You were in a motorcycle accident, suffering injuries and financial losses. Now, you are unsure what steps you can take to recover your losses and get back to your life. It is challenging to file a claim that’s fair with the insurance companies, especially when they will do everything they can to minimize the compensation paid to you.
Hiring a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer is a solid first step. Your first consultation is an excellent time to ask questions that can put your mind at ease or clarify some of the complex aspects of this process you are facing. It is also a critical part of choosing the right Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney, one that will provide you with the best possible legal representation.
What Questions to Ask Your Attorney During a Motorcycle Accident Consultation
There are a number of questions to ask a motorcycle accident lawyer in Philadelphia that can clarify what to expect moving forward. The following are some of the most important ones to clarify before entering an attorney-client relationship with the lawyer.
Can I Prove I Am Owed Compensation?
Motorcycle riders often shoulder the blame for accidents, and that means you may not be able to recover any or as much of the losses you have as you expected. If you are facing financial losses and you believe the other party is responsible for your accident, your attorney will clarify what your rights are. Ask your attorney:
- Do you have a case in which you can file a claim?
- What type of evidence will you need to prove you are owed compensation?
- Do they believe you have a case?
What Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Another key question to ask is often the one you need the answer to right away. The value of your case is dependent on many factors, but your attorney will be able to offer some insight into the value during your initial consultation. Discuss:
- What types of economic and noneconomic losses do you have
- The specific impact this accident has had on your health, ability to work, relationships, and quality of life
- Document the long-term medical care you are likely to need and what future implications are to your health
Fully understanding the losses in your motorcycle accident can only occur after you enter into a working relationship with your attorney. However, they can give you insight into whether the initial claim the insurance company offered to you is fair or if you may be able to recover additional compensation.
What Types of Motorcycle Accidents Have You Represented in the Past?
Having an understanding of not just what the attorney’s experience is but also how they won their case can be helpful. Ask the attorney to provide you with insight into previous motorcycle accidents they have managed. Discuss:
- What strategies did they use to build a successful case
- Whether or not the stigma of being a rider impacted the legal process
- What the recovery was
The more information you have about previous cases, the easier it is for you to consider what this attorney will do to help you build your own case. Remember, past results are not indicative of future outcomes, but learning how the attorney did their job can be helpful.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Another very important question most people have is how long their case will take and, ultimately, if the case will go to trial. You certainly want to ensure you get fair compensation for all losses you have. However, you may not need to go through a trial to do so. Your attorney will work closely with the insurance company to settle out of court.
Yet, if there is the need to do so, due to the complexity of the case, the significant damages and losses, or the question over responsibility, you want to know the lawyer will go to trial for you. Choose an attorney who understands the importance of fair compensation after your motorcycle crash and is willing to fight hard for your recovery.
Do You Have Time to Take My Case?
Inquire about the lawyer’s current caseload. Do they have enough time to dedicate to your case? Most importantly, you want to be sure the lawyer will be able to put time into investigating your case and building the evidence necessary to prove your losses. Working with a very busy attorney could limit your overall access to the legal team and the one-on-one support you need.
Let Our Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Guide You
When you are working with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Philadelphia, you need someone you can trust. Put your trust in Kwartler Manus. Set up a free consultation to ask all of the questions you have today and learn what your case results could be. You never pay for our consultations, and you only pay for our legal services if we win your case.