Reports say 42,339 died as a result of motorcycle accidents in the US in 2020. This is a 12.6% increase from the previous year. Motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States.
If you or a loved one has injuries from a motorcycle accident, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Miami can help you get the compensation you deserve. Miami motorcycle accident attorneys represent many injured motorcyclists and recover millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients.
Here are 10 tips for hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in Miami.
1. Ask for Recommendations
The best way to find a good motorcycle accident lawyer is by asking for recommendations. If you know someone who has been in a motorcycle accident, they may be able to recommend a good attorney.
You can also ask family and friends if they know anyone who has used a motorcycle accident lawyer in the past. Once you have a few recommendations, it is important to do your research to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer for your case.
If you do not know anyone who has used a motorcycle accident lawyer, you can research attorneys online. Start by searching for reviews of different lawyers in Miami. Many websites list lawyers by practice area and location.
It is also a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there were any complaints filed against the lawyers you are considering.
2. Ask About Their Experience
After a motorcycle accident, you will want to make sure you have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side who knows how to handle these types of cases. Look for a lawyer who has specific experience with motorcycle accident cases.
This will ensure that they are familiar with the laws and regulations surrounding these types of accidents. They will also know how to collect evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
Trial Experience
If your case goes to trial, you want to be sure that your lawyer has experience trying cases in front of a judge and jury. This type of experience is important because it allows the lawyer to better understand how to present your case in a way that is most likely to be successful.
While not every case goes to trial, it is important to know that your lawyer is prepared if it does.
Ask About Their Success Rate
In addition to asking about their experience, you should also ask about the success rate of the motorcycle accident lawyers you are considering. This will give you an idea of their track record and whether or not they are likely to win your case.
3. Licensed in Florida
Make sure that the lawyer you hire is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. This will ensure that they are familiar with the state’s laws and regulations. In addition, it will also allow them to better represent you in court.
If you are facing a legal matter, you want to make sure that your lawyer is familiar with the law in your city and knows how to best represent your interests. Hiring a lawyer with Florida licensing will help to ensure that you are getting the best possible representation.
4. Ask for References
Anytime you are looking for a lawyer, you want to make sure that you find someone who is reputable. A great way to get an idea of how satisfied other clients have been with a lawyer’s services is to ask for referrals.
The lawyer should willingly provide you with a list of clients who were happy with the outcome of their case. Knowing that your attorney has a track record of success will give you peace of mind.
5. Check Resources
When you hire a lawyer, you want to be confident that they have the resources to build a strong case on your behalf. This means they will have access to investigators, and accident deconstructionists. They will also have other experts who can help to gather evidence and locate witnesses.
It also means they can afford the costs of litigation, including filing fees, court reporter fees, and expert witness fees. Ultimately, you want to be sure that your lawyer will do whatever it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. By hiring a lawyer with the resources to handle your case effectively, you can give yourself the best chance of success.
6. Fee Structure
When you’re meeting with a personal injury lawyer for the first time, it’s important to ask about their fee structure. Many lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you recover damages in your case. While this arrangement is beneficial for you, it’s important to understand how the lawyer will calculate their fees.
Some lawyers charge a percentage of the total amount recovered, while others charge by the hour. Be sure to ask about all the details of the fee structure so that you can make an informed decision about who to hire.
Get a Written Retainer Agreement
Once you have decided to hire a lawyer, it is important to get a written retainer agreement. This document will outline the lawyer’s fees and payment structure. It is also a good idea to ask for a copy of the lawyer’s fee schedule before you sign the agreement.
7. Comfort Level
It is important that you feel comfortable with the lawyer you hire. This means that you should feel free to ask questions and get clarification on anything that you do not understand. In addition, you should feel like the lawyer is someone who you can trust and who will have your best interests at heart.
If you do not feel comfortable with a lawyer, you should not hesitate to look for someone else to represent you.
8. Outcomes
A good personal injury lawyer will be honest with you about the likely outcome of your case. They will not make promises about the amount of money you will receive or how quickly your case will be resolved.
While it is impossible to predict the exact outcome of a case, a good lawyer will be able to give you an idea of what to expect. This will help you to set realistic expectations for the case and will allow you to make decisions accordingly.
Settlement Options
Ask the lawyer for their opinion on settlement options. This will help you understand the pros and cons of settling your case out of court. If you’ve been involved in a legal case, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to settle out of court.
After all, going to trial is expensive and time-consuming. However, there are also some risks associated with settling your case. For instance, you may not receive as much money as you would if you won at trial.
Additionally, the other party may not be held accountable for their actions. As such, it’s important to get the opinion of a lawyer before making any decisions. They will advise you on the best course of action, based on the specifics of your case.
9. What You Should Do
To help your case, it is important to keep good records of all medical treatment you receive and any expenses you incur as a result of the accident. You should also keep a journal of how the accident has affected your life. These records will be important if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Prepare to Negotiate
When it comes to motorcycle accident settlements, insurance companies will often low-ball victims. It is important to prepare to negotiate and stand your ground. If you are not satisfied with the initial offer, walk away and take your case to trial.
10. Schedule a Consultation
Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is important to schedule a consultation with each of the lawyers on your shortlist. This will give you a chance to discuss your case and get to know the lawyer. It is also an opportunity for the lawyer to assess your case and determine if they think they can help you.
Ask Questions
During your consultation, ask any questions you may have about your case and your legal options. This will help you to make informed decisions about how to proceed. You may want to ask what sort of evidence will be necessary, and what kind of defense may be available to you.
You should also inquire about the potential costs involved in pursuing your case. By asking these and other questions, you can get a better understanding of your legal situation and make the best decisions about how to proceed.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Miami
We hope this blog has helped you in some way to find the best lawyer for your case. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. The sooner you contact a motorcycle accident lawyer, the better your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries.
The Miami personal injury lawyers at DLE Lawyers have years of experience representing accident victims and their families. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.