Motorcycles can provide a handy, fuel-efficient, and fast mode of transportation, but motorcycles have a far higher accident rate than other vehicles. Since they don’t provide the same standard of safety features as cars, vans, and trucks, people who ride motorcycles can suffer injuries even in a minor accident. If you’re involved in a minor motorcycle accident, you’re probably wondering if you need to enlist the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer.
In most cases, you should still get a qualified Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney, like those from Pacific West Injury Law, involved in your case. This is especially true if you have suffered from even minor injuries or if your motorcycle has sustained any damage. Learn more about how a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you below.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Safeguard Your Rights
Being involved in an accident of any kind can be stressful and overwhelming, and it’s easy to get caught up in the details of the accident without first having a firm understanding of your rights. Those who try to handle their motorcycle accident cases on their own can miss out on potential compensation because they didn’t file a claim on time, agreed to unfair terms with a claims adjuster, or numerous other reasons.
By enlisting the help of a qualified motorcycle accident attorney, you can be assured that your rights will be protected throughout the entire process by investigating the accident, proving the other party was at fault, and negotiating settlements.
An Attorney Can Fight for Fair Compensation
After a motorcycle accident, many people are contacted by claims adjusters from the other party that seem caring and concerned about their wellbeing. Claims adjusters may ask questions about how the motorcycle accident victim is, which injuries they sustained and whether their motorcycle was damaged from the accident at all. These questions are less about their concern for you and are more about building their case to give you the least amount of money possible.
Many motorcycle accident cases can be settled out of court, but it’s common for claims adjusters to give very low offers the first few times to see what they can get away with. People without legal representation often take these offers, not knowing how much their case is worth. Having an attorney isn’t just about getting more money for yourself. It’s also about holding the other party responsible for their negligent actions.
Types of Compensation You Can Receive
There are numerous types of compensation you can receive in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, even a minor one, including:
- Medical bills: for medical bills you have accrued from the medical care you needed after the accident
- Loss of income: if you are unable to work due to the injuries you sustained in the accident
- Pain and suffering: for the physical and mental pain and suffering the accident has caused you
- Property damage: Damage to your motorcycle or other property that was damaged during the accident
These are just a few of the various types of compensation you can receive, and your lawyer will fight to get you every type of compensation possible for your case.
A Lawyer Can Ensure You Are Treated Fairly
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are often treated with unfair biases in the legal system and insurance companies, as they are often viewed as reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous to other drivers on the road. For this reason, it can be incredibly difficult to make your claim that you deserve compensation because the other driver was the irresponsible one instead of you. A motorcycle accident attorney can investigate your accident to find and present proof that the other party was completely or mostly at fault for the accident.
Establishing liability isn’t always easy or straightforward, but having a skilled lawyer on your side can drastically increase the odds that you won’t be held liable for another person’s actions. If you are treated unfairly by another party, insurance company, or any other entity, your lawyer can also fight to ensure they are held responsible for their unfair actions.
When Should You Handle Your Case on Your Own?
The only instance where it might be okay to handle your case on your own is if you sustained minor injuries and your motorcycle didn’t suffer any damage from the accident. These motorcycle accidents are rare, and you will likely fight with the other party’s insurance company to get compensation for any medical attention you need after the accident.
Even people in these situations may still benefit from hiring a motorcycle accident attorney. It never hurts to get a free case evaluation before you decide to go it alone.
Most Motorcycle Accident Lawyers don’t Get Paid Unless You Win Your Case
Some motorcycle accident victims hesitate to get a lawyer involved because they don’t want to be stuck with huge legal fees if they don’t end up winning their case. The good news is that most motorcycle accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning they don’t get paid unless the case is won. This means that you take on very little risk when getting an attorney involved in your case. It can help you make sure that you get quality legal representation without worrying about negative financial repercussions.
Contact a Team of Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
At Pacific West Injury Law, we understand how traumatic it can be to be involved in a motorcycle accident, regardless of the severity. Our team of highly skilled car and motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get more compensation than you ever thought possible. We can help you get the respect you deserve during settlement negotiations or courtroom proceedings.
If you’re ready to get started with a free case evaluation, please contact us today. One of our dedicated staff members will contact you promptly to show you how we can help you with your motorcycle accident case.