You need a competent Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer to help you protect your interests after a motorbike accident. Where do you start looking? How do you pick the right lawyer for your case out of the many law offices offering representation to accident victims in Indianapolis? Keep the following checklist in mind when interviewing lawyers.
1. Experience
You need a lawyer with plenty of experience handling motorcycle accidents, not just motor vehicle accidents in general. Your lawyer should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of motorcycle laws like lane splitting, helmet laws, and safety regulations that might come into play in motorbike collisions.
Also, look into the law firm’s track record. Reputable law firms usually list their recent cases and how they are resolved. What settlements or awards has the lawyer achieved in motorcycle accident cases lately? Your ideal lawyer should have good outcomes in cases similar to yours.
2. Commitment
Your Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer should be committed to your case. Some lawyers have a heavy caseload, so check whether the lawyer can start working on your case immediately. Also, ask whether the lawyer will be handling your case personally.
Personal injury lawyers usually don’t charge upfront fees. Your lawyer will collect a contingency fee (usually around one-third of your settlement) once they successfully resolve your case. This system works in your favor since it ensures that the lawyer will only agree to represent you if they believe you have a solid case.
3. Reputation
While nothing can beat a word-of-mouth recommendation from a trusted person, you’ll likely have to rely on online ratings and reviews to evaluate a lawyer’s trustworthiness and reputation.
Look at the law firm’s overall rating and individual client testimonials. Were your prospective lawyer’s former clients happy with their legal representation? How did their cases conclude? Remember that any lawyer may have the occasional unhappy client, but beware of consistent reviews pointing to an issue like lack of transparency.
4. Negotiation Skills
Your attorney’s main job is safeguarding your interests while negotiating with insurance company adjusters. You need an assertive lawyer who will work hard to showcase the extent of your losses and protect you against underhanded tactics by insurers.
Your lawyer’s negotiation skills become even more important if the insurance company refuses to settle your case and you decide to sue. While most motorcycle accident cases end in a pre-trial settlement, the other side is likelier to come up with a fair offer when they know you’re working with an experienced litigator ready to stand up for you at trial.
5. Communication
You’ll work closely with your Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer throughout your claim or lawsuit. Therefore, you need an attorney with excellent communication skills.
A good lawyer will explain your situation and legal options in clear, simple language without too much legalese. They’ll let you know how often you can expect to hear from them and will answer your calls and messages promptly.
Take advantage of the free consultation law firms usually offer to gauge whether you’d feel comfortable working with this lawyer. Choose a supportive and fully transparent legal professional about key issues like fee terms.
Need an Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer? Contact Us at Tabor Law Firm
Are you looking for a trusted and experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer? Call Tabor Law Firm. Over decades of legal practice, we have helped thousands of Indiana accident victims and their families seek compensation.
Call 317-236-9000 or complete our online form for a free consultation today to determine whether pursuing litigation is the right path for you.
