5 Questions To Ask A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer After You’ve Been In An Accident

No matter how careful you are, there’s always the chance of getting into an accident while you are riding a motorcycle. If you are involved in a collision or other incident, it’s important to have a lawyer you can rely on. 

Finding the right motorcycle accident lawyer can be tricky. You’ll want to make sure that he or she has the experience to get the outcome you deserve. 

It’s also important to build a sense of trust with your lawyer. To that end, here are five of the most important questions to ask your motorcycle lawyer before hiring them. 

Steps To Take After A Motorcycle Accident

In the first few moments after a motorcycle accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. You may be injured, and it can be difficult to decide what to do next. Here are the general steps you should follow after a motorcycle accident. 

• Move out of the way. The first step should always be to get out of oncoming traffic and move somewhere safe. 
• Call the police. Even in a relatively minor accident, it’s still important to call the police. A police report will be a vital source of information in your case and when filing insurance claims. It’s also important to call for medical attention if anyone involved is injured. 
• Exchange contact and insurance information. If there was anyone else involved in the crash, you will need their contact and insurance information later on. This is also a good time to get witness contact information, if there is any. 
• Take pictures and notes. The more detail you can gather about the accident, the better. It’s important to do it right away, while everything is still fresh in your mind. 
• Tell your insurance company. Once you’ve made it home safely and had any injuries treated, you should let your insurance company know what happened. Letting your  insurance company know early helps the claims process run much more smoothly. 
• Find a reputable motorcycle lawyer. In motorcycle cases, it’s best to find a lawyer as soon as possible. 

Questions To Ask A Motorcycle Lawyer

It’s important to interview your motorcycle lawyer before having them take on your case. Think of it as a job interview, and you’re the one doing the hiring.

Before meeting with attorneys, check to see what they charge for consultations—many lawyers (including Bernheim Kelley) offer initial consultations for free.

Here are the most important questions to ask a potential motorcycle lawyer during this initial consultation. 

#1 What is your experience with motorcycle accidents and personal injury cases?

The law surrounding personal injury cases and specifically motorcycle accidents can be very complex. You’ll want to put your case in the hands of someone who has experience with this specific type of case, as they have knowledge that a generalist might not have. Luckily, there  are many lawyers that specialize in personal injury cases, and even some who specialize entirely in motorcycle accidents.

Don’t be afraid to ask about specific cases similar to yours and how they handled them – this can give you an idea of what to expect with your case moving forward. You can also ask about the firm’s record with cases like yours. While a strong record doesn’t guarantee that they are going to win your case, it shows that they have the necessary experience and can give you peace of mind. 

#2 What should I expect from the legal process?

Every motorcycle case is different, and while your lawyer can’t predict the exact outcome, they should be able to give you a good idea of what to expect moving forward. They should be able to tell you about the documentation you’ll need to move forward, what the most realistic goals of your case are, and the likelihood of the case settling or going to trial, for example. Additionally, your lawyer should be able to give you a rough timeline of how long the case will take.

#3 Who will be handling my case?

Since law firms employ a large team, the person you initially meet with might not be the person who handles your case. You’ll want to make sure you build trust with the lawyer that you’ll be working with the most, so don’t be afraid to ask about their background or even ask to meet them before moving forward with hiring. 

#4 What are my responsibilities in this case?

While your lawyer will be doing the heavy lifting when it comes to your case, there are still some  things that will be your responsibility as the client. Your lawyer should be able to explain your involvement in the case up front. Some things you might be responsible for include gathering relevant documents or being present for hearings. The more transparent your lawyer is up front, the easier things will be moving forward. 

#5 How much will your services cost?

Good legal services can be a big investment, and your lawyer should be very clear about their fee structure early on so you can determine whether or not they are in your budget. Different lawyers have different pay structures – some charge an hourly rate while others charge flat fees. Some lawyers also work using contingency fees, which means that the amount you pay is dependent on whether or not they win your case. 

Asking your motorcycle lawyer questions up front can help you avoid issues down the line and ensure a good fit. Consultations are a normal part of the legal process, and your lawyer should be happy to provide transparency. 

Our skilled team represents motorcycle accident victims who have sustained a wide variety of injuries and losses. The sooner you call our office, the sooner we can evaluate your situation and begin protecting your rights. Contact Bernheim Kelley now for a free consultation and we can help you get the compensation you deserve.