10 Tips for Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Reports suggest that over 89,000 motorcycle accidents take place each year in the country. So, while two-wheelers offer many benefits to commuters, ensuring safety while riding is imperative to make the most of these benefits and prevent accidents. However, when involved in such accidents, a good motorcycle accident attorney can help one get sound assistance and compensation for their losses.
1. Check credentials
The first step toward shortlisting a motorcycle accident attorney is to check the lawyer’s credentials, including professional qualifications, relevant experience, and license. It is also important to cross-check these details in the state bar association directory.
2. Consider experience and expertise
To be able to represent those affected by a motorcycle accident, the chosen lawyer should have considerable experience in handling claims in such accidents. So, while considering hiring a motorcycle accident attorney, one should ensure that the professional has adequate experience dealing with various types of motorcycle accident claims, including personal injury and wrongful death representation.
3. Review client testimonials
Client testimonials can shed light on the lawyer’s skills, and so they should be carefully reviewed while shortlisting an attorney. The more good reviews an attorney has, the more reliable they are likely to be. Additionally, checking ratings, such as those offered by the Better Business Bureau ratings, is a reliable way to decide whether or not one should hire a motorcycle accident attorney. Referrals by former clients can also be a great way to find good lawyers.
4. Look for a contingency fee model
One should consider hiring a lawyer who represents them on a contingency fee basis. This means that one need not pay the lawyer any fees till the case has been completed and compensation has been received. Further, the lawyer gets paid only if the client wins the case. Before hiring motorcycle accident attorneys, it is important to ensure that they accept this fee model.
5. Assess communication skills
A motorcycle accident attorney should be able to communicate effectively with clients, understand the case thoroughly, and inform them of the next steps to be taken. Moreover, they should be able to listen to the magistrate and opposition lawyer and present relevant counter-arguments to win the case. So, even at the consultation stage, one should gauge the motorcycle accident attorney’s listening and communication skills to ensure a hassle-free lawyer-client relationship.
6. Seek referrals from other attorneys
One can always ask a lawyer they know if they can recommend a good motorcycle injury attorney. For example, a family lawyer may know of motorcycle accident attorneys in their circle. So, legal professionals themselves can be the best resources when looking for attorneys.
7. Conduct a thorough investigation
Typically, a police report is filed immediately following a motorcycle accident. So, many lawyers and legal firms dealing with personal injury cases receive such police reports and contact those affected by the accident. However, not all of these lawyers and law firms may be genuine. So, it is important to carry out a thorough background check on such attorneys and firms before availing of their services.
8. Explain the case well
While screening motorcycle accident attorneys, it is important to schedule consultations with them actively to gauge their proficiency and ability to get compensation in such cases. The initial consultation can also help one gauge whether the attorney is genuinely willing to help them and find practical solutions to their challenges. To assess such aspects, one should explain the case well during the initial interview stage and observe the lawyer’s ability to suggest the most practical next steps.
9. Look for attorneys with trial experience
While the trials can be time-consuming and tiresome, they may be the best option for getting the desired result following an accident. So, one should be cautious when lawyers suggest a settlement too quickly, as it may prevent one from receiving the compensation one deserves in a motorcycle accident case. For this reason, one should consider hiring an attorney with sufficient legal trial experience so that they recommend and guide one in a legal trial wherever necessary.
10. Check the case success rate
While professional qualifications, experience, and other credentials play a crucial role in shortlisting a motorcycle accident attorney, another essential parameter to consider is the attorney’s case success rate. In other words, the lawyer should have helped other clients win cases, with the number of cases won by the lawyer being more than the number lost. Some law firms may offer information on past cases on their website. If not, one should ask the attorney about their success rate during the initial interview.
Additionally, one can utilize search engines and look up “best motorcycle accident attorneys near me” to find top-rated local professionals. Then, through research and a comprehensive interview process, one can learn about the lawyer’s expertise, fee models, and communication skills. Based on the assessment, one should choose a reliable and experienced motorcycle injury lawyer to get adequate legal assistance and financial compensation following a motorcycle accident.