In the wake of a motorcycle crash, victims often grapple with a range of challenges, from physical pain to financial uncertainty. Recently, I talked to someone who was worried that hiring a personal injury attorney would be prohibitively expensive. After I explained all the ways that a motorcycle attorney can help get a crash victim more money, and how personal injury attorneys charge for their services, he realized he would be crazy NOT to hire an attorney. Here are a few of the things I shared with him to convince him that legal representation is both accessible and crucial for motorcycle crash victims in Colorado.
Understanding Contingency Fees: No Win, No Fee for Your Colorado Case
One of the most significant aspects of personal injury law is the contingency fee structure. Under this arrangement, attorneys only receive payment if they secure a win for your case, either through a settlement or a court judgment.
This arrangement ensures that anyone can hire a personal injury attorney because you don’t have to pay upfront fees or hourly rates. In a world where it feels like only the rich can get good legal help, contingency fees level the playing field for everyone. Another reason I like the contingency fee structure is because it aligns an attorney’s interests with the victim’s interests. In other words, your attorney is incentivized to obtain the best possible outcome for you because their fee is based on your settlement.
Expertise and Experience: Taking on Insurance Companies
Experienced personal injury attorneys bring a depth of knowledge to the table, crucial for navigating the intricate landscapes of insurance claims and legal proceedings. They understand the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts and are skilled at countering these strategies.
Here is just one example: Often, insurance companies ask victims for a signed medical release so that they can analyze the injuries incurred from the motorcycle crash. Why is this bad? I have seen insurance companies go far back into a victim’s health history and deny payment based on previous experiences that have nothing to do with the accident and the victim’s current condition. They can use anything they find in your past medical history against you, even going so far as to say the injuries you’re claiming from this accident are from a previous incident, thus denying your claim.
A seasoned, local Colorado personal injury attorney knows all of these tricks. By leveraging their understanding of legal precedents, statutes, and insurance policies, they can often secure far greater compensation than a motorcycle crash victim (or a car crash victim) could manage on their own. This can include not only direct damages like medical bills and lost wages but also compensation for pain, suffering, and long-term care needs.
The Importance of Specialization
Having a friend who is a lawyer can be beneficial, but personal injury law is a specialized field. Think of it like doctors. If you had an uncle who was a brain surgeon, you wouldn’t ask him to set your broken leg. The same is true of lawyers, who specialize in different, complex areas of the law. A general practitioner or a lawyer specializing in another area may not have the nuanced understanding of personal injury law necessary to navigate these complex cases effectively.
This specialization is particularly important when it comes to understanding the full scope of compensation available, including aspects like long-term care, potential future earnings loss, and the psychological impact of the traumatic experience.
Understanding Legal Fees: An Investment in Your Future
While the idea of legal fees can be daunting, it’s important to view them as an investment. A skilled personal injury attorney can negotiate a settlement or win a judgment that significantly exceeds what you might obtain on your own, even after their fees are taken into account.
Getting the maximum from your case is especially important if you’ve suffered a serious injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or severe burns. In such a case, you’ll likely require ongoing medical treatment and may be unable to work for an extended period of time. A personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injury. They can also help you assess the full extent of your damages, including any long-term or permanent disabilities that may impact your future earning potential.
It’s not just about winning your case; it’s about securing the maximum possible compensation so that your future is secure.
Holistic Support: More Than Legal Advice
Beyond the courtroom, personal injury attorneys can provide invaluable support in other areas. They often help clients navigate the healthcare system, ensuring they receive the necessary medical care. They can also offer guidance on managing finances and obligations while awaiting a settlement.
For example, did you know that, if you are a victim of a motorcycle or car accident in Denver, it can take years for your case against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to settle? During that time, if you are receiving medical treatment for your injuries, those bills are piling up, affecting your credit score, and causing significant stress. This makes the healing process even harder. Sometimes, victims choose to settle before they should just so they can get a portion of the money they’re owed to pay off the creditors howling on their phones. But a good personal injury attorney will know ways that you can get all the treatment you need and put the creditors off completely until you get the full settlement you’re owed.
This comprehensive approach can be particularly beneficial for victims facing long recovery periods.
The True Cost of Forgoing Legal Representation After a Colorado Accident
Clearly, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney after a motorcycle crash is not a luxury but a necessity. Your attorney will provide both legal expertise and comprehensive support to help you navigate one of the most challenging times of your life. With the right legal advocate, the journey to recovery and fair compensation becomes a road well worth traveling.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash in Denver and you need advice, call me for a free consultation today. 877-562-9425