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Riding a motorcycle comes with its own set of risks. A motorcycle is far less crash-worthy than closed vehicles, such as cars or SUVs.
Motorcycles are also far less visible to other drivers than four-wheel vehicles.
You’ll likely incur serious injuries if you have an accident while riding a motorcycle.
As motorcycle accident statistics show, motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in an accident and four times more likely to be injured than car passengers.
Finding a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer is critical if you’re injured in a California motorcycle accident. At the outset, a lawyer can:
- Listen to your story,
- Inform you of your legal rights,
- Assess your losses, and
- Determine whether the facts in your case may entitle you to compensation for your injuries.
An attorney should make the legal process as painless as possible so that you can focus on your recovery.
If you have been injured by the negligent or intentional acts of another, a skilled lawyer is indispensable. A motorcycle accident law firm like Peerali Law will have the experience, skill, and resources to fight for you.
6 Steps to Finding the Best Motorcycle Crash Attorney
Obtaining motorcycle accident damages can be quite challenging for people who have never had to deal with an accident claim.
The insurance carrier for the at-fault driver will likely fight you every step of the way.
This fact makes finding a top motorcycle accident lawyer very important because, with a lawyer on your side, the insurance company knows you have a professional protecting your interests.
It can be challenging to differentiate between the many personal injury lawyers listed online or in ads all over town.
They may all start to look the same. But attorneys are not all the same, so we will discuss six steps to finding the best motorcycle crash attorney for your case.
1. Start Looking Immediately
The first step is to start looking immediately. When you sustain injuries due to the negligence or recklessness of others, do not hesitate to seek legal help as soon as possible.
With many motorcycle accident claims, the statute of limitations is two years in California. This means you only have two years from the California motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit, and that time goes by fast.
There are some exceptions to this timeframe, but they are rare.
A good attorney will make sure to investigate your case, start negotiations, and file a lawsuit if that becomes necessary in time to meet the deadline.
You also want to hire a lawyer promptly because evidence can quickly disappear, making proving fault and liability difficult, if not impossible.
Insurance companies begin investigating any accident to defeat claims immediately. You should have someone working on your side, too.
The longer you wait to take action, the more difficult it becomes to recover compensation for your losses.
2. Inquire About Motorcycle Accident Experience
It is unwise to assume that a personal injury attorney specializing in automobile accidents or premises liability cases, for example, has the experience needed for your motorcycle accident California case.
It is better to find an attorney who deals with motorcycle accidents on a regular basis.
So ask how many motorcycle accidents the attorney has handled in the recent past so you can be confident that the attorney you’re considering is familiar with the nuances of such cases.
You will want your attorney to handle your case from start to finish and help you with the following:
- Collecting police reports,
- Gathering witness statements,
- Filing any necessary paperwork,
- Communicating and negotiating with the insurance companies,
- Investigating the other driver,
- Reviewing medical records, and
- Hiring and working with expert witnesses.
Motorcycle accidents can be complex and often require a thorough investigation to prove fault. You need an attorney experienced in building a solid motorcycle accident case.
3. Review the Track Record
You need to know about an attorney’s experience, but you also need to know their track record.
You’re looking for someone with a good track record for favorable outcomes—whether through settlement or a judgment at trial.
4. Discuss Payment to Confirm the Attorney Works on a Contingency Fee Basis
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means the lawyer will take their fee from any compensation you get. You should have no out-of-pocket or upfront costs to retain the attorney.
The industry average for a lawyer’s fee in such cases ranges from 33% to 40% of any settlement or judgment obtained.
Your lawyer should be transparent about the fee structure from the outset and provide a fee agreement for you to sign.
5. Evaluate the Attorney’s Ability to Communicate with You Effectively
Having a good working relationship with your attorney is critical to the success of your case. At the heart of this relationship is communication.
Assess how the attorney communicates with you during the initial consultation. Determine whether they treat you with respect and listen to your concerns.
They should also be able to explain the legal terms and procedures in a way you can understand.
Also, evaluate the office setup to ensure it facilitates communication throughout your case. You should expect to hear from your attorney regularly and receive a response to your inquiries within a reasonable time.
6. Positive Client Testimonials
If you ride, you likely know others who have been in an accident. If so, ask whether they would recommend the firm they used.
If you were referred to a firm by someone you know and trust, this is a solid testimonial.
And even if you don’t get a personal referral, client testimonials and reviews can help you find a top motorcycle accident lawyer. Read client reviews.
See whether specific points support the good reviews, and if there are any negative reviews, be sure to assess them too.
One or two negative comments may not mean the lawyer is not good, as no one can please everyone all of the time. However, you might want to move on to the next firm if you notice negative patterns in the testimonials.
An Experienced Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Offer Legal Guidance
Sustaining an injury in a motorcycle accident can be traumatic.
While dealing with the devastating consequences of a motorcycle accident, you may also face crushing financial obligations while unable to work.
A Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer at Peerali Law can help.
Our legal team is experienced in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death matters. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients through innovative legal solutions.
It’s at the heart of everything we do. Peerali Law is here to explain your legal options and guide you in seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact us online or give us a call for a free case consultation.