Choosing the Right Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident Cases
Been involved in a motorcycle accident and overwhelmed by all of the lawyer options?
Every year, thousands of motorcycle riders across the country are forced to deal with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal issues after an accident. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a fatal crash than those inside a passenger car.
The problem is that there are bad lawyers out there who will charge you exorbitant fees and get you nothing. That’s why choosing the right motorcycle accident attorney can make all the difference in winning your case.
The good news is that by following a few simple steps you can find the right motorcycle accident lawyer for your case and rest easy knowing your legal affairs are in good hands.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to pick the best motorcycle accident attorney to represent you and fight for maximum compensation.
What you’ll discover:
- Why Motorcycle Cases Require Specialized Legal Expertise
- The Qualities All Great Motorcycle Attorneys Must Possess
- How To Research and Vet Potential Motorcycle Lawyers
- The Questions To Ask During Your Initial Case Consultation
Why Motorcycle Cases Require Specialized Legal Expertise
Did you know that motorcycle accident cases are not at all the same as other types of car accident claims?
Motorcycle accidents require specialized knowledge that most personal injury lawyers don’t have. When you’re fighting for compensation in a motorcycle accident case, you’re also fighting against bias. Insurance companies and juries assume the average motorcyclist is a reckless thrill-seeker that caused their own wreck.
This is where an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can be your secret weapon. They’ll know how to explain the physics of motorcycle crashes, present the right evidence about your unique injuries, and combat the negative stereotypes that work against motorcycle riders.
Think about it like this: Would you trust your heart surgery to someone that’s never picked up a scalpel? The same logic applies when choosing a motorcycle lawyer.
The Qualities All Great Motorcycle Attorneys Must Possess
Ok, so you know you need an attorney that specializes in motorcycle accident cases. But how do you know what to look for in a motorcycle lawyer?
Look for these must-have qualities in every great motorcycle attorney:
Track Record With Motorcycle Cases
This is the most important quality of any motorcycle accident lawyer. You want an attorney that has a history of winning motorcycle accident cases, not someone who just dabbles in them occasionally as a side hustle.
Look for specific motorcycle case settlements and verdicts listed on their website. A good motorcycle lawyer should have no problem showing you concrete results they’ve gotten from other motorcycle accident cases.
Understanding Of Motorcycle Culture
The best motorcycle accident attorneys are often motorcyclists themselves or have deep ties to the biker community. Why does this matter?
Because it means they understand that motorcycles aren’t inherently dangerous death traps – they’re just another form of transportation with their own set of rules and safety considerations. This perspective is huge in how they handle your case.
Trial Experience
Only 36% of motorcycle fatalities involve riders with proper licensing, which can be crucial when it comes to jury cases.
Your lawyer must be willing and able to take your case to court if necessary. Sure, most cases settle out of court but insurance companies are more likely to make a fair settlement offer if they know your attorney isn’t afraid to go to trial.
Clear Communication Style
Last but not least, a good motorcycle accident attorney must have a communication style that meshes well with your personality. You should feel comfortable asking them any questions and get clear, direct answers.
They need to be able to explain complex legal issues in plain English and keep you informed every step of the way.
How To Research and Vet Potential Lawyers
So you know what to look for in a good motorcycle accident lawyer. Now it’s time to find them.
Start With Personal Recommendations
Get referrals from other riders, motorcycle shops, or riding clubs. Personal recommendations from those who have actually worked with motorcycle attorneys in the past are worth their weight in gold.
But don’t just stop at word of mouth. There’s a lot more work to be done in your lawyer search.
Check Online Reviews and Ratings
Look for independent reviews beyond the law firm’s own website. Google reviews, Avvo ratings, and state bar association records are a great place to start. You want to see a pattern of positive feedback from satisfied clients and successful cases.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Multiple complaints about poor communication
- Disciplinary actions from state bar
- No specific motorcycle case examples provided
Verify Their Credentials
Make sure they’re licensed in your state and have specific experience with motorcycle accident cases. There are lawyers that will take just about any personal injury case. You want a specialist in motorcycle accidents.
Look at Their Success Stories
Great motorcycle attorneys will boast about their wins. Look for case results that involve motorcycle accidents similar to yours.
Key Questions To Ask During Your Initial Consultation
This is where most people go wrong…
They treat the initial consultation like the lawyer is interviewing them. Nope. The exact opposite is true. You’re interviewing the motorcycle accident attorney.
Essential Questions To Ask:
“How many motorcycle accident cases have you handled in the past year?”
Be specific. A good lawyer will know the exact numbers off the top of their head.
“What’s your success rate with motorcycle cases?”
If they have hard statistics on settlements and verdicts, it’s a good sign. If not, be cautious.
“Do you ride motorcycles yourself?”
This is a key indicator that they understand motorcycle culture and safety. A plus.
“How do you deal with insurance company bias against riders?”
A good motorcycle lawyer will have a specific strategy for overcoming the anti-motorcycle prejudice that exists.
“What’s your fee structure?”
Most motorcycle lawyers work on contingency (no win no fee), but be sure you understand all costs up front.
“How often will you update me on my case?”
Make sure their communication style aligns with your expectations.
Red Flags During Consultations
Walk away if they:
- Guarantee specific results
- Pressure you to sign right there
- Can’t clearly explain their strategy
- Don’t ask detailed questions about your case
- Seem unfamiliar with motorcycle-specific issues
Making Your Final Decision
You’ve done your research, asked the tough questions, and narrowed down your top choices. Now it’s time to make the final call.
Trust your gut. Listen to your instincts.
The right motorcycle accident attorney for you is one who has proven results in similar cases and a communication style that meshes with your personality.
It’s a partnership that could last months or even years, so don’t rush into a decision. Choose the attorney that demonstrates the most in-depth understanding of motorcycle accidents and a true commitment to fighting for the rights of riders.
Protecting Yourself After An Accident
Remember – time is of the essence in a motorcycle accident. The longer you wait to get legal representation, the more evidence disappears and witnesses forget details. Insurance companies are also building their defense from day one.
Don’t make any major decisions about hiring an attorney until you’ve done your homework, but make sure to at least consult with a good motorcycle accident lawyer in the days following an accident.
Wrapping It All Together
So there you have it – a crash course on how to pick the best motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you and fight for maximum compensation.
Don’t let yourself be railroaded by a bad attorney or get distracted by flashy marketing.
Do your research, ask the right questions, and find an attorney who specializes in motorcycle accident cases. You’ll sleep better at night and have the best chance of success when the chips are down.
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