5 Factors to Consider When Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
You have just been involved in a bicycle accident. You are in pain and have no idea what to do next. You’ve heard of hiring a personal injury lawyer, but when it comes down to it, it can be hard to know which one is the right choice for you. In this article, we will discuss various factors to consider when hiring a bicycle accident lawyer to get the best representation possible for your case. Knowing these factors will help you to make an informed decision and hire a lawyer that is right for you. Read on.
Experience
You should know how many years of experience the attorney has in dealing with bicycle accidents similar to yours. This includes the number of cases they have taken to trial and the ones they have settled out of court. Suppose the lawyer you are considering hiring has little to no experience with your type of case. In that case, looking elsewhere may be in your best interest.
Consider these factors to gauge the experience of the attorney:
- Outcomes of the cases they have handled: If the bicycle accident lawyer has a history of winning cases, this is a good sign. If they have mainly lost cases or had cases that were settled for much less than what you are owed, you may want to consider another lawyer.
- The amount of money they have recovered for their clients will give you an idea of how much the lawyer is willing to fight for you and what you can expect to recover if you win your case.
- The number of jury trials they have handled: If the lawyer has taken many cases to trial, they will likely be more prepared to handle your case should it go to trial.
Success Rate
In addition to experience, you will also want to know the success rate of the lawyer you are considering hiring. This can be difficult to determine, but there are a few ways to get an idea of the lawyer’s success rate.
One way is to ask the lawyer for their win-loss ratio. This will give you a good idea of how often the lawyer wins cases. Another way to gauge success rate is to ask the lawyer how much money they have recovered for their clients. This number will give you an idea of how successfully the lawyer has recovered damages for their clients. Learn more about bicycle accident cases by clicking here.
Free Consultation
Most will offer a free consultation when you meet with a potential bicycle accident lawyer. This is a good time to get an idea of how well you will work together. You should ask questions about the case and ensure you are comfortable with the answers. Look elsewhere if something doesn’t feel right or sounds like it would work for your situation.
Contingency Fee
Most bicycle accident attorneys will require a contingency fee. This means that they will not receive any payment until you are awarded damages in your case. They get a percentage of the money recovered for their work on your behalf. The percentage varies depending on the lawyer and case but is usually between 25% and 40%. If you win your case, they will take their fee from the amount awarded to you by the court.
Reputation
When hiring a bicycle accident lawyer, you should always consider their reputation. This can be difficult to gauge, but there are a few ways to understand what other people think about the lawyer. A good way is to ask the lawyer for references. These people have used the lawyer’s services in the past and can attest to their character and quality of work. Another way to research a lawyer’s reputation is to read online reviews. This can be done by searching for the lawyer’s name online and reading through any reviews that come up.
Final Word
An experienced and successful lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. When meeting with potential lawyers, ask about experience, success rate, and reputation. And most importantly, always trust your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable with a lawyer, consider other options. Taking the time to do your research now will pay off in the long run. Good luck!
