Motorcycle accidents can cause life-threatening injuries, emotional distress, and mental break down. When in the face of a motorcycle accident, one may not have the slightest clue how to navigate their current situation.
It is paramount to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident has occurred. Hiring a lawyer will help you file for a motorcycle accident lawsuit, especially if the negligent actions of another person caused the accident. In this article, we’ll be looking at the most important characteristics to look for in a lawyer before hiring them.
What to Look For in a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
1. Experience
While seeking to hire a motorcycle accident legal representative, you’ll want someone who has great experience dealing with these kinds of cases. An experienced lawyer will know how to go about your lawsuit and what to avoid to ensure you do not jeopardize yourself.
Your experienced attorney will know how to negotiate with the insurance companies, as they have dealt with them in the past. If they fail to come to an understanding, your lawyer should be in a position to take the case to trial.
2. Communication Skills
When working with a lawyer, communication is key. You must be kept up-to-date on any developments in the case. It is understandable to have concerns, and a skilled lawyer should not be offended if you express them. If you feel your lawyer seems to cut you short and doesn’t show any bit of empathy for your case, it’s better to seek another lawyer or law firm, as you may never know how long a case may take before coming to an end and receiving settlement.
3. Availability
If you’re having trouble getting a hold of the lawyer, you may want to consider hiring someone else. When you first contact the attorney, they should answer swiftly and promise that they will be available for your case. This is important, as there is usually a statute of limitations regarding the time frame in which to file a suit.
4. Accessibility
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, you should consider hiring a local attorney, as they know the local legislation. With motorcycle accidents, lawyers must comprehend various local statutes, and your legal representative should be up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations.
Hiring a local attorney will give you peace of mind if the case goes to trial since they are familiar with the legal system. When searching, limit the results to your immediate vicinity. It would be best to deal with someone knowledgeable about the local court procedures and systems, since this will make filing the claim much easier.
5. Negotiation Skills
When involved in a motorcycle accident, you will be seeking to get compensated for the injuries suffered due to the negligent actions of the other party. You will be given settlement offers that may not constitute the injuries and losses you sustained. It would be best if you considered hiring a lawyer who has a great reputation for negotiating with insurance companies.
You can know this by looking at the referrals on the number of cases your attorney has been able to get compensation for in his previous cases.
Conduct an Interview
Before settling with just any lawyer, ensure you conduct a background search and conduct an interview. This will help you narrow down the most qualified lawyers to best represent you.
