If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, you’ve likely got a ton on your plate, and even more on your mind. You might not be thinking about consulting with a lawyer just yet, but this is one of the most important steps you can take.
An experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to walk you through the steps to take after an accident. They can also communicate with your insurance agency, ensure you receive an appropriate settlement for your claim, and even represent you in court, if necessary.
Not sure where to start? Today, we’re sharing a guide to help you choose the best motorcycle accident attorney for your needs.
Ask for a Referral
As with most professional services you need to procure, it’s usually easiest to start by asking people you know! If you ride frequently or you’re a member of a motorcycle group, there’s a chance that others in your network have been in your shoes before.
Ask if they’ve ever been in an accident, and which law firm they partnered with. Did they have a good experience and would they recommend them again? Personal connections are valuable in cases like this, and it’s easier to trust a lawyer who you know has helped a close friend or loved one overcome this same obstacle.
Read Reviews
Another way to find the best lawyer for your motorcycle accident case? Read online reviews! Once you have the name of a few reputable teams, check out their website.
Most companies will have their client reviews and testimonials in a designated spot, such as at the bottom of their home page. They may even have a separate web page devoted to this feedback. Keep in mind that each case is unique, so the experiences you read about don’t exactly predict how your own outcome will go.
However, this is a good way to see what others are saying about the lawyers you’re thinking about hiring. Look for repeated themes, such as promptness, professionalism, or a willingness to listen. Studies show that 84% of people now prefer reading online reviews as much as getting personal recommendations from friends or family members, so this is another great place to start.
Ask About Motorcycle Accident Claim Experience
As you review your top few lawyers, make sure the ones you’re looking at have real experience working on claims similar to yours.
It isn’t enough to be a personal injury lawyer or even an auto accident lawyer. You need a lawyer who has specifically represented individuals who have been injured in motorcycle accidents. They should deal with these kinds of claims on a regular basis.
This means they’ll be familiar with the motorcycle laws governing your local California roadways. They’ll know who to speak to and the kind of evidence you need to prove fault. They’ll also know the most common injuries you could sustain in this type of accident, and what typical settlements look like.
Ask each lawyer how many motorcycle cases they handle each year, and what their track record is with those cases. How many have led to settlements and how many have they lost? Have they ever taken a claim like yours to court, and what does their courtroom record look like?
Everyone has to start somewhere, but you don’t want your case to be the first of its kind at the law firm. Look for a motorcycle accident lawyer who’s well-versed in this niche and knows exactly what to do to help you win.
Compare Fee Structures
Most personal injury lawyers work on what’s called a contingency-fee basis. In short, this means that you don’t pay them out of pocket. Rather, they take their fees from the settlement award that the insurance company gives you.
As you consider your options, comparing lawyer fees is a smart idea. Yet, it can be a little tricky because there isn’t a set percentage that each lawyer will take. Research industry standards in your area to better gauge if the fees are above or below the average.
As you review pricing options, it’s important to understand that a reliable lawyer will never tell you exactly what they think your case is worth. However, they may be able to give you a range based on similar cases they’ve worked on in the past.
No matter what the fee structure looks like, your lawyer should take the time to thoroughly explain it to you. You should also have the opportunity to sign a fee agreement before partnering with any law firm. Remember to ask if there are any out-of-pocket costs you’ll be responsible for in addition to the contingency fee, so there aren’t any surprises down the road.
Check Availability
Yes, you want a lawyer who’s the best in the business. However, you don’t want to wait months or even years to retain their services. Ask your prospective lawyers what their current caseload looks like.
Do they have the bandwidth to take on your case? If so, how often can you expect to hear from them? Motorcycle accidents can take a while to settle, especially if they need to go to court.
At the very least, your attorney should be able to keep you up-to-date on the progress of your claim, communicating the status with you every few weeks. They should also be readily available to answer any questions you may have. In your initial conversations with each lawyer, you should be able to assess how easy it will be to reach and communicate with them in the future.
Find the Best Motorcycle Accident Attorney in L.A.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident, it’s time to take action. The right attorney can be a powerful resource at every stage of the journey, helping you build a strong case and defending your rights.
The best motorcycle accident attorney is an experienced and knowledgeable one. They will address your concerns, walk you through your next steps, and do everything in their power to maximize your settlement.
At Angeleno Accident Lawyers, that’s exactly who you’ll find. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!
