Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado Springs
Motorcycles are commonly considered to be exciting, fun, and somewhat risky. While the feeling of freedom on a motorcycle is certainly enjoyable, dealing with the consequences of motorcycle accidents is not. Motorcycle collisions can occur in many ways, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or badly timed lane changes. Lives can completely change in only a few moments, and when a motorcycle is involved, fatalities may occur. Sadly, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to fatal injuries because they do not have the protection of seatbelts and airbags. Those who have lost loved ones in fatal motorcycle accidents in Colorado Springs are entitled to explore their legal options.
While you cope with your grief, bills may start flooding in for medical care, funeral costs, or damaged property. That is in addition to the regular bills you may have relied upon the assistance of your loved one to pay: rent, electricity, internet, food, gas, and other necessities. There are many questions and unknowns after you lose a loved one in a motorcycle crash. An experienced motorcycle wreck lawyer could ease your worries through a consultation where you figure out a plan for legal recourse and how to move forward with your life.
Reasons to Hire a Motorcycle Crash Attorney After a Loved One’s Death
People often underestimate the work that goes into making a successful legal case. However, the money people think they will save if they do not hire an attorney is usually much less than what a skilled legal professional could help them get. Motorcycle accidents can result in thousands, if not millions, of dollars on someone’s plate: medical bills, lost wages, or the loss of a loved one. Evidence collection can be time-consuming and detailed, but it can prove damages and can sway a jury or influence an insurance company. Some examples of evidence a proactive lawyer could help collect include:
- Police reports
- Expert witnesses
- Eyewitness statements
- Physical evidence of the crash
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Photos and videos of the accident
A Colorado Springs attorney who knows how to handle fatal motorcycle accident lawsuits could help gather the evidence necessary to show that surviving family members deserve to be compensated for the insurmountable loss they have suffered and its lasting impacts.
While cases usually take between 6-12 months to finish, they can sometimes take longer. The more complex an accident is, the longer it can potentially take. Even more importantly, certain deadlines cannot be missed to have a successful case. The right attorney will not rush settlement and risk short-changing a grieving family; instead, they will take the case as far as it needs to go to get the maximum recovery. Further, the right legal professional will keep track of all deadlines on behalf of the family to ensure the case is not dismissed merely due to the statute of limitations or a late filing.
Compensation After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
There is no average amount of money people can obtain in a fatal motorcycle accident lawsuit. Settlements and verdicts can range based on any number of facts. Notably, insurance companies often lowball plaintiffs who are mourning an immense loss and are unaware of the compensation they truly deserve. Insurance companies want to protect their profits by offering the lowest settlement they can to plaintiffs. A Colorado Springs lawyer with experience in fatal motorcycle crash lawsuits is not intimidated by such tactics. They could push for the maximum compensation possible from those companies.
A skilled attorney will have a plan to help surviving family members recover the money they deserve if they choose to go to court instead of settling with an insurance company. Colorado follows the comparative negligence model in awarding damages, meaning that as long as the motorcyclist was less than 50 percent responsible for the accident, damages can be awarded to their family or estate. Surviving family members also have the option of filing a wrongful death lawsuit to seek financial recovery.
Damages are typically either economic or non-economic. Some examples of economic damages are funeral expenses, property damage, and medical bills. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, or emotional trauma. A well-practiced lawyer could calculate the maximum amount of damages surviving family members may be able to pursue in a comprehensive wrongful death suit.
A Colorado Springs Lawyer Could Help After Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
When you hire a qualified attorney, they will review your case in depth and advise you of your legal options. While you focus on recovering from your loss, your dedicated lawyer could take on the rigorous work of gathering evidence and communicating with other parties, such as insurance companies. There is hope. Life can get easier if you choose to have experienced and compassionate legal counsel on your side. Whenever you are ready, give us a call.
