10 Questions to Ask Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At Rodman Law Office, our lawyers understand how life-changing a motorcycle accident can be. Between managing medical bills, managing insurance claims, and dealing with physical and emotional recovery, the aftermath can feel overwhelming.
When pursuing a personal injury claim in Austin, Texas, having the right lawyer by your side makes a significant difference.
But how do you know which lawyer is the right fit for your case? Asking the right questions helps you make an informed decision and prepares you for the legal process. These questions cover key topics to make sure that you’re fully equipped to move forward and protect your rights effectively.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Motorcycle Accident Case?
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries and extensive damages, making legal claims far more challenging than typical car accident cases. Hiring a lawyer verifies you have someone to manage the legal aspects of your case, so you can focus on healing.
A personal injury lawyer handles critical tasks like communicating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and meeting all filing deadlines. Motorcycle accident claims often involve nuances such as bias against motorcyclists and challenging liability issues.
A lawyer helps level the playing field, giving you a better chance at obtaining fair compensation. After understanding why a lawyer is essential, it’s time to explore their experience with motorcycle accident cases.
How Much Experience Do You Have With Motorcycle Accident Cases?
Motorcycle accident claims require a specific understanding of the risks faced by riders and the prejudice they often encounter in legal proceedings. A lawyer who has handled similar cases is more likely to anticipate and counter these challenges effectively. Ask your lawyer about their track record in motorcycle accident cases, including the outcomes they’ve achieved.
For instance, some cases may involve contested liability, where both parties disagree on who was at fault. Experienced lawyers are skilled at gathering evidence to build a compelling argument. Once you’re comfortable with their experience, the next step is learning about how they’ll keep you informed throughout the process.
How Often Will We Communicate, and What Updates Should I Expect?
A strong attorney-client relationship is built on open and regular communication. Ask your lawyer how they plan to keep you informed. Will updates come via email, phone, or in-person meetings? How often can you expect to hear from them? Understanding their communication style confirms that you’re not left in the dark about critical developments.
You’ll also want to clarify the types of updates you’ll receive. For example, will they notify you about settlement offers, court dates, or new evidence? After establishing communication expectations, the focus should shift to how they plan to investigate and build your case.
How Will You Investigate and Build My Case?
A successful motorcycle accident claim begins with a thorough investigation. Ask your lawyer about their approach to gathering evidence. This may include obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, securing video footage, and working with accident reconstruction professionals. A detailed investigation helps establish liability and proves the extent of your damages.
Lawyers should also explain how they’ll document your injuries and financial losses. This includes collecting medical records, pay stubs to calculate lost wages, and receipts for other expenses. Understanding their strategy for building your case gives you confidence in their ability to represent your interests effectively.
Next, you’ll want to address the financial side of hiring a personal injury lawyer to avoid any surprises.
What Are Your Fees, and How Are They Structured?
Most personal injury lawyers, including those handling motorcycle accident claims, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, typically taking a percentage of the settlement or court award.
Ask your lawyer about their contingency fee percentage and whether there are any additional costs you’ll need to cover, such as filing fees or professional witness expenses.
You should also clarify how these costs will be handled if your case doesn’t result in a financial recovery. Transparent discussions about fees help prevent misunderstandings and make sure you’re comfortable with the financial arrangement. Once fees are clear, the next topic to address is the types of compensation you can pursue.
What Compensation Can I Pursue in My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Motorcycle accidents often lead to significant financial, physical, and emotional damages. Your lawyer should help you understand the types of compensation you’re entitled to under Texas law. These typically include:
Medical expenses: Covers past, current, and future medical bills related to your injuries.
Lost wages: Compensates for income lost due to missed work and any future earning potential if you’re unable to return to your previous job.
Pain and suffering: Accounts for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Property damage: Repairs or replaces your motorcycle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
Having a clear understanding of potential compensation allows you to set realistic expectations for your case. The next question to ask is how your lawyer plans to handle settlement negotiations or take the case to trial if necessary.
Will You Attempt to Settle My Case or Take It to Trial if Necessary?
Most motorcycle accident claims are resolved through settlements, as this approach is typically faster and less expensive than going to court. However, some cases require a trial to secure fair compensation. Ask your lawyer about their strategy for settlement negotiations and their willingness to take your case to trial if a satisfactory agreement can’t be reached.
A skilled lawyer should be prepared for both scenarios. They’ll negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement but won’t hesitate to pursue litigation if it’s in your best interest. With this understanding, it’s also important to ask about the timeline for your case.
How Long Do You Expect My Case to Take?
The duration of a motorcycle accident case varies depending on factors like the severity of injuries, the complications of liability issues, and whether the case goes to trial. While no lawyer can give an exact timeline, they should provide a general estimate based on their experience with similar cases.
Understanding the expected timeline helps you plan for the weeks or months ahead. If delays arise, your personal injury lawyer should keep you informed and explain what steps are being taken to move the case forward. After discussing the timeline, you’ll want to focus on how your lawyer will handle interactions with insurance companies.
How Will You Handle Interactions With Insurance Companies?
Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most challenging aspects of a motorcycle accident claim. Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts by disputing liability or undervaluing injuries. Ask your lawyer how they plan to handle these interactions and protect your interests.
They should take charge of all communication with the insurance adjuster, making sure you’re not pressured into accepting a lowball settlement offer. Your lawyer should also explain how they’ll respond to any disputes raised by the insurer, such as challenging their evaluation of your injuries.
Finally, wrap up your discussion by asking about their track record with motorcycle accident cases.
What Is Your Success Rate With Motorcycle Accident Claims?
A strong track record indicates a lawyer’s ability to handle cases effectively. Ask your lawyer about their history of resolving motorcycle accident claims, including settlements and verdicts. If possible, request examples of cases similar to yours to understand how they’ve approached similar situations in the past.
A lawyer with a proven history of success can give you confidence in their ability to achieve a favorable outcome for your case. Once you’ve asked these essential questions, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right representation.
Contact Rodman Law Office Today
Choosing the right lawyer is a crucial step in your motorcycle accident claim. We’re committed to helping accident victims in Austin, Texas, and throughout the state, including Travis County, Williamson County, and Hays County. From investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers, we’ll guide you through every step of the process. Contact us at Rodman Law Office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your personal injury claim.