Motorcycle crashes are some of the worst kinds of wrecks because they so often result in serious injuries, ranging from broken bones and spinal cord injuries to traumatic brain injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to perish in motor vehicle crashes and five times as likely to sustain injuries than occupants within a passenger car.
Have you been involved in such an accident while riding your motorcycle? The responsible party should pay. To help you get the compensation needed to pay for your medical bills, wage loss, and property damage, choose a highly skilled motorcycle crash lawyer in Oregon to increase your chances of fair result. Below are four tips to help you in your search.
1. Experienced with motorcycle crashes.
Many lawyers are general practitioners, even within personal injury law. Make sure that the lawyer you select has vast experience with your particular type of personal injury: i.e. motorcycle crashes. With personal injury law growing more complex each and every year, you need an expert who has the comprehensive knowledge and experience to get a fair settlement for your claim. Keep in mind, the insurance adjuster for the at-fault party understands the process better than you. They will try to get away with whatever they can to discredit you, going so far as to imply that you were the careless one and you caused the accident that contributed to your injuries. That’s why you need an equal or greater match of skills from a lawyer who is experienced with motorcycle crashes.
2. Check online reviews and get references.
Online searches may reveal reviews and client testimonials that can enlighten you overall as to the worth of a particular attorney. While online reviews can certainly be helpful, the most useful tool for learning about the skills of a particular attorney is word of mouth. Ask friends and family for references. Which lawyers have they used for personal injury cases? Were they happy with the process overall? Did they get the justice they were looking for?
3. Interview attorneys.
Most attorneys offer free consultations. Use this time to ask questions. Below are a few questions that may help in your search for an experienced and skillful motorcycle crash attorney.
- What is your rate? How do you charge? Do I have to pay now or later? (Keep in mind most lawyers don’t charge you anything until your case results in a win or settlement.)
- Based on the facts, do I have a strong case?
- How many cases similar to mine have you handled?
- What will be the strategy moving forward?
- What timelines might there be?
- Will you primarily handle my case? Who else will be involved?
4. Ensure Adequate Resources
It stands to reason that a larger law firm will have more resources than a small one. It takes staff members, time, dedication and access to the right professionals in order to handle cases correctly. From your lawyers to the paralegals, it takes a village to get the desired results. Because you were in a motorcycle crash, your lawyer may have to hire an accident reconstructionist to prove how the crash happened. Additionally, witnesses need to be located and interviewed, police reports obtained, photographs of the crash scene taken, and in some cases, consultations with doctors to understand the nature of your injury and how long it will take to recover. Choose a well-established law firm with vast resources to properly handle your case.
Contact Dwyer Williams Cherkoss
Dwyer Williams Cherkoss is your trusted Oregon law firm. We have the experience, skill and resources to handle your motorcycle crash. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact us for a free consultation at (I’m not sure what number you want to put here).