A Serious Motorcycle Accident Can Hurt Your Health And Finances For Years
Talk about your injuries with a motorcycle accident lawyer before you head to court.
Motorcycles can give you a sense of freedom that other modes of transportation simply don’t offer. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk for a serious injury. Other drivers may not be paying attention until it’s too late, and they’ve hit you.
If you’re hurt in a serious Nevada motorcycle accident, our lawyers at Albright, Stoddard, Warnick & Albright, can help. We know you’re facing a difficult lawsuit on your own. But we can help you get paid and focus on your health first.
Facing Insurance Companies After A Motorcycle Accident
When you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident, your first thought may be, “Well, at least the insurance company should help me.” Typically, after an auto accident, the insurance company of the at-fault party should cover the costs of the injured party. Plus, you’re required to carry insurance as a motorcyclist. But it’s not always that simple.
Many insurance companies may act differently toward motorcyclists. They may claim you were partly at fault. Or they may try to avoid paying the maximum settlement you’re due. Sadly, that means you may receive a smaller or no settlement.
Worse, they may try to pin the blame on you in court. In court, taking part of the blame could mean your compensation will be reduced. That leaves you paying out of pocket for the losses the other party caused.
Because your claim can be so difficult and confusing, speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help your claim succeed. At Albright, Stoddard, Warnick & Albright, our attorneys can help to protect you from accusations of fault so you can get compensated fairly for your losses.
Compensation For Motorcycle Accidents
But how much are your losses following a motorcycle accident? These losses, also called damages, can be tough to calculate without the right guidance and tools.
For example, your financial losses, or economic damages, may seem easy to calculate. You simply need to add up the costs of your recovery, such as medical bills, motorcycle repair, and lost wages. But you may also need future damages covered. You may have a surgery scheduled months in advance, for example. We can help you track these expenses.
But what about the mental and emotional toll of your motorcycle accident? A lawyer can help you there, too. These noneconomic damages should cover the pain and suffering, emotional trauma and anxieties you may have suffered because of the accident. We have the tools to figure out their value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s at fault for your motorcycle accident?
Determining fault for a motorcycle accident can be difficult, especially if you don’t remember the details of the accident. You may be unsure whether you were hit by another driver, for example, or if you lost control of your motorcycle.
The details of your Las Vegas motorcycle accident can help your lawyer determine who’s at fault. For example, knowing another car or truck driver was distracted, drunk or drowsy can help your lawyer plan a lawsuit against that driver. If the driver was on the clock, your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against their employer, who may be held responsible for their employees.
If the at-fault party injured you while committing a crime, you may need help from your motorcycle accident lawyer to plan your lawsuit. Criminal courts are a separate branch of the court system, and your motorcycle accident lawyer in Las Vegas can help ensure you get compensated in civil court after the criminal case is settled.
What if the insurance company does not cooperate with my claim?
When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be thinking, “Well, at least I can rely on my insurance company.” You pay into a policy for coverage when you’re in a motorcycle accident, so your policy should cover your losses.
While insurance companies should be there to help us, they’re often not so willing to step up and offer a fair settlement. Worse, they may try to lowball your settlement or deny your settlement completely. They may be more focused on their profits than on ensuring you get compensated for your losses.
Because of this, you may need a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you get answers. They can review your settlement offer, seek a higher settlement, and take your claim to court if the insurance company continues to refuse your claim.
What kind of compensation can I expect?
After a severe Las Vegas motorcycle accident, you may struggle to get compensated for the suffering you’ve been through. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the costs you’ve accrued, and it can be difficult to measure those losses, or damages, without the right tools. Because of this, you may need to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Las Vegas to get the maximum compensation you need.
Below are some of the damages you may be eligible for:
- Economic damages – If you’ve been injured in a Las Vegas motorcycle accident, it may be expensive to recover. Your economic damages should cover all financial losses, like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
- Noneconomic damages – Pain and suffering is intangible, but you may still receive compensation for it. These damages require special tools to calculate, so don’t hesitate to speak to your motorcycle accident lawyer.
- Punitive damages – These damages aren’t meant to compensate you. They instead are used to punish and deter the wrongdoer from being so careless again. These damages are only offered in cases whether the at-fault party was excessively reckless or tried to harm you.
Can I still get compensation if I’m partly at fault for my motorcycle accident?
While you can still sue even if you’ve admitted to partial fault, it can hurt your claim. Your compensation can be reduced based on your fault, and if you’re more than 50% at fault, your claim could be dismissed. Because of this, you may need a motorcycle accident lawyer to defend your claim and reduce the fault you accept.
I was in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident. Can I still sue?
Just because no one else was present at the scene of your motorcycle accident doesn’t mean you were responsible. For example, the manufacturer may have failed to check for defective parts, or an unfilled pothole may have damaged your motorcycle, causing you to crash. In these cases, you may be due compensation from the at-fault parties even if they weren’t physically present.
If my loved one died in a motorcycle accident, can I sue?
Losing a loved one is difficult, but your motorcycle accident lawyer at Albright, Stoddard, Warnick & Albright is here to help. You and other members of your family may be due compensation that covers your losses following their death. You may have grounds to sue the at-fault party, so reach out for guidance after a loved one’s fatal accident.
Does it matter if I wasn’t wearing a motorcycle helmet?
A motorcycle helmet may not stop all injuries, but it can help save your life. But if you weren’t wearing one, you may be facing more than severe injuries. Failing to wear a helmet, since all motorcyclists are required to wear helmets in Nevada, could leave you with less compensation or no compensation.
What if I can’t afford a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Many people believe lawyers are something only the wealthy can afford. At Albright, Stoddard, Warnick & Albright, we work on contingency fees. That means we are paid a percentage of your compensation following your lawsuit. If you don’t win your claim, we do not get paid.
Connect With A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Right Away
Have you been hurt in a motorcycle accident? Your path to financial recovery may not be clear. You may already struggle to get paid fairly. At Albright, Stoddard, Warnick & Albright, we’re dedicated to helping injury victims like you get compensation. Take advantage of a free consultation with us by calling our office in Las Vegas at 702-854-2791. You may also send us an email to initiate a consultation. We served injured clients throughout southern Nevada.