Most motorcycle accidents are nerve-wracking. And they are far more common than you would think. According to the data from the US Department of Transportation, 38,824 people succumbed to fatal motorcycle crashes in 2020.
Maintaining your composure after a motorcycle accident can be a challenge. But if you’ve suffered a serious injury because of a reckless driver, you must search for legal representation pronto. A motorcycle accident lawyer will protect your rights and ensure you recover your rightful damages.
However, given how the US is home to thousands of motorcycle accident attorneys, you may find it difficult to decide who you should team up with. To steer you in the right direction, we have shared six qualities you should consider before choosing an attorney for your claim. You can weigh potential prospects against these parameters to see how far they fit the bill.
Several Things to Look Before Hiring Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
State-Specific Legal Expertise
Each state has its personal injury laws. For example, Utah, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan (among others) are no-fault states, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy should cover your bills following an accident. On the other hand, states like California and Texas follow a fault-based system, wherein the at-fault party is responsible for compensating the victims for their losses.
As a result, it’s best to choose a lawyer who is active in the state where the motorcycle accident took place- even if you’re not based there. A local motorcycle accident injury attorney will use their knowledge of relevant state laws to protect your rights.
Applicable Experience
While legal knowledge is vital, it’s not enough. Because most lawyers have different backgrounds and practice areas, you need someone who has dealt with motorcycle accident cases in the past and knows how to iron out the wrinkles in your particular claim.
Any motorcycle accident lawyer worth their salt will have the insight to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and thoroughly prepare your case. They may also invite experts to dig deeper into the circumstances which may have led to the accident.
That’s not all. For most accident cases, the insurance company will try to stick you with the lowest settlement offer they can muster. Your lawyer should be able to see through these tactics and negotiate the offer confidently.
Willingness to Go to Trial
Personal injury cases are usually settled out of court. However, if an insurance adjuster denies your claim for fair compensation, your motorcycle accident attorney should be prepared to take your case to trial. Find someone willing to go the whole nine yards to get you the settlement you deserve.
Great Communication Skills
As a victim of a motorcycle accident case, you may not be able to participate in every step of the legal process. It’s up to your lawyer to keep you in the loop and explain how they plan to handle your case. Besides, your attorney must also respond to your queries in time. Ask your motorcycle accident attorney what their preferred mode of communication is, how often they update their clients, and what kind of information they will be able to share with you.
Choosing a lawyer who is committed to transparent communication will ultimately give you the peace of mind you need to recover from your injuries.
A Verifiable Track Record
It’s crucial to discover how a motorcycle accident attorney has fared in their previous cases. You will want to know how many cases led to a settlement, and how many were unsuccessful.
Also, make sure the lawyer you hire has a good reputation. What do their past clients think about them? Can you find any reviews or testimonials on their website or social media page?
Another great way to run a background check on a lawyer is to ask for references. Use the contacts to inquire about the attorney’s strengths and weaknesses. This will help take you a step ahead in your selection process.
Transparent Fee Structure
Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they take their fee from your final settlement. In short, you should not have to pay out of pocket to retain a lawyer.
But different attorneys may have different standards, so it’s always a good idea to do your due diligence. During the initial consultation phase, ask the attorney about their fees directly. If possible, request them to provide a written contract clarifying their legal, travel, filing, and associated fees. Remember to also ask about when and how you should pay them. This should save you some unsavory surprises down the line.
In a nutshell, you should be able to afford the lawyer you hire. If the legal fees don’t fit your budget, it can throw a damper on all your efforts.
The Bottom Line
A motorcycle accident lawyer can make or break your personal injury case. Hence, you need to work with someone with the experience and knowledge to fight your case against insurance companies. A seasoned attorney will walk the extra mile to ensure a positive outcome for your accident claim.
