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You have several ways to find a good motorcycle accident lawyer nowadays. For example, you can ask family and friends for referrals to a lawyer they relied on previously. In addition, you can find reviews and recommendations online in this digital age.
The need for finding a good motorcycle accident lawyer becomes greater when you or a loved one suffer severe injuries in a recent crash. You want someone who can help you build a compelling case for compensation to present to an insurance adjuster or a judge and jury. So, let’s review what constitutes a good lawyer.
Why Is It Important to Define a Good Lawyer?
Your relationship with your personal injury lawyer will last for the duration of your case, so you want to work with someone who has these traits:
- Familiarity with personal injury law
- A reputation for supporting their clients
- A willingness to provide ongoing updates
- Accepting cases on a contingency fee basis
Finally, you should consider an attorney who will do the hard work of building your case so you can focus on your physical recovery.
Look for a Lawyer Familiar With the Laws of Your State
The first trait of a good lawyer is familiarity with personal injury law in your state. After all, your personal injury case is based on the at-fault party’s negligence and built on your state’s personal injury laws. So, a personal injury attorney can help you understand all the laws that apply to your case. They can also make sure your claim meets all required legal parameters.
Look for a Lawyer Who Understands How Your State Defines Liability
To pursue the at-fault driver for compensation, you must prove their negligence caused your motorcycle accident. This standard means proving the at-fault driver:
- Owed you a duty of care: They had a responsibility to drive cautiously and share roads responsibly.
- Breached their duty: They drove in a negligent, careless, or reckless manner (e.g., drunk, drowsy, or distracted driving).
Your lawyer will also have to prove the at-fault driver’s actions caused your accident and resulting injuries. Finally, they must establish the damages caused by the accident, including your monetary and emotional losses.
Look for a Lawyer Who Can Build a Strong Case File
A good motorcycle accident lawyer understands the importance of building a compelling case file. The information it contains will prove the cause and contributing factors of your accident. It can include:
- Accident report
- Medical records
- Proof of income
- Injury photos
- Video evidence
- Accident scene photos
- Witness statements
- Expert testimonials
Most personal injury cases resolve with an out-of-court settlement based mainly on the weight of the evidence. The lawyer who handles your case will use your evidence file to prove negligence and steer your case toward a fair and appropriate settlement.
Look for a Lawyer Who Can Accurately Assess the Value of Your Case
Once you agree on a settlement or win a trial verdict, you cannot ask for additional damages—even valid ones you could not have foreseen. Thus, you must get the monetary value of your case right to ensure you receive appropriate compensation.
Recoverable damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Physical disability
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
You or certain family members could also be entitled to wrongful death damages that include the costs of your loved one’s funeral and burial expenses and the loss of their financial and familial contributions, such as loss of consortium and guidance.
Look for a Lawyer Who Can Help You Navigate the Negotiation Process
Negotiating a settlement after a motorcycle accident can be a complex process. However, your lawyer will handle it for you. They will protect you from insufficient settlement offers and bad-faith insurance practices. Finally, they will also:
- Compile a comprehensive evidence file
- Field settlement offers on your behalf
- Explain the adequacy of each offer
You will always make the final decision to accept or reject an offer. Instead, your lawyer will aim to guide you toward a well-informed solution. They will also work hard to negotiate the best possible financial outcome for you.
Look for a Lawyer Who Can Represent You in Court
While your motorcycle accident case is far more likely to resolve without going to court, you can’t count on that result. Therefore, when researching attorneys, you should consider one who will not hesitate to go to trial if that offers the best way to reach your compensation goals.
The lawyer who handles your court case will ensure they file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out. They will also build a strong court case, prepare evidence and exhibits, and present your case to a judge or jury.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, the legal team at Schiller & Hamilton could show you what a difference having a good motorcycle accident lawyer on your side makes. We will review your case at no cost and explain the steps we take to resolve your case. Contact a member of our case review team today to get started.