidents may change your life forever. They can lead to severe injuries, financial difficulties, and even emotional distress. Understanding the legal system can help you receive the compensation you are entitled to if you’ve been injured in a collision. Although the road to healing can seem daunting, a motorcycle accident attorney in Denver can guide you in complex legal claims and negotiations as well as possible court proceedings. This article breaks it down into the steps of a legal claim, from the impact to getting fair compensation.
Immediate Steps After A Motorcycle Crash
It is important to act immediately after a motorbike accident. While safety is always the priority, taking appropriate steps can enhance your legal claim.
- Seek Professional Medical Attention: Even if an injury appears minor, it’s important to have it checked out by your doctor. Some conditions, such as concussions or internal bleeding, do not have immediate symptoms.Â
- Report the Accident: A police record is an official account. This document can prove to be an important piece of evidence for establishing responsibility and fault.
- Documenting Scene: If possible, you should take pictures or videos of accident sites, vehicle damages, road conditions, and injuries. The testimony of witnesses may also be used to support your case.
- Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Right Away: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim by getting you to deny your fault or downplay the severity of your injuries. Consult a Denver motorbike accident lawyer before making any statement.
Filing A Legal Claim For Compensation
The legal process begins once the immediate concerns of the accident are addressed. Typically, motorcycle accident claims include the following steps.
- You Can Hire A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Personal injury law is complex, and an expert lawyer may significantly impact the result of your case. A Denver motorcycle injury attorney will:
- Assess your case in order to determine what legal action is best.
- Handle the communication with insurers.
- Collect and organize proof to prove liability.
- Negotiate settlements or represent in court as necessary.
Many lawyers work on a basis. They only get paid when they are awarded compensation.
- Establishing Liability
One of the most important parts of a lawsuit is establishing who is at fault for an accident. Due to Colorado’s comparative negligence rule, your compensation may be lowered if you shared any of the blame for the collision.
Your attorney will also gather important evidence such as:
- The accident is detailed in the police report.
- Eyewitness testimony to support your version.
- Videos or photos from the scene.
- Expert analysis is a type of report (such as accident reports) that requires expert knowledge.
If another driver has been negligent (due to distraction, speeding, or violation of traffic laws), you have a strong claim for compensation.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies frequently try to settle claims as quickly as possible and for the least amount of money.
Denver motorcycle injury attorney will handle any negotiations so that you don’t accept an unfair settlement. These are common tactics insurers employ:
- Making a low-ball initial settlement: Many insurers will make a first offer that seems reasonable but does not cover medical expenses or lost wages.
- Denial of Liability: They may say that you reduced their payout because they were at fault.
- Delaying: Some companies will drag out the negotiation process in an attempt to make victims desperate, so they’ll accept a lower settlement.
Filing A Lawsuit If Negotiations Fail
The next step is to file a personal injury suit if the insurer does not agree to a fair settlement. This process includes
- Drafting the complaint: Your lawyer prepares a legal statement that outlines your injuries, accidents, and damages.
- Before trial discovery: Both sides exchange information, such as sworn testimony (depositions) and expert witness testimony.
- Mediation and settlement discussions: Alternative dispute resolution methods are often used to settle cases before they go to trial.
- Going through trial: If no agreement is reached, then your case will go to court. There, a judge and jury will determine the outcome.
The time it takes to file a lawsuit can be worth the wait if your case has merit.
Conclusion
From the time a motorbike accident occurs to the payout of compensation, each step in legal proceedings is vital in ensuring that bikers receive justice. It can make all of the difference to your case if you seek immediate medical treatment, collect evidence, hire a Denver lawyer, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies.
