13 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Getting involved in an accident with another vehicle while you’re on a motorcycle is a scary experience. You don’t have the same protections that an automobile has. As a motorcyclist, you are more exposed to the elements. Did you know that over 80,000 motorcycle accidents happen each year, and most of those accidents either end with severe injuries or a fatality? If you recently sustained injuries at the expense of another driver, you have the right to seek compensation with the help of a reputable motorcycle accident lawyer.

How do you find the right attorney to help represent your case? Please continue reading below to learn about the top 13 questions to ask a potential lawyer to ensure they are the right lawyer for your motorcycle accident lawsuit.

1. What Is My Case Worth?

When looking for the right motorcycle accident lawyer, it is good to ask their opinion on how much your case is worth. They may not be able to provide you with an exact number, but they can give you a ballpark number based on several different factors. 

Factors used to determine the worth of your motorcycle crash:

• Missed work 
• Pain and suffering
• Damaged property
• Medical bills

It is important to note even if the lawyer gives you a rough estimate of how much your claim may be worth, that number can fluctuate. This is because there is a lot of evidence your motorcycle lawyer will have to gather to build your case. As they collect the information needed for your case, they will be able to determine the worth of your motorcycle accident lawsuit accurately. 

2. Are the Majority of Your Cases Motorcycle Accidents?

Some excellent attorneys handle different types of personal injury cases, and a great attorney does not need only to take motorcycle accident injury claims. It is best to work with someone with experience handling motorcycle accident claims. 

3. Who Will I Be Mainly in Contact With?

It is not unnormal for you to speak with other people on your attorney’s team. There are paralegals, secretaries, and assistants who may reach out to you to update you on the claim. If your attorney is unavailable, they will be there to answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

The only time it should be a concern is if you don’t hear from your attorney at all. When you speak with your potential attorney, make sure you ask them how they prefer to get in contact with you. Also, ask them about the names and contact information of other people you may reach out to during the process of your claim.

4. What Is Your Fee Structure?

You wouldn’t buy a car or a luxury bag without looking at the price; you should apply that same thinking when it comes to an attorney. Don’t be afraid to ask how the attorney expects their payments.

Some attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t accept any form of payment until you win your case. When you win, the attorney will deduct their fees from the final settlement amount. 

5. What Are the Potential Outcomes of My Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

It is important to note that no two cases are the same. You may receive a different settlement amount than another motorcycle accident victim.

Your lawyer will look at all the damages in your case and the evidence they have that proves your innocence. Some motorcycle accident lawyers can settle the lawsuit without having to go to court.

This means when they speak with the auto insurance company at fault for the accident; they can negotiate a fair settlement without having to take the case to trial. Depending on the circumstance of your case, your lawsuit may have to go to trial. Of course, your motorcycle lawyer will be able to go over the possibilities, and they will be there for you each step of the way. 

6. How Many of Your Cases Have Successful Settlements?

Depending on the motorcycle accident circumstance, some families don’t receive compensation for their claims. It could be because of misrepresentation, missed statutes of limitations, or other issues with the lawsuit. 

To make sure that your family receives the compensation they deserve, you want to work with a motorcycle accident attorney with high success rates. When you consult with a lawyer, don’t be afraid to ask them about their success rates with circumstances similar to yours. Most lawyers have their results posted on their websites, so you can use that as a point of reference before you schedule a consultation with the lawyer. 

7. Do You Offer Free Consultations

Before you even meet with the attorney, you want to ensure they offer a free consultation. Some lawyers provide consultations for a fee, but if you don’t want to pay to meet with a lawyer, try to find one that offers free consultations. 

8. Do You Have Courtroom Experience?

A lawyer may pass the bar and have experience practicing law, but some don’t have courtroom experience. This is because some lawyers prefer to handle cases out of court, and some don’t have experience in court. 

As mentioned earlier, there are times when your lawyer can handle a motorcycle accident lawsuit out of court, but a select few do have to go to trial. If your case goes to trial, you want to make sure you have an attorney who knows how to handle court proceedings. 

9. Do You Belong to Any Legal Organizations?

Some motorcycle accident attorneys are active members of national associations. For example, some attorneys are a part of personal injury law groups, whereas others may be a part of trial advocacy. Being a part of an organization ensures that your attorney is up to date with trial, techniques, and law strategies. 

10. How Is Your Current Caseload?

Even if your initial meeting with the lawyer goes well and you feel comfortable with them, don’t be too hasty to sign any contracts just yet. It would be best if you also asked your potential attorney what their caseload looks like. 

Is the lawyer able to dedicate time to your case? How many cases are they currently handling?

If a lawyer is too busy to handle your case, they won’t be able to dedicate an appropriate amount of time to your lawsuit. To catch up and make sure your file gets the attention it needs, your lawyer may hand the case over to another associate to handle. To make sure your case gets the proper attention it deserves, make sure you work with a lawyer who can handle taking care of your case well before your statute of limitations runs out.

11. What Are Your Expectations of Me?

Each attorney handles their cases differently. Some may not require much of their clients, whereas others like to have their clients actively involved in the lawsuit. When you first speak with your lawyer, make sure you ask them what is expected of you so you aren’t left in the dark about what steps you must take to move your case along. 

12. Do You Have the Financial Resources To Handle My Case Properly?

There are several different out-of-pocket costs associated with your motorcycle accident that your lawyer has to pay for upfront. For example, your attorney uses resources such as a crash investigator or crash reconstructionist to help build a case.

They also have to pay to get a copy of your police report. It is appropriate to ask the lawyer if they have the financial resources to handle your case, so don’t be afraid to pose that question. 

13. Has Your Firm Received Any Special Rewards?

This type of question can help you identify how an attorney ranks against other types of motorcycle accident lawyers. Most law firms receive their recognition on an annual basis. When you go to speak with an attorney, you may see their awards on their walls, and some of them have them posted on their websites. 

An attorney may have other achievements that can prove their level of expertise. For example, some lawyers write books on personal injury cases, and others teach classes to other lawyers who handle motorcycle accident injuries. 

Find the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Finding the right motorcycle accident lawyer shouldn’t be too hard, especially when you are armed with the right questions to ask. When speaking with an attorney, if any of them give you pushback on any of the above simple questions, that could be a red flag.

If you recently suffered injuries from a motorcycle accident and need help getting the compensation you deserve, contact us! We provide clients with a free no-obligation case evaluation, and we are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the claims process.