If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Injuries, medical bills, and the loss of your bike can leave you feeling uncertain about what to do next. One of the most critical steps you can take is hiring an experienced motorcycle injury attorney. But how do you know if an attorney is the right fit for your case?
At Kiley Law Group, with offices in Andover, Rye, Manchester and other locations across New Hampshire and Massachusetts, we specialize in personal injury cases and have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims. Before you decide to hire an attorney and file a claim, it’s essential to ask the right questions. This blog outlines the top questions you should ask your motorcycle injury attorney to ensure you’re making the best decision for your case.
1. What Experience Do You Have with Motorcycle Accident Cases?
Not all personal injury attorneys have experience handling motorcycle accident cases, which often involve unique factors. Motorcycle accidents tend to result in more severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders, and there may be biases from insurance companies against motorcyclists.
Ask your attorney:
- How many motorcycle accident cases have you handled?
- What types of injuries were involved in those cases?
- Have you taken any motorcycle accident cases to trial?
Choosing an attorney with experience in motorcycle accident claims means you’ll have someone who understands the complexities and can effectively navigate the legal challenges.
2. What Are My Chances of Winning My Case?
While no attorney can guarantee a win, an experienced motorcycle injury attorney should be able to assess your case’s strengths and weaknesses. They should discuss factors that could impact the outcome, such as:
- Evidence available to support your claim
- The extent of your injuries and damages
- Any potential challenges, such as comparative negligence
An honest evaluation of your case can help you set realistic expectations and prepare for the legal process.
3. How Will You Prove Liability in My Case?
Establishing liability is a key component of any personal injury claim. Your attorney should explain their strategy for proving the other party’s negligence and building a strong case. This includes:
- Gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts if needed
- Demonstrating that the other party’s actions directly caused your injuries
Understanding your attorney’s approach to proving liability can give you confidence in their ability to handle your case.
4. How Do You Calculate the Value of My Claim?
Determining the value of a motorcycle accident claim involves more than just adding up medical bills. A knowledgeable attorney will consider all potential damages, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage (to your motorcycle)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of quality of life
Ask your attorney how they will calculate these damages and whether they plan to consult with medical or financial experts to provide a comprehensive evaluation.
5. What is Your Fee Structure?
Most personal injury attorneys, including Kiley Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any legal fees unless your attorney successfully recovers compensation for you. However, it’s essential to understand the specifics of the fee arrangement, including:
- The percentage the attorney will take from your settlement or award
- Whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs, such as filing fees, court costs, or expert witness fees
Clarifying the fee structure upfront will help you avoid any surprises later in the process.
6. How Long Do You Expect My Case to Take?
While the duration of a motorcycle accident case can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the insurance company to settle, your attorney should be able to give you a rough timeline. Ask about:
- The typical length of time for similar cases
- Factors that could delay the resolution of your case
- Whether the attorney expects the case to go to trial or settle out of court
Having a realistic timeline can help you manage your expectations and plan for the future.
7. How Will You Communicate with Me Throughout My Case?
Clear communication is essential when working with an attorney. Ask how often you can expect updates and whether you’ll be in direct contact with the attorney handling your case or with their support staff. Additionally, inquire about the preferred methods of communication (phone, email, in-person meetings) to ensure they align with your preferences.
At Kiley Law Group, we believe in keeping our clients informed every step of the way. Our team is committed to providing regular updates and being accessible to answer your questions.
8. What Are the Potential Challenges in My Case?
Every case comes with challenges, and it’s crucial to be aware of them from the start. Your attorney should be upfront about any potential obstacles, such as:
- Issues with proving liability or fault
- Lack of strong evidence or witnesses
- Possible biases against motorcyclists from insurance companies or juries
By discussing these challenges early on, you and your attorney can develop strategies to overcome them.
9. Do You Have Trial Experience?
While many motorcycle accident cases settle out of court, there’s always the possibility that your case could go to trial. In these situations, having an attorney with trial experience is crucial. Ask about:
- The number of cases the attorney has taken to trial
- The attorney’s success rate in trials
- Their experience presenting motorcycle accident cases to a jury
At Kiley Law Group, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve.
10. What Do I Need to Do to Support My Case?
Your attorney will handle most of the legal aspects of your case, but there are steps you can take to support your claim. Ask your attorney:
- What documentation should I gather (medical records, accident reports, photos)?
- Should I avoid discussing my case with others or on social media?
- What should I do if the insurance company contacts me?
By working together with your attorney, you can help build a strong case and avoid common pitfalls.
Call to Action: Get the Legal Support You Need with Kiley Law Group
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, choosing the right attorney is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve. At Kiley Law Group, with offices in Andover, Rye, Manchester and other locations across New Hampshire and Massachusetts, we have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims and are dedicated to fighting for our clients’ rights.
Contact Kiley Law Group today for a free consultation to discuss your case and get answers to all your questions. Call our office at [Phone Number] or fill out our online contact form to get started. Let us be your advocate and guide through the legal process, helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
