If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, the attorney you hire can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your legal case. The importance of this decision makes it vital that you get as much information as possible before settling on a Boca Raton motorcycle accident lawyer.
Our law firm understands how important this decision is. We look forward to helping you manage every aspect of your case, from investigating the crash to negotiating with the at-fault party. Before you make your decision, here are seven questions to ask a motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Experienced Are You in Motorcycle Accident Claims?
There are many different types of lawyers practicing in Florida, but not all of them will be right for your motorcycle accident case. Some attorneys are focused on mergers and acquisitions, while others might primarily handle divorces. By spending most of their time on other areas of the law, they might not have the depth of experience needed to get the best possible outcome in your case.
For that reason, it is important to learn more about an attorney than the amount of time they have been licensed to practice law. The quality of that experience is what matters the most. You can ask an attorney about the number of motorcycle accident cases they have handled or how long they have practiced personal injury law.
Do You Frequently Litigate Motorcycle Accident Injury Cases?
The vast majority of personal injury lawsuits never go to trial. While settlements are a common outcome, you can benefit from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who is not afraid to litigate when necessary. Some lawyers may prioritize settlements in every case—even when a trial might be more beneficial to the client.
Asking about trial experience is also helpful in general, as lawyers who have taken more motorcycle accident cases will generally have gone to trial more often as well. This can provide you with insight into whether a potential lawyer shies away from litigation or goes to trial when it is in the client’s best interests.
Ask Your Lawyer if They Have Previous Experience Managing Cases Like Yours?
While it is true that no two motorcycle accidents are exactly alike, many cases involve similar fact patterns. Accidents involving motorcycles often occur in intersections, where careless drivers attempt lefthand turns in front of oncoming motorcyclists. If your prospective motorcycle accident attorney has legal experience handling a case with similar facts to yours, they may be more prepared to anticipate how your case might play out.
This also gives you the chance for a follow-up question: how did that case turn out? Even if the previous case was unsuccessful, a lawyer could provide you with important differences with your accident or rely on the lessons learned from that situation to help you maximize your recovery.
What Types of Compensation Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover?
Your attorney will not be able to promise a specific settlement amount for your case, but this question can still provide you with some helpful information. A lawyer could evaluate the facts and advise you on the types of damages that might be available. Some common examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Diminished future earning power
- Motorcycle repair costs
What is the Deadline for Filing My Motorcycle Accident Case?
There is a limited amount of time to pursue compensation following a motorcycle accident thanks to the legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. Governed by Florida Statutes § 95.11, the time limit to file a lawsuit generally expires two years from the date of the accident—in most cases. It is important to note that certain exceptions can either extend or shorten the filing deadline.
If you wait too long to file your lawsuit, you could lose your chance of recovering damages for your injuries. An attorney can help you ensure your case is filed on time. Once the statute expires, the insurance company can refuse to participate in settlement negotiations.
Ask Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney How Much They Charge?
Each attorney has the opportunity to set their own fee structure when providing legal representation. That said, attorneys in this area of the law generally work on a contingency fee basis. When working on a contingency basis, a lawyer will only get paid when they recover financial compensation on your behalf. This approach is much more favorable to a client compared to them billing by the hour.
If an attorney works on contingency, be sure to ask about the percentage they will take from your settlement as their fee.
How Will You Communicate with Me During My Case?
When it comes to hiring a lawyer for your motorcycle accident injury case, communication is key. Some attorneys provide clients with their personal cell numbers and promise to return phone calls within 24 hours. Others might hand off communication with a client to a member of the legal team. You deserve to know how your questions and concerns will be addressed.
It is also valuable to ask about how a lawyer handles updates regarding your case. Will they call you directly when something comes up or wait until you reach out for more information? These questions can help prevent misunderstandings in the future.
Learn More by Contacting Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
These are only some of the questions that can help you find the right attorney for your injury case. Motorcycle accident cases can be complicated, so it is natural to be curious about how the system might play out for you.
The legal team at Ged Lawyers can do more than answer your questions after a motorcycle accident. We can handle every phase of your case, from a comprehensive investigation to an aggressive litigation strategy. While you focus on healing from your injuries, we will focus on building your case. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
