How to Select Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
If you — or someone care about — have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by other drivers, you have the legal right to demand a fair settlement or file a personal injury claim to recover damages. Motorcycle riders often face distinct difficulties during the personal injury claim process, and finding the right motorcycle accident attorney is key to a successful outcome.
Immediately After the Accident
After removing yourself and your bike from danger, you must report the incident to law enforcement. It is also important to obtain medical attention, even if you believe you aren’t injured. Many Traumatic Brain Injuries and soft tissue injuries get worse over time, and it is important to have your injuries documented by a doctor.
Notify Your Insurance Carrier
Your insurance company should be notified about the accident. Don’t speak with the other driver’s insurance company — or sign any documents — before speaking with a lawyer.
Find a Lawyer
Insurance companies frequently contest claims that involve motorcycles. Why? For the most part, this is a knee-jerk response to a stereotype. Arguably, motorcycle riders have earned a negative stereotype for unsafe behavior — such as high speeds, unsafe lane changes, and lane splitting. Insurance companies routinely attempt to exploit these stereotypes and shift liability away from their policyholders.
The reality is that in many motorcycle/car crashes, there could be multiple parties at fault. In some cases, the car driver’s inattentiveness and/or speed is the key contributor to the crash. Sometimes the government agencies responsible for maintaining the roads are at fault. Sometimes it could be the motorcycle manufacturer.
At Cochran, Kroll & Associates P.C., we have the resources and skills to help you fully explore all aspects of your accident, injury, and situation; negotiate a settlement with insurance companies; and take legal action when necessary to help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
Get Recommendations
Search client reviews of attorneys in the area. At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we have hundreds of satisfied client reviews available for potential clients to read.
It makes a lot of sense to choose a motorcycle accident attorney located in the city or county where your case will be heard — if an appropriate settlement isn’t reached and a personal injury lawsuit is necessary. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., is familiar with the procedures and practices of the local court, and with the judges who preside over motorcycle cases.
Experience Is Key
Motorcycle accident litigation is a legal specialty. You want to work with an attorney and firm with experience and success in litigating accident claims involving a motorcycle, and when the driver of the other vehicle is at fault. Look for a firm that specializes in personal injury law, and ask them about cases they’ve handled that are similar to yours.
The lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. are dedicated to representing individuals and families who have suffered catastrophic losses as a result of a crash. We have access to top medical and accident reconstruction experts and can call them into a motorcycle accident case when necessary.
Medical Knowledge Helps
Find a legal partner that is familiar with your injury and trauma and all the medical and other professional treatment that is involved in your recovery and rehabilitation.
Eileen Kroll specializes in medical cases at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. Her training as a registered nurse is invaluable in assisting our clients in evaluating their motorcycle accident injuries — and resulting conditions and treatments — for legal purposes.
First Meeting
Set up a meeting. Gauge your comfort level with the people you meet with, and make sure you feel safe asking questions and sharing information. Good communication — both understanding and feeling understood— is an important factor in litigation success.
The professionals at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. are ready to meet with you, at a time and place convenient to you.
Prepare
Come prepared for this meeting by formulating a question list beforehand. Ask about the firm, it’s focus areas, the attorney you’ll be working with, the process of filing a personal injury claim, and any other questions you have.
Ask about the cost. Most motorcycle accident claims are handled on a contingency basis. Ask for a copy of the firm’s contingency fee agreement. In Michigan, contingent legal fees in personal injury cases are set by statute (MRPC Rule 1.5) and can be up to one-third of the recovery award.
Bring to this meeting all the documents you have in your possession concerning the crash, as well as any medical evaluation and treatment records. Also, bring photographs of the accident and your injuries.
Cockran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., strongly believes in a client’s access to justice, and that no one should be unable to seek fair compensation due to financial challenges. Our services are available on a contingency fee agreement — we are paid only if we make a recovery for you.
Final Thoughts
Work with an attorney who is willing to act quickly, if necessary, and begin forming a strong attorney-client relationship at the very first meeting.
In many motorcycle and car accident cases over the years, the attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., have had to step in immediately to assist clients in gathering essential documentation, to order medical tests, and to work with insurance companies to make sure appropriate forms are filed. We are available to help our clients every step of the way.
Contact us toll-free at 866-MICH-LAW or use our convenient online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
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.