How to Find a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Finding the right motorcycle accident lawyers for injury cases can make a difference when you’re seeking compensation for an injury. Unlike car accidents, motorcycle accident cases often result in severe injuries. At the same time, prejudices against motorcyclists can minimize the compensation you recover for your injuries. Finding an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Michigan can make a significant difference in your case outcome.

What to Look for in Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Injury Cases

When searching for motorcycle accident lawyers to represent you in an injury case, certain qualities distinguish exceptional attorneys from average ones. Look for attorneys with experience in motorcycle accidents. They should understand lane-splitting laws, visibility laws, and common biases that motorcyclists experience when involved in an accident.

In addition to legal knowledge, choose an attorney with a proven record of successful motorcycle accident claims. Ask the attorneys you’re talking to about the recent cases they’ve handled that are similar to yours. Choose one who can back their words with proven experience.

How your attorney communicated with you matters. Do they simplify complex legal concepts? Are they paying attention to you during the consultation? Ask about their response rate, including how often they will update you on the case.

Essential Questions to Ask During Your Free Consultation

Most reputable motorcycle accident lawyers for injury cases offer a free consultation, which allows you to evaluate whether they’re the right fit for your case. Here are a few questions to ask during the free consultation:

• How many motorcycle accident cases have you handled?
• What was the average settlement amount for cases similar to mine?
• Have you taken motorcycle accident cases to trial, and what were the outcomes?
• How will you investigate my accident and gather evidence to support my claim?
• Do you work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals?
• How do you handle cases where the motorcyclist is partially at fault?
• Do you work on a contingency fee basis?
• What expenses will I be responsible for during the case?
• How long do you expect my case to take?
• Who will be my primary contact throughout the case?
• How often will you keep me updated on the case’s progress?
• What’s the best way to reach you with questions or concerns?

How to Find the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You

Ask your friends, family, and colleagues for referrals to reputable lawyers or law firms. If you have worked with an attorney before, ask them to refer you to a motorcycle accident attorney. When asking for referrals, verify whether the attorney has worked with them before.

Beyond referrals, go online to find local attorneys near you. Some reputable sources include the local state bar association website and attorney directories. These may also list firms near you, as well as attorneys who specialize in handling motorcycle accident claims. Check their online reviews to identify patterns of both praise and criticism.

Once you’ve checked these sources, narrow down your list and schedule free consultations with several law firms. Shopping around will help you evaluate each firm’s fees, communication style, expertise, and comfort in working with them.

During the consultation, listen to how the attorney speaks about your case, including potential challenges that might come up and how the law applies to your case. You want to choose an attorney who understands the law and can use it in your specific case.

Why Local Experience Matters in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer in Michigan has several advantages. Their local knowledge of state-specific motorcycle accident laws makes a difference when navigating the litigation process.

Local lawyers also have established relationships with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and other specialists who frequently testify in motorcycle accident cases. These professional networks can be invaluable when building a strong case for maximum compensation.

Additionally, local attorneys are familiar with regional traffic patterns, hazardous intersections, and common accident scenarios in your area. A michigan motorcycle accident lawyer would be familiar with seasonal riding conditions, winter road hazards, and how local courts typically handle motorcycle accident cases.

Why Choose a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Most personal injury law firms offer a comprehensive range of services. However, when choosing an attorney to work with, select one who has experience handling motorcycle accident cases. Such an attorney understands the common legal challenges in motorcycle accident lawsuits.

These challenges include biases against motorcyclists. Jurors and insurance adjusters may have negative stereotypes about the risk-taking behavior of motorcyclists. This bias automatically assigns fault to the motorcyclists, even in cases where they were not at fault for the accident.

An experienced attorney can identify these biases and present evidence that introduces new perspectives to the case.

The technical aspects of motorcycle accidents also differ significantly from those of car accidents. Issues such as motorcycle dynamics, braking capabilities, visibility challenges, and the effectiveness of protective gear require attorneys who understand them. Specialized attorneys can effectively use expert witnesses to explain these technical elements to juries and insurance companies.

Warning Signs to Avoid When Choosing Your Attorney

Be on the lookout for sure warning signs when choosing a motorcycle accident attorney in Michigan. Here are some warning signs to look out for:

• The attorney guarantees a specific outcome or settlement amount (legal cases are unpredictable and always have a margin of failure).
• The attorney pressures you into signing an agreement
• They do not have a portfolio of cases that are similar to yours
• They communicate poorly during the initial consultations. Poor communication may include an inability to reach them or a failure to return calls
• They do not have a consistent fee structure or have multiple hidden charges that they don’t talk about upfront
• You cannot establish their legal background, such as licensing, or their experience. Local bar associations are excellent sources of information regarding licensing and disciplinary actions against various attorneys.

Understanding the Financial Aspects of Your Case

Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Therefore, you do not pay attorney fees unless they secure a favorable outcome. Once you receive the settlement, the attorney deducts their fees from the settlement, usually about 33% of the settlement.

During the consultation, ask what fees are covered in the 33% to ensure you understand what you owe. Ask about any charges that might not have been included before you sign the fee agreement. Some of these charges include expert witness costs and filing fees. Clarify how these expenses will be handled and whether you’ll be responsible for them if your case is unsuccessful.

Hire a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Need help after a motorcycle accident? Speak with our compassionate, knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyers at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C.. We can review your case, guide you through the claims process, and draft an impactful victim impact statement for your motorcycle accident case. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-642-4529 and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.