When a motorcycle accidents occur, bikers often sustain devastating injuries that can leave them unable to work, facing exorbitant medical bills, and struggling to support their families. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Pennsylvania, hiring an experienced attorney is crucial. Here’s what to look for when selecting a Pittsburgh personal injury attorney.
Specialization in Motorcycle Accidents
Not all personal injury attorneys have extensive experience with motorcycle accident cases. You’ll want to find an attorney that specializes in representing injured motorcycle riders and regularly handles these types of cases. An attorney that is intimately familiar with the unique legal issues surrounding motorcycle accidents will be best equipped to build a strong case on your behalf.
Make sure to ask about the prospective attorney’s history handling motorcycle accident cases in Pennsylvania. How many years have they been representing injured motorcycle riders? What is their success rate? Do they stay up to date on the changing motorcycle laws and regulations in PA? Specialized knowledge and experience increase the likelihood of a positive legal outcome.
Understanding of Serious Injuries
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns, and orthopedic injuries. You need a lawyer that comprehends the complexity of these serious injuries and how they impact accident victims both medically and financially.
Prior experience navigating settlements and verdicts for clients with severe, life-altering injuries is a must. Be sure to inquire about the types of motorcycle accident injuries and damages the attorney has litigated in the past. Expertise with major injury cases can make a significant difference in the compensation you receive.
Resources to Build Your Case
Proving liability and damages in a motorcycle accident claim requires thorough investigation, extensive research, and the ability to craft a compelling legal argument. There are also strict statutes of limitations in Pennsylvania for personal injury lawsuits.
Look for a law firm with ample resources to dedicate to your case. This includes experienced legal staff, investigators, researchers, medical experts, and other professionals who can gather evidence, reconstruct accident scenes, establish fault, and calculate damages. The right legal team makes all the difference.
Understanding of Motorcycle Laws
Motorcycle laws in Pennsylvania determine rules of the road, helmet requirements, licensing, DUIs, equipment regulations, and more. An attorney well-versed in these laws will be able to identify any violations or negligence that contributed to your accident.
For example, the lawyer should know when other drivers had a duty to see and yield to you based on your right of way. Comprehension of motorcycle laws and regulations strengthens your case and helps prove liability.
Trial Experience
Most motorcycle accident claims settle out of court, but not all. It’s important that your attorney has extensive experience arguing before judges and juries in Pennsylvania. This shows the insurance company they are willing to take your case to trial if necessary.
Ask about the lawyer’s litigation background, win/loss record, and history getting favorable verdicts for clients. Trial experience brings leverage during settlement negotiations and presents more options for achieving maximum compensation.
Contingency Fee Agreements
Reputable personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront legal fees or costs. The lawyer only gets paid if they succeed in getting you a settlement or award.
Standard contingency fees are around 33% of the total amount recovered. Make sure you understand the fee agreement and what expenses you may be responsible for repaying if your case is successful. Avoid any attorneys requesting you pay hourly fees, application fees, or retainer fees.
Stellar Client Reviews
The best indicator of an attorney’s ability to handle your motorcycle accident claim is feedback from former clients. Look for lawyers with glowing online reviews that highlight their legal skills, personal service, communication, and ability to deliver positive results.
Client testimonials that specifically mention motorcycle accidents or major injury cases are ideal. This shows the attorney has experience obtaining fair compensation for clients in similar situations. Client satisfaction reflects the level of service you can expect to receive.
Choosing the Right Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence in Pennsylvania, you deserve experienced legal representation fighting for your best interests. The consequences of these accidents are often devastating and life-changing. The right attorney can help you pursue the maximum compensation available so you can focus on your recovery.
For a free consultation with a premier Pennsylvania motorcycle accident law firm, contact Monge & Associates at (888) 477-0597. With over 32 offices in 19 states, including Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Iowa, we have the resources and expertise to build a strong case for injured motorcycle accident victims and hold at-fault parties accountable. Call today to learn more about how we can help you.