Your Complete Guide to Hiring the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Yes, motorcycle accident lawyers exist, and if you are a motorcyclist who is involved in an accident, you will definitely benefit from having one in your corner. Even though statistics consistently show that motorcycle accidents are more dangerous and more deadly than car accidents, many motorcyclists aren’t aware of motorcycle accident lawyers.
Below is a complete guide to finding and hiring a top motorcycle attorney for your personal injury case.
Do I Really Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
The probability of serious injury is exponentially higher for motorcyclists than for other drivers.
First, the probability of serious injury is exponentially higher for motorcyclists than for other drivers. These injuries are much more likely to involve a long painful recovery and increased medical costs. A specialist will have the experience and skills required to analyze pain and suffering damages unique to serious motorcycle accident injuries.
Further, motorcycle personal injury cases are often more complex than other vehicular accidents. This is because many factors aside from other drivers, such as manufacturing errors or road conditions, might have contributed to the accident.
Where Can I Find a Top Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Motorcycle attorneys are personal injury lawyers who specialize in motorcycle accidents.
Many personal injury lawyers in the United States will specialize in particular types of personal injury lawsuits. For example, some will specialize in product liability, while others might specialize in workplace injuries.
Most firms will have a team of lawyers who have chosen a few areas of personal injury to specialize in. What you need to search for is a lawyer who specializes in personal injuries caused by vehicular accidents, and specifically, motorcycle personal injury cases.
Search for a Lawyer Using Lawyer Directories
There are many ways to search for a licensed motorcycle accident lawyer. You can do what most people do and simply Google something like “top motorcycle attorney,” or you can use one of the many online lawyer directories.
Here are a few resources you can search for free:
→ Your State’s Bar
Each state has a State Bar that licensed attorneys belong to. You can search all licensed attorneys who belong to their respective bars by practice area.
→ FindLaw.com
FindLaw is a resource for free legal information and also a popular lawyer directory. On FindLaw, simply search the type of legal issue you have along with your location.
→ Avvo.com
Avvo, one of the original lawyer directories, allows users to filter lawyers by many rating factors, including overall rating, reviews, experience, misconduct history, among others.
→ BestLawyers.com
One of the organizations that recognize attorneys for their professional abilities is BestLawyers.com. Recognition through Best Lawyers occurs every year and is based purely on peer review.
→ SuperLawyers.com
Another equally credible organization is SuperLawyers.com, which also evaluates attorneys every year. Super Lawyers bases their reviews on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.
→ Review Attorney Accolades and Awards
As in most professions, lawyers can achieve accolades through specialty groups and organizations. Most of these organizations are also lawyer directories and serve as a good resource for potential clients.
Even if you don’t start your search on one of these websites, be sure to browse through lawyer profiles. Most top motorcycle attorneys will list their distinctions on their website.
A Word of Caution with Client Reviews
Lawyer directories almost always allow client reviews. Although reviews can be helpful, be aware that some—particularly the most extreme ones—may be inaccurate. Make sure to look for patterns and consistency.
How Will a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Once you find representation, you might ask yourself, “What’s next?” Well, there are certain things you should expect from even the best motorcycle specialists.
Most importantly, a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents will understand the many unique factors that weigh into motorcycle personal injury cases. Some of these factors include:
- specific motorcycle laws
- dangers unique to motorcyclists
- biases against motorcyclists
Top Motorcycle Attorneys Will Understand Laws Specific to Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists not only need a specific license, but they are also subject to laws that require them to wear certain protective gear, such as a helmet, eye protection, and padded clothing.
There are special laws that apply only to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists not only need a specific license, but they are also subject to laws that require them to wear certain protective gear, such as a helmet, eye protection, and padded clothing.
Each state is different. For example, in Arizona, all motorcyclists under the age of 18 must wear a helmet, and all motorcyclists (regardless of age) must protect their eyes with glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield.
Motorcycle accident lawyers will address the many laws specific to motorcyclists in the course of representing you.
Top Motorcycle Attorneys Will Fight for the Pain and Suffering Damages You Deserve
In addition to specific laws, motorcyclists face additional and increased dangers on the road that others do not. In fact, per mile traveled in 2017, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than car occupants to die in a vehicular accident. Many factors contribute to this increased danger including:
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- Objects
- Oil
- Gravel
- Holes in the road
Further, motorcyclists are exposed directly to the road and cars while also being significantly smaller, harder to see, and lighter than cars.
These increased dangers can impact motorcycle personal injury cases. Specifically, because motorcycle injuries tend to be more severe than car accident injuries, pain and suffering damages are likely to be much higher and more complex.
Depending on the cause of the accident, who is liable may be a more complicated question than in other vehicle accident cases. A top motorcycle accident lawyer will understand how these increased dangers will impact your case and fight for the pain and suffering recovery you deserve.
Top Motorcycle Attorneys Will Combat Biases Motorcyclists Face
Motorcyclists face biases and stereotypes that depict them as reckless, obnoxious to drivers, or intoxicated. Even though most accidents involving motorcyclists are caused by cars, and alcohol is involved in nearly half of all traffic fatalities, motorcyclists still face increased scrutiny on the road…and unfortunately, in the legal system.
Witnesses, first responders, and insurance companies can all be negatively influenced by these biases about motorcyclists. These biases can negatively impact your case, including what pain and suffering damages you’re awarded. It’s important to have a top motorcycle attorney to advocate for you and combat these biases.
Call Goodnow McKay
At Goodnow & McKay, we have extensive experience handling personal injury claims, including car accidents. Schedule a free consultation and move forward with your case to receive the settlement you deserve.
