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Finding the right attorney to represent you in a personal injury case is very important. Here are five questions to ask your North Carolina bicycle accident lawyer to make sure they are the legal representative for you:
- Have you handled bicycle accident cases before?
- When and how do you expect to be paid?
- If any unexpected challenges or obstacles arise, how will you handle them?
- How often can I expect to hear from you about my case?
- After you take my case, what do you need from me?
Question #1: Has the Attorney Handled Bike Accident Cases Before?
A bicycle accident claim falls under the umbrella of “personal injury,” as do claims for car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and so on. However, each of these case types comes with unique challenges. For example, bike accident cases often involve:
- More serious injuries than other kinds of crashes
- Identifying whose insurance pays for your damages
- Arranging for the bike to be examined by experts to determine the extent of the damage and how it happened
This is why you do not want to hire just any personal injury lawyer. When you work with a lawyer who has experience with your specific kind of case, you can be sure they understand the particular kinds of tactics and strategies required to complete it successfully.
Question #2: How are Bicycle Accident Lawyers Paid?
Each law firm has its own fee structure. Some will charge an hourly fee or retainer, but many charge nothing up front and work for something called a contingency fee. With a contingency fee, you pay your attorney a percentage of whatever compensation they win for you, and you owe them nothing unless and until they get you that money.
Again, every law firm is different, so make sure you understand when and how they expect payment before you sign any contracts.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (828) 286-3866
Question #3: How Do Bike Accident Attorneys Handle Obstacles?
There are many potential complexities involved in filing a personal injury case. Some are predictable, like an insurance company that tries to offer less money than you deserve. Others may crop up unexpectedly, like evidence that seems to show you were partly at fault for the crash.
Ask your attorney if they have had any challenging cases and, if so, how they addressed those challenges. You want a legal representative whose answer hits the following points:
- They work closely with others at the law office and with their clients to stay updated on what is happening with the case at all times.
- They stay in touch with the insurance company to monitor their progress and make sure things are going smoothly.
- By keeping informed about all aspects of your case, they will know right away if an issue comes up, and they are prepared to act swiftly in response.
- If they are able to describe a real case where they overcame a difficult or unexpected challenge, so much the better.
Question #4: Will Your Bike Accident Lawyer Stay in Touch With You?
The last thing you want at such a stressful time is to be left in the dark about what is happening with your case. Your attorney should alleviate your concerns by agreeing to do the following:
- Respond promptly whenever you contact them throughout your case
- Be available to give honest, thoughtful advice when you want it
- Provide updates on a regular basis
- Be forthcoming about what they are doing on your behalf and how things are going
Ask your lawyer if and how often they will be able to do these things for you. Any firm that cannot commit to frequent, open communication will not be able to provide the support you deserve.
Question #5: What Does Your Bike Accident Lawyer Need From You?
Personal injury lawyers should be able to handle the day-to-day aspects of your case, but they do not make big-picture decisions without consulting and advising you. The right lawyer will provide all of the information you need to make important decisions while handling paperwork and negotiations independently.
Your legal representative will also ask you to describe the accident and its effects in as much detail as you can remember. In addition, they may ask if you have any relevant materials or information, such as photos of the scene or medical bills. They should not, however, require you to collect large amounts of evidence on your own. It is your representative’s job to request documentation and speak to witnesses and experts about your case.
Finally, your lawyer may ask you to make yourself available to be deposed, or interviewed, by the liable party’s insurer. Your representative should be able to prepare you for this interview.
Why is It So Important to Ask Your Lawyer These Questions?
After a bike accident, it is important to seek medical and legal support, in that order, as soon as you can. Insurance companies waste no time in trying to settle cases for as little as possible, and you have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a bike crash. In North Carolina, the deadline is generally three years; in South Carolina, it is also three years.
For these reasons, you want a dependable lawyer on your side right away. While you do have the right to fire your personal injury lawyer if you are dissatisfied, it is better—and less stressful—to choose the right law firm the first time.
Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Answer Your Questions
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, has served over 10,000 clients with integrity and honesty. Call now to ask our bicycle accident attorneys all of your questions and find out what we can do for you. Our bicycle injury lawyers are ready and willing to answer all of your questions during a free consultation.
