Valent Legal – Halifax Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The Halifax motorcycle accident lawyers at Valent Legal will be there for you when you need us most. If you were hurt or if you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to call us for help. We are proud to represent bikers and their families in Halifax and across Nova Scotia. We are ready to put our skills, experience, and resources to work for you.
Our team of compassionate lawyers and support staff understands that recovering from the often-catastrophic injuries caused by the accident can be difficult enough, but other concerns will weigh heavily on you. You might be left wondering: “How will I pay my medical bills? How will I support myself and my family?” Replacing lost income during this challenging time can seem almost impossible.
If this has happened to you, don’t give up hope. It’s crucial to remember that the law allows you to be compensated for the injuries you suffer in a motorcycle accident. With the right lawyer by your side, you can secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life and move on from the motorcycle accident.
To speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Halifax, NS contact Valent Legal by phone or online to schedule a case discussion at absolutely no cost to you. Our lawyers are friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to.
Why Are Motorcycle Claims More Complicated?
Motorcycle accident claims are often much more complicated than standard claims involving accidents with only cars. Experienced riders will recognize some of the factors that make these claims more challenging right away.
One reason is that the injuries suffered by bikers in accidents are often much more severe than those suffered by occupants of cars and trucks. People who ride motorcycles will tell you that the thrill of riding a bike is experiencing the power of the machine and the freedom that comes with being on an open, agile vehicle. That freedom is also what makes an accident that much more dangerous for the rider. With little other than a helmet and some protective clothing to shield them from harm, bikers are at a higher risk of suffering catastrophic or life-threatening injuries in the event of an accident.
Whether they are forced to endure the full force of impact, or if they’re thrown from their bike onto the hard pavement, it’s unfortunately surprising if a rider can walk away unscathed.
Another reason why motorcycle injury claims are more complicated is the public perception that plaintiffs have to fight to win their case. For years, bikers have been portrayed in the movies and on TV as rebels and outlaws. These stereotypes naturally are not fair to the countless numbers of riders who enjoy these vehicles and ride them responsibly, but it is a very real bias that must be fought at almost every level of the claims process.
Insurance adjusters may try to paint the victim as being reckless and try to shift the blame onto the biker, even if the other driver was at fault. If the case goes to trial, a jury will need to be convinced that the victim was not an irresponsible risk-taker and deserves compensation for the other driver’s negligence.
These complications are in no way meant to scare you away from pursuing a legal claim if you’ve been hurt. They are simply factors that every motorcycle accident victim should be aware of.
Fortunately, an experienced Halifax, NS motorcycle accident lawyer like those at Valent Legal will be ready to combat these unfair stereotypes, both at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. With an understanding and skilled lawyer on your side, you could recover the compensation you need to pay your bills, repair or replace your damaged bike, recoup lost wages, and move on with your life.
What You Need to Know About Proving Fault for a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident and another driver was at fault, Nova Scotia law allows you to seek compensation. This is done by filing a claim with the insurance company and negotiating a fair settlement or filing a lawsuit.
To recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer, you’ll need to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. Proving fault can be challenging, especially since the other driver and their insurance company will likely be reluctant to accept the blame for the accident.
Your lawyer may have to demonstrate that the other driver was careless, reckless, or otherwise negligent in their handling of the vehicle, and that their actions or inactions caused the accident.
Some examples of negligence include:
- Drunk driving
- Driving under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs
- Drowsy driving
- Inattentive or distracted driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to adjust driving in inclement weather
- Failure to signal turns
- Failure to obey the rules of the road
If your lawyer can successfully demonstrate that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, you could be eligible to receive compensation for the harm and financial losses you’ve suffered.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation in Nova Scotia
Motorcycle accident victims often suffer more than just physical harm. Because of this, our Halifax motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to getting our clients the comprehensive compensation they need to recover in all aspects of their lives.
The amount of compensation you could be entitled to recover will depend on several factors, including:
- The circumstances of the accident
- The severity of your injuries
- Your age
- The care you will need moving into the future
In Nova Scotia, you could be entitled to recover the following damages:
- Medical treatment that is not covered by Section B of insurance
- General damages for pain and suffering
- Lost wages from time missed from work
- Future losses
- Out of pocket expenses associated with the accident
- Loss of valuable services
Loss of valuable services is also often referred to as “loss of housekeeping capacity.” This award is intended to compensate families for the loss of services and help at home.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Nova Scotia
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Halifax or anywhere else in Nova Scotia, be sure to keep these tips in mind to protect yourself and your injury claim, should you need to file one.
- Get medical attention – If you’ve been severely hurt and your injuries are apparent, you’ll likely be transported to a hospital right away. If your injuries are not severe or if symptoms arise after the shock and adrenaline have worn off, visit a doctor as soon as you can to get treatment and create an official record of your injuries.
- Call the police and file a report – Call 911 to have police respond to the scene. They will be able to help secure the scene and will conduct a preliminary investigation into the cause of the accident. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report for independent verification of the accident. Keep in mind that in Nova Scotia, you are lawfully required to report any accident that causes $2,000 or more in damage to any vehicle.
- Exchange information and document the scene – While at the scene, be sure to get the other driver’s name, contact information, drivers’ license number, and insurance information. You should also record the car’s make, model, license plate, and vehicle identification number (VIN). If your injuries were severe and required emergency medical services, the police will get this information for you. While at the scene, take as many pictures as possible of the vehicles, damage, the surrounding scene and conditions, and any visible injuries you might have.
- Call an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer – As soon as possible after the accident, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your case and get the qualified legal counsel you’ll need on your side. Don’t speak to any insurance representatives until you’ve retained a lawyer to represent you in discussions and negotiations with them.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Halifax, NS Can Help
A lawyer who has experience helping motorcycle accident victims get fair compensation will be a crucial advocate for you in the aftermath of an accident. You need a lawyer on your side to represent you and your interests, particularly in the face of those who want to shift the blame to you or avoid paying you the compensation you deserve.
Your lawyer can independently investigate the accident and collect evidence. They will build a persuasive case to seek the full compensation you’re owed. They will negotiate for a fair settlement with the insurance company and will seek the full amount of compensation you’ll need, now and for the future.
If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and seek a verdict and damages award in court.
As you seek treatment and work on your recovery, you’ll want to have a qualified and experienced accident lawyer working on your case. They will help ensure that the powerful insurance companies don’t unfairly deny your claim or bully you into accepting a lowball settlement.
Be sure to hire a lawyer you trust to represent you and your interests as you focus on what is most important: recovering from the accident.
Common Injuries in Nova Scotia Motorcycle Accidents
At Valent Legal, our lawyers have seen how devastating a motorcycle accident can be. Riders almost always suffer the most severe injuries in an accident with a passenger vehicle.
Some common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck and spine injury
- Spinal cord injury (including partial or total paralysis)
- Amputations
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Burns
- Facial fractures
- Scarring and disfigurement
Because these injuries can be severe and debilitating, victims have a right to seek full and fair compensation to pay their bills, seek treatment, and allow them to live with dignity moving forward.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Nova Scotia
While motorcycle riders must observe their duty to operate their vehicles responsibly, many injury accidents involving motorcycles are the fault of the driver of another motor vehicle.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Nova Scotia include:
- Driver error
- Failure to observe the motorcycle on the road
- Failure to signal turns or lane changes
- Failure to leave adequate space between vehicles
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Aggressive driving or tailgating
- Defective parts or design
- Faulty maintenance
- Inclement weather
- Negligent government entities
These causes and more often result in devastating accidents that leave riders and their families searching for answers. The motorcycle accident lawyers of Valent Legal in Halifax, NS have successfully helped other victims and their families get the compensation and justice they deserve, and we’re ready to do so for you.
Talk to a Nova Scotia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Now
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Halifax or anywhere in Nova Scotia, call Valent Legal to speak with a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer right away. Our job is to answer your questions and help you understand your rights.
We are prepared to be strong, compassionate advocates on your behalf. We’ll guide you through the complicated insurance process and make sure all filings are made on time. We want you to focus on your recovery, while we seek the compensation you’re owed.
Call one of our skilled motorcycle lawyers now for a free claim review and discussion about your legal options. You won’t have to worry about how you’ll afford our services, since we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t pay us anything until we get compensation for you.
