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As a motorcycle rider, you surely love the sense of freedom that you get when you are on the road. Therefore, a lawyer’s office is the last place you want to spend your time. However, if someone crashes into your ride, injuring you, a lawyer’s office is an essential stop.
Still, the idea of meeting with a lawyer could make you uncomfortable, especially if you’ve never talked with one before. That’s why we’ll take a look at how motorcycle accident lawyers work and give you an idea of what you should expect from one.
The First Meeting Is an Information Exchange
Usually, the first time you talk about your motorcycle accident with a lawyer, it's similar to a Q&A. In fact, it is important for the attorney to ask as many questions about your case before he can decide if his law firm can help you. As a result, it is vital that you answer honestly, clearly, and in a straightforward manner. That way, you can know for sure that the lawyer has the information he needs to give you a reliable first assessment of your situation.
But remember that you can also ask questions regarding your case or his experience with similar cases. Keep in mind that a lawyer-client relationship only works when there is mutual trust. As such, you should feel free to ask any questions, such as:
Will you be the one handling my case?
Who should I get in touch with if I have more questions?
Are you the right person to handle it?
What is your opinion about my case?
It Should Also Be Free
The initial consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney should never cost you anything. Why? Because it’s an introductory meeting in which you discuss your accident and the extent of your injuries. The lawyer will explain the basic legal options for recovering damages as well as what you need to do next. As a matter of fact, you don’t even have to commit to that particular lawyer, especially if you don’t consider him the right person for your case.
You Don’t Have to Commit
As previously mentioned, the decision of which motorcycle accident lawyer to hire is only yours. No one can force you to commit to an attorney-client relationship, particularly if you have a better offer or want to get a second opinion first. Also, remember that the lawyer you choose will be involved with the intimate details of your life for the next couple of months, so take your time and always think twice before choosing a lawyer. Never feel pressured to say yes to someone that you are not sure about.
They Will Give You a Clear Sense of the Path Ahead
The relationship between you and your lawyer relies on trust and good communication. That should start with you knowing exactly how the lawyer wants to tackle the case to reach a successful outcome.
In other words, a good lawyer will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and figure out a strategy for getting you compensation. Then, he should explain the plan to you as clearly as possible. The lawyer also needs to take the time to answer your questions about the path forward.
And Give You Regular Updates
Once your case begins rolling, the lawyer should provide you with regular updates about its progress. It’s important to note that sometimes, cases are not always bursting with activity. Actually, there are long stretches of inactivity, in which nothing really happens. But even during the lows of the case, you can expect your lawyer to check in with you regularly, letting you know where things currently stand.
And Let You Know About Any Settlement Offers
More often than not, motorcycle accident injury cases are settled out-of-court. To put it simply, a settlement is an agreement between the at-fault parties and the injured parties for the injuries they sustained. In a classic settlement, the at-fault parties pay money to the injured person, and in return, the injured person doesn’t take any legal action against them.
Experienced attorneys will negotiate settlements, so you will get the best offer. They know exactly how to prepare for negotiations, and how to present your case in a way that convinces the insurance companies and the defense lawyers to make good settlement offers. But in worst-case scenarios, they can also help if you want to sue after a motorcycle accident.
However, it may take a couple of lackluster offers before the other side’s best offer surfaces. That’s why skilled lawyers will tell the client about every offer they receive and will give them practical advice on whether to take or refuse the current offer. But remember that, in the end, the decision to settle belongs to you, not the lawyer.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer Now
Motorcycle accidents can inflict dozens of injuries and losses that can disturb every aspect of your life. In the hard days after the accident, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side to protect your rights and help you get the compensation that you are entitled to. That’s where Powell Law Firm comes in, offering you assistance in your personal injury case.
So why wait any longer? Contact our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in St Louis today and relax knowing that your case is in good hands.