8 Steps to Find the Best Bike Accident Lawyer
Are you overwhelmed by the task of selecting the ideal bike accident lawyer? Simplify your decision-making process by checking out this guide.
In 2022, there were 1,360 reported deaths related to bicycle transportation in the United States (National Safety Council). The number of deaths rises in the summer months when the weather is warmer. More than half of these incidents happened due to a motor vehicle collision.
If you’ve found yourself a victim of a bike accident, then you’ll want to hire a bicycle injury attorney. Bike accident claims can be tricky, especially if neither party has any kind of dash cam or body camera.
Here are eight steps to finding a reliable bicycle accident compensation lawyer.
1. Research Specialized Bike Accident Lawyers
The first step is to focus on personal injury law experts with a specialization in bike accident claims. This is more commonly found in metropolitan areas, where you’re likely to find more cyclists.
Not all personal injury attorneys have experience with bike accident cases. They may not know all of the relevant bicycle laws, rights on the road, or how to find specific types of evidence.
For example, there are no statewide laws requiring bike riders to wear a helmet in Oklahoma. This changes in Norman and Oklahoma City. Norman requires riders under 18 to wear a helmet, and Oklahoma City requires riders of all ages to wear them.
Along the same lines, cyclists do not need to use bike lanes when they are present. However, they are expected to ride as far to the right as is safely possible.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAY2. Review Their Track Record in Personal Injury Cases
You should try to find an attorney with a strong track record in winning bike accident claims. Someone who has won multiple cases and earned their clients the maximum compensation can give the best legal advice for cyclists. They’re the ones you can trust to win your case.
Ask potential lawyers about recent settlements or verdicts they’ve achieved in relevant cases. Find out how they’re going to apply what they learned in those cases to yours.
3. Seek Referrals and Read Client Reviews
A good way to find out more about an attorney’s track record and how they work with their clients is through reviews and testimonials. You can usually find reviews online. Attorneys may also provide testimonials from past clients who can tell you about their experience.
Another option for finding reliable attorneys is through referrals. Talk to fellow cyclists, friends, or colleagues who have been in bike accidents. What attorney did they rely on, and would they recommend them for your situation?
Keep in mind that personal opinion can affect reviews. Take them with a grain of salt and verify claims with the attorney at your consultation.
4. Verify Credentials and Licensure
Credentials can tell you if a lawyer is qualified to handle your case. Your lawyer should have a license to practice in your state. It helps if they have memberships in relevant legal organizations such as the American Association for Justice (AAJ) or other personal injury law associations.
Membership with these associations shows an effort in trying to stay up to date on their area of law. They may also stay active in discussions around bicycle injury advocacy or general street safety.
5. Schedule Consultations With Multiple Lawyers
The key to finding an attorney that matches your energy and provides exemplary service is to do consultations with multiple law offices. Don’t assume that the first one you visit will be a perfect fit. You may not find the right attorney until the third or even fourth consultation.
When you meet with them, ask how they plan to tackle your case. Do they delegate much of their work to their paralegals? Will they expect you to stay heavily involved?
You can also ask them how long they expect the case to take. Pay attention to how well they explain the legal process. Ideally, they should keep you well-informed throughout every step.
6. Evaluate Communication Style and Availability
The length of a bicycle accident case can vary greatly. Best-case scenario, you could resolve it within a few weeks. Then there are the rare cases that take months, if not years, to end.
Try to find an attorney with a dependable communication style. How promptly do they respond to your questions? What is their preferred method of communication?
Bike accident cases can involve multiple parties, such as insurance companies, medical providers, and potential witnesses. Your lawyer should communicate well with both their client as well as these other parties.
7. Discuss Fee Structure and Costs
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. They only get paid based on the compensation you receive. If they lose the case, then you don’t owe them any money.
That percentage can vary between attorneys, so ask them what they expect to receive as payment. Avoid any attorneys who work on other payment structures.
Transparency about fees helps avoid unexpected costs later on. You can focus on your case without worrying about any financial stress.
8. Assess Their Strategy for Maximizing Compensation
A strong bicycle injury attorney should have a clear plan on how to approach your case. This may involve a combination of negotiations and litigations, based on how the other party responds.
You can expect them to gather witness statements, get accident reports, and consult with experts. They may request your medical records as proof of your injury. Every piece of information can strengthen your case and potentially improve your settlement amount.
During your initial consultation, ask for a quick guideline on their approach to these cases. If they can’t provide a clear path, then you may want to go with another option.
Find the Best Bike Accident Lawyer
Selecting the right bike accident lawyer involves careful research, consultations, and evaluation of their level of expertise. It isn’t a simple process and can take some time. Finding the most qualified attorney can increase your chances of securing maximum compensation.
BDIW Law is committed to ensuring you receive the best legal representation possible. We have lawyers who practice in bicycle accidents, dog bite incidents, employment law, and more.
Give us a call to set up your free consultation.
