Motorcycle accidents occur daily across the United States, resulting in more than 5,000 deaths every year. From 2011 to 2012, there was a 9 percent increase in accident reports nationwide, according to a Sacramento Bee report. Even if you are the most cautious rider, and obey all traffic laws, you cannot prevent certain collisions. If you are injured due to the reckless or careless actions of another motorist, the party responsible for causing the accident may be responsible for your medical care expenses, your lost earnings pain and suffering, and other damages.
Nobody wants to be involved in an accident, or a messy legal battle. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, or if a family member is killed, you may find yourself in need of a motorcycle accident lawyer. Before you choose just any lawyer, do your research. Many people do not realize that the attorney they choose to represent them can have a profound impact on the outcome of their case, and their financial future. You wouldn’t choose just any doctor to perform a complicated, specialized surgery. Don’t just choose any lawyer to handle your personal injury claim. Look for a lawyer with the experience skills, and knowledge necessary to get you fair compensation for your case.
Look for Other Satisfied Clients
If you find an attorney you are considering hiring, research lawyer reviews and ratings. This will give you an idea of the experience other clients have had before you. You can find lawyer ratings and reviews on websites like lawyers.com, avvo.com, and yelp.com. Many personal injury law firms provide written and video client testimonials on their website.
Look for Prior Case Results
Many factors will determine the value of your case, including the severity of your injuries on the impact of the injuries on your life. When interviewing attorneys, ask if the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours in the past, and if so, what was the outcome? Also look at whether the attorney has taken cases to trial in the past. Many attorneys prefer to avoid the risk and potential expense of a courtroom trial and are quick to settle cases for a lesser amount. Choose a lawyer that is able and willing to take your case to trial, if a fair settlement is not reached.
Get Answers to All of Your Questions
Before you sign any fee agreement, make sure you understand who will be handling your case. Ask the person who provides you the consultation if he or she will actually be handling your case, or if they will be referring the case to someone else. Also ask what your participation in the lawsuit will be. Will you be required to provide depositions, fill out interrogatories, or go to court? Make sure you understand your participation before hiring a lawyer. Finally, ask the lawyer what he or she thinks your case is worth. This may be a very broad range, but your lawyer will have some idea of the value of your case. If possible, interview at least three bike accident lawyers before choosing one to represent you.