Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating. However, while motorcyclists love the thrill of the ride, there’s always a chance that a serious accident can occur. Motorcycle accidents can leave motorcyclists with severe injuries and heavy financial damages.
Finding the right lawyer for your motorcycle accident case can seem daunting if you don’t know where to start. Below, we’ll provide tips to help you find the best professional for your case. Having an experienced legal professional plays a huge part in receiving the compensation you deserve.
Always File a Claim for a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclists often have a terrible reputation of being reckless or inconsiderate while on the road. This stereotype is pervasive and can make it extremely challenging to fight for a fair settlement. The right lawyer can help you show the insurance company that your accident wasn’t your fault, and you deserve compensation.
If you got injured in one of these accidents, it’s imperative that you find a good motorcycle accident lawyer that can assist you in holding the negligent party responsible for your dames accountable and help you in pursuing financial compensation. However, finding a good lawyer to represent you at trial or during negotiations can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for.
Get the strong arm
Three Things You Should Consider When Looking for a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Before a lawyer can become qualified to practice law in their state, they must complete law school, the bar exam, a background check, and more. Therefore, if you find a good lawyer for your case, you can rest assured knowing that they’re equipped to help you with your legal case.
That being said, there are three key factors that can assist you in finding a good lawyer that can help you with your motorcycle accident case.
1. Whether or Not the Lawyer Handles Motorcycle Accidents
There are many law firms out there, but not all of them handle motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accident lawyers in Georgia operate under the scope of personal injury law and torts as defined under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-1.
While a motorcycle accident case is a personal injury case, a general personal injury lawyer will not necessarily specialize in motorcycle accidents.
You’ll want to ensure that your lawyer has solid experience and a good record handling motorcycle accident cases. A lawyer or law firm might say they take on motorcycle accident cases, but you want to work with someone who offers a specialty in these types of crashes and their complexities.
The best way to find out whether or not a lawyer specializes in motorcycle accident cases is by researching them online and scheduling a consultation to ask questions. Lawyers who work on these types of cases are often known as motorcycle accident lawyers.
2. How Close the Lawyer Is to You
If a lawyer lives in a different state than you, they will likely refer you to another firm or lawyer in your actual state. If you see an ad or commercial for a lawyer that seems enticing, look to see if the lawyer operates in close proximity to you. Don’t make the mistake of hiring a lawyer from a law firm based in Virginia if you got into a motorcycle accident in Georgia.
3. Good Reputation and Years of Experience
Research any lawyer you are considering working with to make sure they have:
- Solid experience in motorcycle accident cases
- A good reputation and good reviews from former clients
Check client testimonials and any reviews to see what the reviews say about the lawyer you want to hire. Look at their educational pedigree, how long they’ve been practicing law, and their track success record for motorcycle accidents. Most motorcycle accident lawyers will offer a free consultation.
Schedule a consultation with them and ask about their experience. See if they can provide you with references to past clients from cases similar to yours. Ask for examples of cases they’ve won that look like yours. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the consultation. This is your time to get to know the lawyer and make sure they’re a good fit for you, and vice versa.
Tips for Finding a Good Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Now that we’ve covered what to look for in a good motorcycle accident lawyer, it’s time to start looking. This can be difficult because there are so many motorcycle accident lawyers to choose from. Here are ways you can narrow down your search.
Ask Around
If you know anyone that has previously worked with a motorcycle accident lawyer, ask them for information on their experience and how they felt after the case was resolved. If they tell you that their lawyer was good and recommend them to you, consider reaching out for a consultation.
Contact Other Lawyers You Know
Most lawyers have professional working relationships with other lawyers in various fields. For example, if you had to hire a lemon law attorney, chances are they also know of a personal injury lawyer that can help you. While you can trust most referrals, you should still consider the three factors listed above.
The State Bar of Georgia
The State Bar of Georgia may have information on helping you find a good lawyer. If you live in a different state, consult the bar association in your area. In addition, you can look for contact information on a specific lawyer or utilize other services to seek a lawyer for your needs.
Searching Online
One of the best places to start searching is online. You can use the internet to find several attorneys near you that can help you with your case. You can also read Google reviews to see what others say about various law firms that handle motorcycle accidents.
Then, if there’s a lawyer that seems like a good fit, visit their website, look at their experience and specializations, and contact them for a consultation if you like what you see.
Make Sure They Work on Contingency
Most motorcycle accident lawyers get paid through contingency fees, meaning that they only get paid if they win compensation for your claim. Your legal fees are taken out of the settlement you win. This is ideal since there’s no risk to you, and you won’t have to worry about paying for legal services up front or if you don’t win financial compensation.
Don’t Try to Fight for Your Settlement Without a Lawyer
It’s in your best interest to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. The faster you get solid legal representation, the better chances you have at winning a settlement that accurately reflects all the damages you’ve sustained. It’s never a good idea to try and deal with the insurance company before hiring a lawyer.
Insurance companies love to prey on motorcycle accident victims before they hire a lawyer so that they can convince them into settling for far less than what their damages genuinely are. Don’t let an insurance company’s greed get in the way of your proper financial compensation.
Even if you can negotiate your claim on your own, it’s still best to get the expert help of one of our motorcycle lawyers instead.
Get a Free Consultation With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping injured motorcyclists win the compensation they need and deserve for over 20 years. There is no fee unless we win you money for your claim. Let us handle all your legal affairs while you recover from your accident. Call or contact us online, and we’ll get started by scheduling your free consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
