8 Questions to Ask Your Motorcycle Lawyer

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There can be unexpected twists during a lifetime of motorcycle riding and unfortunately, a collision or incident might happen that requires legal representation. It’s always better to have researched a reputable motorcycle accident lawyer* you trust before anything happens. Stress, injuries, and time crunches may make it much harder to get in touch with someone, and your case depends on the correct information flow.

With this in mind, we’ve prepared a list of 8 questions that you should ask your motorcycle lawyer if you ever get into an accident. Knowing what sorts of situations you might need help in will lead you to the right fit for your legal representation.

In a Motorcycle Accident? What to ask your Lawyer.

When selecting a personal injury lawyer, there are many things to consider: their reputation, if they have a niche or specialty, and how their brand values align with your case. Over 90,000 riders and their passengers suffer injury in nonfatal accidents each year in the United States, and the quality of representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some things you should be asking a motorcycle personal injury lawyer:

  1. Do they offer a free evaluation? This question needs to be answered before you can move on to any others about your case. Charging for a consultation is not necessarily indicative of the integrity or success rate of a law office. However, this will allow you to conserve money and discuss some of the other pertinent questions without being billed. Personal injury lawyers make the majority of their income from positive case outcomes, and charging for a consultation is not typically the industry standard.
  2. Do they specialize in personal injury and motorcycle accidents? Lawyers with niche expertise will win those types of cases more than generic attorneys. Even within the field of personal injury law, it is recommended that you choose someone who specializes in motorcycle accidents. The difference in success rate will be well worth it, and you can feel safer riding knowing your lawyer will be able to answer any questions you might have.
  3. Do they have riding experience? While riding experience does not contribute to legal pedigree, knowing the nuances of riding dynamics can play a huge role in winning a motorcycle accident case. A good legal background and experience in the field should be your first concern when hiring a lawyer, but real-world experience in the case subject is a huge boost for your representation. After all, court cases involve a human element and subjectivity, so someone speaking from experience about a subject will come off as more authentic.
  4. How long will my case take to settle? This is a question that may be tough to answer initially, but it’s worth asking even for an estimate. All cases are different and rely on unique variables (especially as state laws vary for accident and police reports), but hopefully, your consulting attorney should be able to give you an estimate and commit to getting as close to that time-frame as possible. If they are vague or tell you that there is no way to know’, it isn’t a red flag, but they may have experience in similar cases to help you structure your expectations.
  5. How often do they go to trial? Nearly 90% of cases end up settling, as a trial, its likelihood of success, and the time involved can be a huge risk. There is no guarantee of settlement, but hopefully, you should get the sentiment that it is likely. However, you and your lawyer should always prepare as though the case will go to trial even if a settlement does seem likely. This way, you will be prepared for evidence, statements, and controlling the narrative.
  6. What legal organizations does that law firm belong to? If you are consulting with a personal injury lawyer, it can be helpful to hear what state bar or national associations devoted to personal injury law they belong to. The more up-to-date the firm and its lawyers are, the better chance they will resolve your case with a positive result. As always, the quality of a lawyer isn’t necessarily dependent on these, but they are helpful indicators.
  7. Who is handling your case? Some legal practices may have their senior partners present for a consultation or be the face of taking cases before passing them off to a junior partner. Even if the level of representation is not different, you might want to be able to develop a rapport with the lawyer you will be working with and understand their role in the firm. Make sure to clear this up beforehand, as it will make your preparation and process easier.
  8. What am I expected to do in this case? No case is the same, and your motorcycle injury lawyer should have a specific plan for yours. This may mean you don’t have to be involved should it be cut and dry or if there is a settlement, but this is not guaranteed. Additionally, you may not want to or be able to be present for all components of the process. We often see that it is quickest and easiest for you to get medical records to provide for a firm, but try to clarify what they are looking for you to do. Make sure that you and your motorcycle attorney have a concrete plan for each part of the case.

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In addition to these common questions, you should be able to ask your attorney anything that comes to mind and get a straight answer. We know that accidents, finding a lawyer, and preparing for a court case can be stressful, but a good motorcycle attorney should be able to talk you through the entire process before taking your case.

Other tips for hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer:

  • Get multiple free consultations.
  • Check the size of each practice and their settlement history.
  • Only hire lawyers who work in the specific niche of motorcycle accidents and injuries.
  • Check if they are connected with other firms for referrals- this is a sign of a quality lawyer.
  • Ask for a copy of a contingency fee agreement in advance. 

In Need of a Lawyer for Your Motorcycle Accident?

At Law Tigers, we specialize in motorcycle accident cases for a reason- we’re riders just like you. We have dedicated our services to representing the community we love, and have decades of experience doing so. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have during our free consultation, and look forward to getting you the representation and outcome you deserve.

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