Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
There’s nothing quite like riding on a motorcycle, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. But the peace of that moment can quickly turn to disaster in the event of a motorcycle accident. When you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you have one thing in mind. You want to heal and resume your former life. However, the catastrophic nature of motorcycle accidents rarely allows an individual to return to life as normal. Even after their bones have been mended and cuts have healed, individuals who have been in a motor vehicle accident often suffer from post-traumatic syndrome disorder that leaves them with chronic headaches and anxiety. The right motorcycle accident attorney can help you receive the best settlement when you’ve been in an accident.
But how do you know if you’ve found a good motorcycle accident lawyer? You ask the right questions. Keep reading to learn the questions you should ask so you can receive the best motorcycle accident help.
1. What’s Your Experience With Motorcycle Accidents?
First and foremost, you want an attorney with motorcycle accident experience. Attorneys all have general knowledge about the law, but they don’t all have expertise in specific areas.
In the same way that you wouldn’t go to a cardiologist for a broken femur, you shouldn’t go to just any attorney when you’ve been in a motorcycle accident.
Look for more than a personal injury attorney, but rather ask specifically about the attorney’s experience with motorcycle accidents and personal injuries. Attorneys with motorcycle accident experience understand the laws and procedures they should research. They will also know about similar cases they can reference to help build your case.
2. How Long Have You Practiced Law?
An attorney with years of experience in motorcycle accident law will serve you best. You do not want an attorney who just passed the bar or began taking cases within the last year or two.
Instead, look for an attorney with at least five years of motorcycle accident law cases.
3. What Is Your Courtroom Experience?
The attorney should have more than just experience researching motorcycle accident cases and settling motorcycle accident cases.
They need to have courtroom experience as well.
Ask specifically about courtroom experience to learn if the motorcycle accident attorney typically settles cases out of court. If you’re looking for an attorney who will reach a good settlement out of court, then that attorney will serve you well.
However, if you anticipate needing an attorney who will fight for you throughout an entire motorcycle accident lawsuit, then you should ask about courtroom experience.
It is not enough for a lawyer to have years of experience practicing law. During that time, they should have years of courtroom experience, too.
As you ask these questions, listen carefully. Look for an attorney who is clear and concise. You want an attorney with the communication skills essential for arguing your case well.
4. What’s Your Success Rate?
It’s always fair to ask a motorcycle accident attorney for their success rate. What is their record? How many cases have they settled, and how many have they won in court.
Ask about recent cases as well to determine if they’ve tried a motorcycle accident case such as yours. If the attorney has focused primarily on liability or basic personal injury cases, keep looking for an attorney with motorcycle accident experience.
An attorney’s success rate will give you peace of mind, even in the moments when you feel tempted to not trust your attorney. Rest on the fact that the attorney knows what they’re doing if they have motorcycle accident experience as well as a winning record.
5. What Is Your Verdict and Settlement Record?
Verdicts and settlement records do not make a win a sure thing for your case, but they do give you an idea of your attorney’s ability to negotiate and fight. You need the information to indicate your attorney’s ability to negotiate before the trial and stay active in the courtroom.
6. Who Will Work On My Case?
While you may believe your motorcycle accident attorney will work diligently on your case, if you hire a large firm, you may have other people working on your case as well.
A paralegal and investigator typically help with cases, especially in a large firm. Make sure that the attorney you contract with will be the primary attorney working on your case.
7. What Legal Organizations Does Your Firm Belong To?
While all attorneys should have an active membership in the bar association, ask specifically about legal organizations related to personal injury. An attorney who belongs to associations dedicated to personal injury law and trial advocacy will have more resources and connections available because of this membership.
Also, an attorney’s membership in a professional organization shows their dedication to effective strategies and techniques.
8. What Is the Most Likely Outcome of My Case?
After you’ve explained your case, a reputable motorcycle accident attorney will have an idea of your chances in a case. They give you an idea of your best outcome. The attorney will understand the relevant laws and how they can help with the outcome of your case.
9. What Is the Current Caseload For My Attorney?
A successful attorney will also be a busy attorney. Ask your attorney about their current caseload to determine if they can handle the details of your case well.
You want an attorney who can attend to your case immediately and won’t miss essential deadlines such as a statute of limitations deadline because they’re too busy with their other cases.
Speaking with a lawyer’s previous clients can tell you more about their abilities.
Hire the Right Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you need to focus on healing. Your medical bills will come pouring in before you’ve finished your physical therapy, and you will carry the memory of the accident with you for the rest of your life.
A good motorcycle accident attorney can help you receive the best outcome possible from your case. Look for an attorney with experience, education, and time to handle your case properly.
If you’ve suffered from an injury in a motorcycle accident, contact Alpha Accident Lawyers. We have the motorcycle accident lawyer that will give you the assistance you need so you can focus on healing and recovering once again.