When you're injured in a motorcycle accident, one of your first thoughts might be that you should hire a motorcycle accident injury attorney. But if you've never hired an accident injury attorney before, you might be wondering how to do it or if you even should do it.
Let's look at situations when you should hire an attorney after a motorcycle accident, the pros and cons of doing so, and how to go about finding a good one.
When Should I Consider Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney?
When you're in a motorcycle accident and you've suffered an injury or damage to your property that was the other driver's fault, you may benefit from hiring an attorney. They can help you hold the other person accountable for any loss, be it financial or emotional, that you suffer. That might include paying for medical bills, making up for the loss of income, material loss, emotional damage, and more.
That doesn't mean you should hire an attorney after every single accident. If it was a minor fender bender with no real damage to your health or vehicle, you probably don't need one. However, you should always keep in mind that injuries and health problems can develop days, weeks, months, and even years later, so always see a doctor for an exam before making a final decision.
What Are the Pros of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney?
Any type of auto accident, whether it's a car, truck, or motorcycle, can become a complicated matter when it comes to proving what happened, determining the responsibility of the insurance company, and attempting to get what is owed to you. Having an accident injury attorney who specializes in such cases on your side means you have someone who knows how to get the job done. Here are some of the other pros of hiring an attorney when you've been in an accident:
- You have experience on your side: Attempting to navigate the legal system, insurance claims, settlements, and the court process can be overwhelming for someone who has never done it before. Your attorney has done it multiple times and knows the ins and outs. They know how to gather and present evidence. They know how to negotiate. That means you have a better chance of winning your case.
- Other parties will take you more seriously: If you call an insurance company and demand money, they probably won't take you seriously. However, if your lawyer starts making demands, they'll be a bit more likely to make a deal. Your lawyer knows how to negotiate in a way that the other parties involved will take you seriously.
- You save time: Filing a claim and following up is time-consuming. It's also stressful. You've already been in an accident, so you probably don't need that sort of added stress in your life. If you're recovering, going back to work, or taking care of your family, you don't need to waste your time when you can hire someone to do the job for you.
What Are the Cons of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney?
If you find yourself the victim of a motorcycle accident that requires you to hire a lawyer, you're usually better off doing so than not. However, if you're on the fence as to whether it's worth hiring a lawyer, there are a few drawbacks to consider.
First, you do have to pay them. Many accident injury attorneys don't accept money upfront but take a percentage of your settlement instead. That percentage can be pretty big. On one hand, when your lawyer doesn't get paid until you do, they may work harder to ensure you win. On the other hand, they may not be happy with a smaller settlement and keep pushing until the case goes to court. This can delay your settlement. Also, your lawyer is not just working on your case — they're working on several others. This can also delay your settlement as you are not the top priority much of the time.
How Can I Find a Good Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney?
If you've decided to hire an accident injury attorney after your motorcycle accident, look for one that specializes in auto accidents. Ask your friends, neighbors, and coworkers for referrals. If that fails, do your research. Look for reviews online, and when you find some attorneys you like, ask them for testimonials. A good lawyer will be more than happy to provide them. You may even find some positive press about them online. Finally, always meet with your attorney before deciding to hire them. You need to make sure this is someone whom you feel comfortable working with for the duration of your claim.
