Were you recently in a motorcycle crash? Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely than car passengers to die in an accident. If someone’s negligence caused the crash, you could have a case.
Don’t try to file a lawsuit alone. Instead, look for an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. They can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
With their help, you can cover your medical bills, property damage, and other losses.
Not sure who to hire? Here are nine easy tips that can help.
With these tips, you can narrow down your options for lawyers with ease!
Start your search for the best motorcycle accident attorney for your case with these tips today.
1. Talk to Friends, Family, and Lawyers
The easiest way to start your search is to speak with your inner circle. Ask your friends and family members if they’ve hired a motorcycle accident lawyer recently. Then, learn more about their experience.
Would they hire the same lawyer in the future? Ask about the outcome of their case, too. Were they satisfied with the services they received?
Getting a personal recommendation can give you peace of mind in your choice.
If your inner circle can’t make a recommendation, that’s okay. Consider lawyers you hired in the past. For example, maybe you had one draft your will.
They could point you in the right direction, too.
2. Look for Experience
There are now over 135,000 personal injury lawyers across the US. Not every lawyer will have the experience and expertise you need. When reviewing your options for lawyers, look into their professional history.
You can learn more about each lawyer by visiting your local bar association website. Consider checking the Martindale-Hubbell directory, too.
Consider how long each lawyer on your list has practiced law. You’ll have peace of mind finding an experienced lawyer. They can leverage their previous experience when building your case.
They’ll understand the laws, procedures, and recent cases that are relevant to your situation.
3. Make Sure They’re Licensed
Don’t rush to hire a motorcycle accident attorney just yet. Make sure to visit your local bar association website first.
Then, make sure each lawyer on your list is licensed to practice in California. Make sure their license is up-to-date, too.
It’s important to find a local attorney. Some laws can vary based on your location. Choose someone who has experience with local laws.
4. Consider Their Specialty
Don’t choose a general lawyer. Instead, learn more about each lawyer’s area of expertise.
Personal injury lawyers handle auto accidents, medical malpractice, premise liability, and many other cases. Look for someone who specializes in motorcycle accident cases.
Then, ask how many cases they’ve handled in the past year.
If it’s only a handful of cases, keep looking. Find someone with experience you can count on.
5. Review Their Track Record
It’s not enough to find someone with experience. Instead, learn more about each lawyer’s track record. Consider how many cases they’ve won and lost throughout their entire career.
Consider how many motorcycle accident cases they won versus lost, too. What was the payout for those cases?
Choose someone capable of winning your lawsuit.
6. Consider Courtroom Experience
Some lawyers are apprehensive about going to court. While vetting your options for lawyers, make sure they have extensive courtroom experience.
Otherwise, the lawyer might settle your case out of court to avoid standing before a judge and jury. They might even accept a lowball offer. These lawyers don’t have your best interests in mind.
7. Ask for References and Reviews
Before choosing a lawyer, make sure they have a strong professional reputation. Ask for references and reviews. You can find reviews on their Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listings.
A lawyer with a strong professional reputation will want to keep that reputation. They’ll work harder to fight with your best interests in mind.
8. Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation appointment with at least three lawyers on your list. Speaking with them in person could help you determine if they’re the right fit.
During your consultation appointment, discuss the specifics of your case. Then, ask the lawyer what outcome they expect.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer shouldn’t give you a guarantee. Instead, they should review the potential outcomes. Your lawyer should help you remain realistic.
They shouldn’t estimate how much you’ll win from the lawsuit until reviewing your losses. For example, the lawyer might ask about your:
- Medical fees (doctor’s appointments, treatments/surgeries, medications, etc.)
- Lost wages
- Property damage to your bike and helmet
- Pain and suffering
Hiring an experienced lawyer will ensure you won’t leave money on the table. If they don’t calculate your losses, look elsewhere.
Ask the lawyer if they have a strong professional network they can count on, too. For example, they might have a medical expert discuss your motorcycle accident injuries. A medical expert can prove you sustained those injuries as a result of the crash.
Otherwise, the insurance company or opposing counsel might argue you sustained the injuries another way.
Your lawyer might call a scene reconstruction expert or investigator to help them build your case as well. Their professional network could strengthen your lawsuit.
During your consultation appointment, pay attention to how the lawyer communicates. Remember, they’ll speak on your behalf. Make sure you choose a strong, confident communicator.
9. Consider Their Fee Structure
Ask at least three lawyers how much their services will cost. Consider their fee structure, too. For example, most lawyers will work on a contingency fee agreement.
In other words, your lawyer will only accept payment if they win your case. Even then, they’ll only accept a small percentage of your winnings.
Choosing a lawyer who works based on this fee structure could benefit your case. They’ll feel more motivated to win.
Make sure there aren’t any hidden fees you’ll need to worry about.
Review the contract in detail before signing an agreement.
Drive On: 9 Tips for Finding the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
You don’t have to hire the first motorcycle accident lawyer you find online. Instead, use these tips to vet your options. With these tips, you can find someone with years of experience and expertise.
Their experience can strengthen your lawsuit. Then, you can fight for the compensation you’re due.
Ready to start building your case? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.