5 Aspects To Look For In A Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have been injured while in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you receive a settlement that can cover your medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. The best way to ensure that you will get a fair settlement is to hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Below are five features that you should look for in a motorcycle attorney.
The Attorney Has a Licence To Practice Where You Will Be Filing a Lawsuit
Depending on where your accident occurred and who was involved, your case may be subject to a variety of jurisdictions. Most cases are heard in the state court where the defendant resides. However, if the defendant was travelling in your home state, your lawyer may be able to have the case switched to your state. If you or the defendant are not a U.S. citizen, the case may be heard in a federal court, and if the accident occurred on tribal lands, the case may be subject to tribal law.
Your first step in choosing a lawyer should be determining with potential lawyers which court will have jurisdiction over your case and whether your lawyer has the appropriate licence and experience to practice law in that court.
The Attorney Has Experience With Motorcycle Accident Cases
Personal injury lawyers specify in many different areas. It is important that your lawyer has experience with motorcycle cases because these cases are often different than other personal injury cases and even different than most accident cases that involve two cars or a car and a commercial truck. A lawyer experienced in motorcycle accident cases will understand the motorcycle and safety equipment requirements that are applicable in your state as well as standard road conduct expected of both motorcyclists and automobile drivers.
The Attorney Rides a Motorcycle
One sign that a motorcycle attorney will understand the complexity of a motorcycle accident case is that they ride a motorcycle. If your lawyer has a motorcycle license, then they have first-hand, physical understanding of the various complexities that can be involved in defensive maneuvering on a motorcycle. For example, they may be able to better understand why a rider would speed up to avoid an accident, resulting in a speeding ticket for you. Or they may understand why you would choose to lay down your motorcycle to avoid a collision.
The Attorney Has a Working Relationship With Local Motorcycle Repair Shops
Often, you will not only be seeking compensation for physical injuries after an accident but also compensation for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle. If your lawyer has a good working relationship with local motorcycle shops, they will likely have a better understanding of the real value of your motorcycle and the cost of replacing or repairing it. If there was custom work on your motorcycle, the lawyer will have professionals willing to estimate the actual value of the custom items. This will help them spot an unfair compensation from an insurance company and make sure that you get the full settlement that you deserve.
The Attorney Is Aware of Motorcycle-specific Injuries and Issues
Some of the common injuries after a motorcycle accident include head injuries, road rash or de-gloving, muscle damage, nerve damage, and leg injuries. It is important that your lawyer understands the mechanics of how these injuries occur during a motorcycle accident as well as the potential after effects of these initial injuries. This can allow your lawyer to better advise you on what type of settlements to seek in order to meet your long-term requirements that stem from your accident.
While your lawyer does not need to have all of these features, having most of them is a sign that they will be able to argue well on your behalf and understand your circumstances as an injured rider. To know more, click here for info on experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in your area.
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