Is there any kind of accident that doesn’t hurt? Bike accidents sure do. If you’ve been in a bike accident, you’ll need a bike accident lawyer to fight like a bulldog for your rights.
To discover the five factors to consider when choosing a bike accident lawyer, read on.
1. Choose a Bike Accident Lawyer Wisely
Although it might not be your first instinct after suffering a bike accident, you’ll need a lawyer. Choose one wisely by doing some research.
In a field as glutted as law, some lawyers are better than others, including bike accident lawyers. Separate the wheat from the chaff by researching local attorneys.
Besides word-of-mouth referrals, consult Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell®, and the American Bar Association to find the very best bike accident attorney around.
2. Vet Your Attorney of Choice
Research is a multi-step process that may not stop even after you think you’ve already chosen a lawyer.
Is your attorney fully licensed? How much experience do they have with bike accident cases? Can they provide you with professional references? How will they communicate with you throughout the case?
Those are just a few of the questions you should ask your lawyer (or get answers to yourself) before paying them.
Some personal injury lawyers, like Mary Alexander & Associates, offer free case consultations.
3. Experience With Insurance Companies
Add “experience with insurance companies” to the list of qualities desired in your ideal bike accident attorney.
Insurance companies ultimately want to pay you as little as possible. That’s why you’ll need a lawyer who can get you the payout you deserve. The right lawyer will analyze your policy and handle all letters, disputes, and all other documentation.
4. Soft Skills Matter Too
In addition to hard, technical skills, your lawyer will need soft skills. The perfect lawyer strikes just the right balance between technical expertise and intangible soft skills.
Schedule a consultation with a lawyer and see how they make you feel. Are they trustworthy? Are they a good listener? Did they make you feel like just another economic opportunity for them or did it seem like they actually care?
You want a highly ethical attorney who follows all of the state’s ethical guidelines. Look them up on the registration database to see if they have any ethics violations.
5. Numbers Don’t Lie
Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.
What’s the law firm’s success rate? How many years has it been in business? These and other metrics will help you make objective determinations about legal quality.
Bikes and Lawyers
Whether justified or not, some personal injury lawyers have a reputation for being ambulance-chasers. That is, they chase the ambulances rushing car accident victims to the hospital.
Those aren’t the lawyers representing victims of bike accidents, though. There’s no derogatory label for them because they haven’t earned one.
A bike accident lawyer is on your side, but they aren’t all made the same, so consider the factors above when choosing one.
For more practical life advice, treat yourself to the Features section of the site.
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