As motorcycle sales continue to trend upward, more and more people continue to burn rubber on these bikes. After all, what’s better than the feeling of wind in your hair on the open road?
However, it is common knowledge that many car motorists don’t pay attention to motorcycle drivers. This leads to many preventable accidents.
If you own a bike, knowing a motorcycle accident lawyer is essential to protecting you and your rights should you get into a collision. If you’re unsure where to start looking for legal advice, you’ll want to keep reading.
Ask Around
Finding a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible will help you get the best possible outcome. If you suffered a personal injury, you’ll likely have medical bills piling up, so finding a lawyer to represent you sooner rather than later can help keep you out of serious debt.
Before scouring the internet, you’ll want to ask around for referrals. Whether you know other bikers who have been the victim of accidents or you’re friends with a lawyer, they can help point you in the right direction.
Asking for recommendations also helps give you insight into the expertise, price, and quality of the lawyer. These are essential as they help you find the best person to represent you.
Though you should still research to find a few other candidates, keeping any recommendations or referrals handy is essential to finding the best person to represent you.
Relative Location
Next, you’ll want to consider how close the lawyer’s office is to you. You’ll likely have to go to meetings frequently, meaning you don’t want to spend hours at a time in the car. Also, should something urgent come up, you want to be able to quickly get to the office.
If you live by a state border, try to find accident lawyers in your state. The last thing you want is to hire an out-of-state lawyer who isn’t licensed to practice across the border.
However, if the accident occurred in a different state, you’ll need to find a lawyer who can represent you where the collision occurred. This is crucial, so be sure to cover all of your bases when looking for the best attorney for you.
Consider Experience
Next, you’ll want to consider how experienced the lawyer is. Though everyone has to start somewhere, selecting an attorney with several motorcycle-specific cases under their belt can benefit you in the long run.
When considering lawyers, finding someone who has been practicing for years is a good indication they know what they’re doing. This means they’re less likely to slip up, forget, misplace, or fail to negotiate during meetings.
Similarly, many motorcycle crash lawyers, like those at this law firm, can help break the stigma that surrounds riders. Because they have navigated previous accidents, they know how to garner sympathy and show that you were a true victim of the accident.
Finally, an experienced lawyer has connections and a reputation in their field. This can work to your advantage, as finding someone well-respected can help your case.
Schedule Meetings and Ask Questions
Once you have a few options narrowed down, you’ll want to schedule a consultation to meet with each of the lawyers. These are usually free, as it allows you to meet with the lawyer before hiring them.
In many instances, the lawyer will ask for information about your accident to determine whether or not they can help you. If they can’t, they may refer you to another firm.
During these meetings, you’ll need to ask questions to ensure you find the best representation for your case. You’ll want to know how they plan on handling your case, how many similar cases they’ve handled, if your case poses any specific challenges, and how many accidents have been settled.
These are crucial questions, as they’ll provide insight into the quality and expertise of the lawyer. If they can’t answer your questions or seem to beat around the bush, they might not be the right fit for your case.
Discuss Fees
Finally, you’ll need to discuss the fees and payments. Hiring a lawyer isn’t cheap, but can benefit you in the long run. As previously mentioned, if you have bills piling up, a motorcycle lawyer can help get you the money you deserve to keep you afloat.
For these cases, many lawyers operate on contingency fees, meaning they will take a cut of whatever settlement is agreed upon. It’s essential that you get this fee in writing, as you don’t want your lawyer taking more than previously agreed.
However, if you lose your case, you’ll still be required to pay lawyer fees. Be sure to ask about this process before you hire an attorney.
Finding a lawyer who often settles is a promising sign, as extended cases and going to trial will cost you more in the long run.
Why Choosing the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Is Essential
As a motorist, you assume the risk of an accident every time you hit the road. However, when accidents happen, ensuring you do what you can to protect yourself is essential.
This includes following all signs and laws and practicing defensive driving. Safely riding will help when you hire a lawyer to represent you.
If you’re ready to find a motorcycle accident lawyer, thanks to the help of this guide, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you can find more automobile and lifestyle tips and tricks to help you live the best life.
