Bicycle Accident Attorney
Every year, over 1,000 cyclists are killed and over 130,000 are injured in motor vehicle collisions on US roads. If you’ve been in a bicycle accident and want to build a case to win, you’ll want to work with the right bicycle accident attorney.
Here is what you need to know about how to choose the right bicycle accident attorney for your case.
Options for Attorneys
There are many different types of attorneys out there, so it’s important to find one that specializes in bicycle accident cases. You can find these attorneys by searching online, reading reviews, or asking for recommendations from people you trust. Once you’ve found a few potential attorneys, it’s time to start comparing them.
The point is that there are plenty of options when it comes to finding an attorney. So take your time in doing the research to find the right bicycle accident attorney and one that can win your case.
Comparing Attorney Fees
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an attorney is the cost. Most attorneys will charge by the hour, which can range from $100 to $400. So be sure to get an estimate of how many hours they think your case will take and what the hourly cost is.
With that being said, it’s also important to note that there are also lawyers who charge on a contingency fee basis. Most personal injury lawyers charge on a contingency fee basis. So find out ahead of time how the firm charges for these types of cases.
In addition to your retainer, you should ask about any other expenses that could be involved in your case, like filing fees or expert witness fees. Once you have this information, you can compare apples to apples and choose the attorney that fits your budget.
There are several common types of fees when working with attorneys.
1. Hourly Rate Fees
Hourly rate fees vary depending on quite a few factors. These can include things such as the state you are in, local laws, and more.
One thing you may want to consider before settling on a lawyer is their fee structure. Depending on the lawyer, certain things such as meetings can be charged as an hourly fee.
2. Contingency Fee Basis
Contingency fees are a bit harder to estimate as they depend on unpredictable circumstances. In some cases, your attorney may draft contingency pricing estimates in your contract. Your best option is to discuss these fees with your attorney during your initial consult to avoid any surprises down the line.
When the law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, it means there are no fees for legal services until they win your case.
Which is great. However, you’ll need to find out if they offer that and if your case is eligible for it.
3. Additional Fees
There are more than just the base fees here. The additional fees can include:
- Filing fees
- Expert fees
- Court fees
Keep in mind there could be additional fees outside these however these are the most common.
Area of Expertise
Another important factor to consider when choosing an attorney is their area of expertise. As we mentioned before, there are many different types of attorneys out there. But not all of them have experience with bicycle accident cases.
Be sure to ask each potential attorney about their experience with similar cases and whether they have any specialized training in this area.
This will help you narrow down your options and choose the best possible attorney for your case. Find a law firm that offers attorneys who have a proven track record of winning similar cases!
Communication & Professionalism
You’ll also want to consider the communication and professionalism of each potential attorney. The last thing you want is to hire an attorney who is hard to get ahold of or who doesn’t return your calls in a timely manner.
You should also feel comfortable communicating with your attorney and feel confident that they are representing your best interests. These are all important factors to consider when choosing an attorney for your case.
Find Out If They Will Take Your Claim to Trial
Most bicycle accident cases are settled out of court. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to take your claim to trial. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure that your attorney is willing to take your case to trial.
Some attorneys will only work on cases that they are sure will settle out of court. Others will only take cases to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. Be sure to ask each potential attorney about their policy on taking cases to trial.
Some lawyers avoid contingency cases because they require the attorney to do a lot of work upfront without pay. So find out ahead of time if your potential lawyer is willing to take your claim to trial if need be.
Schedule a Consultation
Once you’ve considered all of the factors above, it’s time to schedule a consultation with each potential attorney. This will give you an opportunity to meet them in person, ask questions, and get a feel for their communication style and professionalism.
As you are contacting these firms for a consultation, be sure to find out if the law firm offers free initial consultations.
It’s also a good idea to bring any relevant documents to the consultation so that the attorney can get a better understanding of your case. After the consultation, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which bicycle accident attorney is right for you.
After Your Consultation
After your consultation, you should feel confident that the bicycle accident attorney you choose is right for you. You should feel like they are listening to your concerns and are interested in representing your best interests.
The consultation is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you have about the process and what to expect. This will help alleviate any fears or concerns you may have.
If you don’t feel like the bicycle accident attorney is a good fit, keep looking until you find one that you feel comfortable with. There is no shame in doing your due diligence when it comes to choosing an attorney.
Finding Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Finding the right attorney for your bicycle accident injury case requires knowing your options. There are many different types of attorneys out there, so it’s important to find one that specializes in bicycle accident cases.
You can find these attorneys by searching online, reading reviews, or asking for recommendations from people you trust. Once you’ve found a few potential attorneys, it’s time to start comparing them by considering factors such as fees, experience, communication, and professionalism. By taking the time to do your research upfront, you’ll be more likely to find an attorney that’s a good fit for you and your case.
If you’ve been in a crash and are looking for the best bicycle accident attorneys, give us a call here at Riverview Accident Lawyers. We provide the best legal advice and strategy for those who have been in a bicycle accident. With a proven track record of winning cases, we’re here to fight for you.