How To Choose A Motorcycle Wreck Attorney In Philadelphia
Many people in Philadelphia love to ride motorcycles for transportation and recreation. Unfortunately, however, motorcyclists are much likelier to sustain serious injuries in collisions than people in passenger vehicles. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in motorcycle collisions in 2019 alone. Tens of thousands of motorcyclists also suffer injuries requiring hospital treatment each year. If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident or have lost your loved one, you should consider retaining an experienced motorcycle wreck attorney. Here is some guidance from the lawyers at Raynes & Lawn about what to look for when you are searching for a good motorcycle accident lawyer.
Searching For An Experienced Motorcycle Attorney
Finding the right motorcycle attorney to represent you in your accident claim is not simple. Anyone who has been admitted to practice law after graduating from law school can appear in court and represent you. However, you should not choose a lawyer without researching his or her experience, record, and other factors. Here are some of the factors you should consider to find the right attorney to represent you.
What Is The Attorney’s Experience?
While an attorney who recently graduated from law school might be a good lawyer, it is not a good idea to choose someone with limited experience practicing in the courtroom or handling people’s cases. A lawyer who has years of experience is much more likely to have developed strong litigation skills and to understand how to investigate motorcycle accident claims. Experienced attorneys are also more likely to know the procedures of the courts and the other attorneys and judges who might be involved in their cases. You do not want to hire someone who will be learning while working on your case. When you meet with an attorney, ask him or her about when he or she was first licensed and how many motorcycle accident cases he or she has handled.
What Is The Lawyer’s Record?
You should also try to find out about the attorney’s record in the motorcycle accident cases he or she has handled. While past case results cannot guarantee the outcome of your claim, they can indicate the lawyer’s skill level. Ask the attorney about his or her past case results and whether he or she can give you references from past clients. It is also a good idea to search the attorney’s disciplinary records with the state of Pennsylvania to see whether the lawyer has a problematic history.
How Do You Get Along With The Lawyer?
Once you retain a lawyer, you will have to work closely together for months or years while your motorcycle accident case is pending. You will not want to hire someone you dislike. When you interview an attorney, pay close attention to how he or she communicates with you. You will want to find someone who listens to you, doesn’t interrupt, and asks detailed questions about your case. Your lawyer should also be able to effectively explain legal concepts that could affect your claim in language that you can understand.
Where Is Your Attorney’s Law Firm Located?
Motorcycle attorneys across Pennsylvania and the U.S. sometimes purchase commercials to air on television. Some of these lawyers may be located far from you. While you might be able to hire them, doing so is not advisable. You should choose an attorney who is located near the city where you live. This helps when you are working on your case with your attorney. A local lawyer is also much likelier to know some of the defense lawyers who frequently represent different insurance companies in motorcycle wreck claims so that he or she can provide you with more insight into what you might expect.
Does The Attorney Have Experience Handling Cases Involving Traumatic Injuries?
If you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle collision, you might face long-term consequences. You are entitled to recover fair compensation for all of your losses when the other motorist caused your accident and injuries. Hiring an attorney who is experienced with handling claims involving traumatic injuries is important. He or she might be more likely to understand the long-term consequences that you might face and try to secure a higher settlement amount to compensate you for your future losses.
Does The Attorney Focus On Personal Injury Law?
It is important for you to hire a lawyer who focuses on the area of personal injury law. Some lawyers have general practice firms and might not be as familiar with the state’s tort laws as attorneys who focus on personal injury matters. Ask the attorney what percentage of his or her cases are personal injury claims versus other types of legal matters.
Is Your Attorney Experienced In Handling Motorcycle Aaccident Claims?
In addition to finding an attorney who devotes a large portion of his practice to personal injury claims, you will also want to make sure that he or she has experience handling motorcycle accident claims. Motorcycle accident claims involve unique issues, and finding an attorney who has past experience is a good idea. Ask the lawyer about how many motorcycle accident claims he or she has handled and the results that he or she has obtained.
Contact Raynes & Lawn
If you have sustained serious motorcycle accident injuries, you might be facing a long recovery combined with mounting medical bills. An experienced motorcycle wreck attorney at Raynes & Lawn understands how these types of claims work and is prepared to try to secure maximal compensation for your losses. Call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-535-1797.
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