8 Questions to Ask a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

In the span of a single year, over 5,000 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes. That year, motorcyclists were nearly 29 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in crashes. If you were recently in a motorcycle crash, don’t hesitate to hire a lawyer. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you fight for compensation. Otherwise, you might need to pay for bike repairs and medical bills out of pocket.

Not sure how to find the best motorcycle personal injury lawyer in town? Read on to discover the eight questions you need to ask during your search. Discover how to find the best attorney with these tips today.

1. How Long Have You Practiced?

There are now over 804,000 lawyers across the US. Between 2020 and 2030, another 71,500 could enter the industry. Not every lawyer in the US has the experience or expertise you need, though.

Start your search for a motorcycle accident lawyer by talking to friends and family members in the area. Begin building a list of referrals to research further. Speak with anyone who was in a crash recently.

Learn about their experience working with the attorney. For example, you can ask questions about the lawyer’s:

• Experience and area of expertise
• Skill set
• Communication skills
• Professionalism
• Track record
• Professional connections

Ask each person you speak with about the details surrounding their case, too. For example, did they file a personal injury claim? Were they in an auto accident?

Then, ask about the outcome of their case. Did the lawyer accomplish their goals?

As you interview each lawyer on your list, learn more about their professional history. Determine how long they’ve worked in the industry. Find a personal injury attorney with years of hands-on experience.

Next, make sure their specialty is relevant to your needs.

Personal injury attorneys handle a mix of cases, including medical malpractice, slip and falls, or product liability claims. Find a personal injury lawyer who specializes in auto accident cases. Then, determine how many motorcycle accident cases they’ve handled over the years.

Finding a lawyer with relevant, hands-on experience will help you feel confident in their ability to handle your case. If they’re new to the industry, however, they might make costly mistakes. If they don’t specialize, they might not know of recent cases, laws, or procedures that can impact your lawsuit.

2. Do You Have Courtroom Experience?

Once you find a motorcycle accident attorney, learn about their trial experience.

Not every motorcycle accident lawyer wants to take a case to court. In fact, some experience anxiety about trying a case in front of a judge and jury. These lawyers won’t have your best interests in mind.

In fact, they might even accept a lowball settlement offer on your behalf to avoid a lengthy trial.

Instead, make sure to find an Atlanta motorcycle lawyer with years of trial experience. Ask about the recent cases they handled in court, too. Determine how much they were able to win for their clients.

3. What’s Your Success Rate?

As you learn more about each lawyer’s case experience, make sure to ask about their success rate.

Ask how many cases they’ve won or lost over the span of their entire career. Then, ask how many motorcycle cases they’ve won versus lost. Determine how many of those cases were recent, too.

If they haven’t handled many cases like yours in the last few years, choose a different attorney.

Take the time to ask for details about their recent cases, too. For example, what legal strategy did they use to win their most recent case?

Finding a lawyer with a strong success rate can help you feel more confident in their abilities. These lawyers are more likely to win your case.

If the motorcycle accident injury lawyer you call doesn’t have a long record of winning cases, take your lawsuit elsewhere.

4. Who Will Work My Case?

The lawyer you first speak with might not handle your case. Determine who will work on your case. Then, learn more about their professional history.

For example, an experienced lawyer might hand your case off to a junior lawyer at the same firm. Ask if anyone will supervise the lawyer as they handle your case.

Make sure you’re choosing someone you feel comfortable with and confident in.

5. Do You Belong to Any Organizations?

Many personal injury lawyers have active memberships with national associations. Ask the motorcycle accident lawyer if they belong to any organizations. Make sure their membership is active, too.

For example, they might have a membership with the American Association of Justice. Some lawyers are members of the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

These lawyers will have additional knowledge and training that could benefit your case.

6. What’s Your Current Caseload Like?

Don’t rush to hire an Atlanta motorcycle lawyer yet. First, ask the attorney about their current caseload.

If they’re juggling too many cases at once, they might hand your lawsuit off to someone else. Otherwise, they might struggle to dedicate time and attention to your case. They might drop the ball when handling your lawsuit.

For example, the statute of limitations could lapse. For most injury claims, the statute lapses after two years of the accident. Make sure your lawyer can handle your case in a timely manner.

Ask how long it will take for them to resolve your injury claim as well.

7. Can You Provide References?

If you want to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer, ask if they can provide referrals. Try to speak with at least three of their recent clients. Then, ask each client about their experience working with the attorney.

Look for an attorney who already has a strong professional reputation. You’ll have peace of mind in their abilities to handle your case.

8. What Fee Structure Do You Use?

Ask each lawyer about their fee structure, too. If you can, find an attorney who works based on a contingency fee basis. Other lawyers, however, work at an hourly rate.

Make sure you can afford the lawyer’s services before hiring them to take your case.

Select the Best: Hire the Best Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Don’t make the mistake of hiring an inexperienced lawyer. Instead, take the time to find the best motorcycle accident attorney in Atlanta. Their experience and expertise will strengthen your case.

With their help, you can fight for the compensation you’re rightfully due.

Want to discuss your case with a member of our team? We’re Georgia’s leading motorcycle accident lawyers.

Request your free case evaluation today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lane-splitting legal in Georgia?

No. Lane-splitting and lane-sharing are illegal under Georgia law. Adjusters sometimes argue a rider was lane-splitting even when they were not — dashcam footage, witness statements, and lane-position photos are the standard counter-evidence.

Why are motorcycle injuries usually more severe?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcyclists were nearly 24 times more likely than passenger-vehicle occupants to die in a traffic crash per mile traveled in recent NHTSA data. The lack of crumple zones, restraint systems, and crash structure leaves riders directly exposed to impact forces.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you are less than 50% at fault under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. At 50% or more, you recover nothing.

How long do I have to file a Georgia motorcycle-accident claim?

Two years from the date of the crash under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Wrongful-death claims share that deadline. Insurance claims should be opened much sooner — typically within days — but the legal filing deadline is the hard line.