Statistics show that motorcycle riders are four times more likely to get injured than occupants of closed vehicles. Motorcycle accident injuries also tend to be severe, sometimes affecting victims far into the future.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you must seek out the best legal help. Having the right lawyer on your side will increase your chances of a successful and fair settlement.
Choosing a lawyer to represent you is a big and important decision. To make sure you choose wisely, read this list of 13 signs you’re dealing with a quality Tucson motorcycle accident attorney.
1. Extensive Experience With Motorcycle Cases
Experience is a crucial factor to vet when hiring a lawyer. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney is more likely to have handled cases that were similar to yours in the past.
They’ll have an in-depth, working knowledge of the legal intricacies and unique challenges that surround different types of motorcycle accidents. They’ll have honed their negotiation skills, which increases the chances of a successful claim outcome without the need to go to trial.
A seasoned Tucson motorcycle accident lawyer will also be able to make an informed assessment of the value of your case. If they’ve had clients with similar injuries in the past, your attorney will have a good idea of how much you should hold out for, and how your injuries might affect your life in the future.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will have an extensive network of medical specialists they can refer you to. Not only does this increase the quality of your care, but it also lays the ground for more substantial evidence.
Medical evidence and expert witness statements play a pivotal role in accident cases where injury is involved. These reports can be the backbone of your case.
Here at Sweet Lawyers, we have over 40 years of experience dealing with car and motorcycle accident cases.
2. Specialization
Does the attorney specialize in motorcycle accidents specifically? If so, this is a great sign.
It doesn’t matter how many years a lawyer has been practicing or how well-established the law firm is. If the attorney handling your case hasn’t dealt with many motorcycle accidents before, this could jeopardize your chances of success.
An attorney who specializes in motorcycle accident cases will have an intricate knowledge of road accident laws, as well as a background in personal injury.
Most law firms will clearly state their areas of specialization on their websites.
3. Trial Experience
Another sign you’re dealing with a quality lawyer is if they have trial experience. Attorneys report that it’s rare for fresh, inexperienced lawyers to gain courtroom experience at the start of their careers.
Only seasoned lawyers are likely to have brought cases to trial. One of the reasons for this is most cases are settled out of court.
Trials are becoming exceedingly rare in the federal justice system.
However, if your case can’t be settled with negotiations, you need to know that your lawyer has what it takes to go to trial.
Here at Sweet Lawyers, we don’t just negotiate for our clients. We also know our way around the courtroom. If your case has to go to trial, we have the experience to fight until you receive the compensation you deserve.
4. A High Success Rate
A high success rate is a strong sign of a quality lawyer. What better way to assess an attorney’s capabilities than by their success rate?
It’s easy to make performance promises, but numbers don’t lie. A high success rate means an attorney is consistently winning cases and has very few losses. If a motorcycle attorney has a good success rate, they will usually publish this on their website.
We are exceptionally proud of our 98% success rate.
5. The Clear Free Structre
You have a right to fully understand the potential fees when hiring a lawyer. The last thing you need is unexpected or crippling legal costs when you’re recovering from a motorcycle accident.
An attorney’s fee structure shouldn’t feel like smoke and mirrors. Instead, they should provide a clear breakdown of how fees are calculated when they become due, and any additional costs. These can include things like:
- Expert witness fees
- Court filing fees
Attorneys usually charge either a flat rate, an hourly rate, a retainer fee, a contingency fee, or a mixture of these.
Flat rate fees are usually imposed for straightforward matters, such as drawing up a standard will.
Hourly fees and retainer fees can add up fast in severe accident cases. Fortunately, a lot of personal injury, car, and motorcycle accident law firms offer contingency plans.
Under a contingency plan, the fee comes out of your settlement and you only pay if your case is successful.
6. A Free Initial Consultation
Another thing we’d recommend you look for in a potential Tucson motorcycle accident attorney is free initial consultations.
If a lawyer offers free consultations, this doesn’t automatically mean they’re the best candidate. But free consultations can help you evaluate your options without spending money you can’t afford just to make a lawyer selection.
7. Great Communication
If you hire a motorcycle accident attorney, they’ll handle all the details of your case. But you still want to be kept in the loop and have your questions answered.
If the lawyer you’re dealing with offers prompt and clear communication, this is a good sign.
It’s always a wise idea to find out how frequently you can expect to hear from a prospective attorney. When and how will they update you on the case progress? Can you reach them directly if you have any questions?
Here at Sweet Lawyers, we know how important clear communication is, not just for case outcomes, but also for clients’ peace of mind. We ensure you’re completely informed about the status of your case at all times.
8. Caring Service
Attentive customer service is always a good sign when hiring professional services. But it’s especially critical if you’re shopping around for a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Depending on the severity of the accident, you might be badly injured and emotionally traumatized. The injuries and trauma may have thrown your life upside down.
The last thing you need is to endure abrupt customer service from your lawyer.
9. A Focus on Helping People
Does the law firm you’re dealing with have a strong focus on helping people? Or does it feel like you’re just another case?
For us, success isn’t just about satisfactory case outcomes. It’s about our clients regaining their quality of life. We truly care about the people we serve.
10. Passion
A lot can hang in the balance during a motorcycle case. Fair compensation can mean the difference between stressful hardship and restoration of your quality of life.
You don’t just want a competent lawyer in your corner. You also want one who’s passionate about your case outcome and will fight relentlessly for your rights.
11. A Positive Reputation
If you’ve already heard good things via word of mouth, chances are you’re dealing with a reputable attorney. You can also check a law firm or attorney’s reputation online by reading through their client reviews.
Google Reviews is a great place to start. If you want to widen your net, you can look them up on platforms like Yelp.
A lot of reputable law firms also publish reviews and testimonials on their websites.
12. Awards and Memberships
If you’re hunting for a trustworthy Tucson motorcycle accident lawyer, look out for evidence of awards and ratings.
Sweet Lawyers has an AVVO rating of ten, the highest a law firm can receive. We are part of the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, are a Lead Counsel Verified Attorney, and have received the Best Attorneys of America award.
13. The Capacity to Handle Your Case
Size can also be a sign that you’re dealing with a quality law firm. A single attorney operating on their own might not have the capacity to handle your case efficiently.
If they suddenly get a lot of new business, this could draw out your case process.
An attorney who works on their own without a team also might not have replacements. Should they fall ill, there may not be anyone to seamlessly take over your case.
Mid-sized law firms offer a perfect blend of personalized service and extra manpower. Your case won’t just be a number, and there will be a team of legal experts dedicated to its success. Should the partner handling your case be incapacitated, another experienced member of staff can drive it forward without any delays or miscommunications.
Do You Need an Experienced Tucson Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Finding the right lawyer to handle your case is paramount after a motorcycle accident. Look for an attorney who’s experienced and specializes in motorcycle accident cases. Prioritize personalized, caring customer service, consistent communication, a clear fee structure, and a track record of success.
If you need a Tucson motorcycle accident attorney you can trust, you’ve come to the right place.
Sweet Lawyers specializes in car and motorcycle accident cases. We have decades of experience and a 98% success rate. We’re also passionate about our case outcomes and will fight relentlessly for your rights.
Contact us today for a free phone consultation.