How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

 

Motorcycle accidents often leave victims with serious, life-altering injuries. This means high medical costs, lost income from missed work, and other damages. The thought of how much it will cost to hire a motorcycle lawyer might be overwhelming, but there’s good news.

Many personal injury attorneys, including the Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. That means the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. So, if your lawyer gets you a settlement or award, a percentage of your financial compensation will be taken as the lawyer’s fee.

If the motorcycle accident attorney does not win your case, there is no lawyer’s fee for you to pay. This prevents you from having to worry about any out-of-pocket costs. It also ensures your lawyer has your best interests in mind since they only win if you do.

What Percentage do Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Take?

The contingency fee may vary depending on the lawyer or law firm and the details of your case. However, the average contingency fee for motorcycle accident lawyers is between 33.3% (one-third) and 40% of whatever they win.

Sliding Scales

Sometimes, a lawyer will use a “sliding scale” for their contingency fee that changes within that common range. If you only need the lawyer for a small task, such as sending the demand letter, and they are able to get you a settlement early on, they might charge a fee towards the lower end.

If you end up filing a lawsuit, your case goes to trial, or mediation or arbitration is required, the contingency fee might be closer to or above the 40% mark.

Legal Consultations

Don’t simply assume a lawyer works on a contingency basis since some do charge hourly rates. Schedule a free consultation so you can sit down with them and learn the details of their fee structure and whether or not it changes depending on the details of your case.

When Is the Contingency Fee Taken?

Most of the time, your motorcycle accident lawyer will receive the settlement check directly. They will deduct their lawyer fee from the settlement before sending you the remaining balance. This ensures that your lawyer gets paid and you receive your money soon after.

What Are Some Other Potential Fees and Expenses?

Besides the legal fee, there are other costs associated with a motorcycle accident case. As your lawyer works on your case, they may face fees from things like:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Expert witness fees
• Filing fees
• Postage
• Transcripts
• Court reporter fees
• Investigators

Most motorcycle accident lawyers will cover these expenses as they happen. Then, they’ll deduct the fees from your settlement or award before you receive the remaining balance. Some lawyers might charge for these fees upfront, but that’s rare.

Again, you’ll want to discuss all of this with your lawyer during your initial consultation. Get clarification on how they handle additional fees and when you will be responsible for them. Also, find out if they take their lawyer’s fee from the net settlement after fees and expenses have been deducted. 

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After an accident, you might feel overwhelmed and wonder if hiring a lawyer is actually worth it. Legal help would certainly be beneficial, but it’s normal to worry about the costs. Thankfully, as we’ve covered here, there are typically no upfront or out-of-pocket expenses associated with hiring a lawyer who offers a contingency fee agreement.

As soon as you hire your motorcycle accident lawyer, they can begin helping you in the following ways:

Protecting You from the Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters want to spend as little money as possible on a motorcycle accident claim. They might use tactics like:

• Blaming you for the accident even if you were not at fault in any way
• Saying that your injuries did not result from the motorcycle accident
• Downplaying the severity of your condition
• Offering you a lowball settlement and hoping you’ll take it out of desperation

If you were not at fault for your motorcycle accident, you shouldn’t lose any money. However, insurance companies don’t care about this fact. They are looking to save money, and they are not afraid to look for ways to offer you less. A personal injury lawyer with experience in motorcycle accident cases can protect you by handling the insurance company for you.

Building a Strong Case for You

Motorcycle accidents are often serious, leaving you with life-threatening or disabling conditions. When you’re dealing with severe injuries and trying to get better, it can be hard to think about anything else.

Your lawyer will handle the details of your case for you. They can help you gather evidence and build a strong claim to file with the insurance company. If the insurance company offers you a lowball settlement, your lawyer will know how to negotiate a higher amount. 

Maximizing Your Compensation

While every motorcycle injury case is unique, common damages sought in these cases include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages from missed work
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent scarring
• Loss of enjoyment
• Property damage

If the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement and you decide to sue, your lawyer will be there every step of the way.

What Is the Time Limit for Seeking Damages in Court?

After a motorcycle accident, the burden is on you as the victim to file a personal injury claim to seek fair compensation for your damages. Most motorcycle accident victims should work with a knowledgeable lawyer to help them pursue the highest amount possible. It’s also important to get started as soon as possible because you have a limited amount of time to take legal action.

In Georgia, according to Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim or lawsuit. This time goes quickly, and there are many things you or your lawyer must do along the way to build your case. So, it’s best to reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney right away.

Free Consultation With a Georgia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Don’t get stuck paying for an accident you didn’t cause. If you’re in the state of Georgia, get help from an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer from John Foy & Associates at no risk to you.

Our Atlanta-based personal injury law firm has more than 20 years of experience helping injured riders get the settlements they deserve, so we know what it takes to win cases. 

Contact our personal injury law firm now to get started with a free consultation.