How To Choose The Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Riding a motorcycle leaves you totally exposed. If you are in an accident you are more likely to sustain severe injuries. In reality, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely than car passengers to suffer in an accident. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident you must have the proper squad of medical and legal professionals on your side. This is where the finest motorcycle accident lawyer can be helpful.
We’ve put together a guide to assist you in your search for the best motorcycle accident attorneys in town.
Table of Contents
- 1 Finding the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
- 2 Get a Referral
- 3 Ask About Motorcycle Accident Experience
- 4 Review Their Track Record
- 5 Works on Contingency Fees
- 6 Has a Communication Schedule
- 7 Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
- 8 Interview Several Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
There are numerous choices in your town for various types of personal injury attorneys. Ads are everywhere and the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Here are some important factors to consider when speaking with accident attorneys to ensure you get the right one for your needs.
Get a Referral
Begin with your network. If your bike chances are you know someone who has been in an accident while riding. Check out who they used and whether they would suggest them. This is a simple way to discover someone you can trust because they assisted a friend or family member in a similar situation.
Ask About Motorcycle Accident Experience
Personal injury lawyers come in a variety of flavors so don’t presume that an auto accident lawyer has the experience you need as a motorcycle accident victim. Hire someone who works with motorcycle accidents on a daily basis. In particular, inquire how many motorcycle cases they’ve managed in the previous year. This ensures that they grasp the nuances and complexities of motorcycle accidents. This information assists you in obtaining the best possible settlement for your case.
Review Their Track Record
Learn how the lawyer did in previous motorcycle cases. You want to know how many lawsuits were settled and how many were lost. Obviously, you want someone who obtains fair settlement amounts in the majority of their cases. When inquiring about their history also query about their courtroom track record. Some lawyers may concentrate on out-of-court settlements but if your case does not settle you will need a competent litigator to take it to court.
Works on Contingency Fees
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis which means they are paid out of the award you receive. This means that you should not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses to hire an attorney and have them work on your behalf. The average fee in the industry ranges from 33% to 40% or potentially more if the case proceeds to trial. You are working with someone who is adhering to industry standards as long as it fits within this range. Your lawyer should go over the cost structure with you and have you sign a fee agreement. Be aware that in addition to the contingency fee you may be liable for out-of-pocket expenses.
Has a Communication Schedule
Motorcycle accident claims can be difficult to settle or litigate. Inquire about the attorney’s communication plan. Every few weeks you should anticipate hearing from your attorney about the status of your case. If you have any questions you should be able to quickly contact the attorney. Check to see if they have a workplace setup that allows for easy communication.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Without the expertise of an advocate, the insurance company will most likely offer to pay your medical bills and repair your bike, and that will be the end of the matter. A case, however, is much more than just the medical costs. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will make certain that lost wages and pain and suffering are incorporated into settlement negotiations. Finally, hiring a lawyer means you’ll have an advocate on your side battling for the largest possible award, and they’ll have the legal knowledge to do so.
Interview Several Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Before making a final decision consult with at least three motorcycle accident attorneys to determine who you feel most comfortable with. Consultations should be free so there is no harm in speaking with numerous lawyers. Learn about their characteristics. The last thing you want is to feel like you’re a case number rather than someone essential to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring a motorcycle accident attorney?
Having a motorcycle crash attorney can often result in a larger award than if you didn’t. It may not be worth it for minor cases worth only a few thousand dollars, but if you suffered serious injuries, you should think about hiring one.
Do most cases settle?
Court trials are costly and time-consuming, and neither side desires them. Insurance firms would rather settle to save money. As a result, the majority of cases do resolve, though it may take some back and forth to get the largest award settlement.
Can I ask my lawyer what my case is worth?
A professional accident lawyer should be able to give you a good estimate of how much your case is worth in terms of a settlement. This serves to set the tone for the final award. However, proceeding to trial may result in you receiving nothing if you lose, and lawyers rarely provide opinions on trial cases.
What is a fair settlement for pain and suffering?
The more serious your injuries, the more funds you’re likely to get for pain and suffering. Many factors go into calculating a pain and suffering settlement, and the amount you receive will be determined by the specifics of your case. The average pain and suffering settlement for a motorcycle accident ranges from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the case.
