So, you’ve done all the right things when on your bicycle. You’ve followed all of the safety tips. And someone still managed to hit you while you were riding. No matter what the cause of your accident, you’re hurt. And you’re wondering what you need to do next.
Hiring an experienced attorney should be right at the top of your list. A skilled legal representative will provide you with the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve. This will be an incredibly important decision. So make sure you give it your full attention. Don’t just hire someone because you liked their TV commercial. Or because they popped up on the first page of your Google search. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be more likely to win your case. It just means they’re good at marketing themselves.
The bicycle accident attorneys with The Eberst Law Firm have what it takes to help you achieve a favorable outcome in your case. We know how difficult it can be to find the best attorney. So we’d like to share some tips to help make the process as easy as possible.
If you would like to schedule a free case review to learn more about what we may be able to do for you, please use our online form or give us a call at 1-888-CALL-JON.
Look at Reviews from Previous Clients
If you don’t know anyone who has recently worked with a personal injury attorney, trying to figure out where to start your search can be difficult. After all, it would be much easier to just ask someone you trust if they would recommend the attorney who helped them.
If that’s not an option, the next best thing will be to look online to see what former clients say about the attorneys you’re considering. Yelp could have some reviews worth reading. But you’ll probably be better off going to sites that are more “lawyer-centric,” for lack of a better term.
Online attorney review websites worth looking into include Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell. The website of your local Better Business Bureau chapter might also have some information you can use.
Ask About Their Case History
When talking to different attorneys, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Doing so will help ensure you’ll be confident you’ve ultimately made the right choice.
One of the most important questions will be to ask about the attorney’s history of handling bicycle accidents that are similar to yours. Any firm worth your consideration will gladly share this information.
Choose an Attorney With the Right Experience
You obviously don’t want someone who only practices insurance law to tackle your bicycle injury case. No legitimate attorney would even try to take on a case in an area in which they have no experience.
Just as important, however, you don’t want someone whose primary experience is working on the side of insurance companies. That attorney might be used to taking an insurer’s side. That could mean they won’t fight as hard for you as they should. Remember, experience is great. But the right experience is much more important.
Figure Out How You’ll be Updated Throughout the Case
Going with your gut is going to be a major factor in your final decision. Talking to three or four attorneys will be the best way to get a feel for who you ultimately want to represent you. When you visit with these attorneys, pay close attention to whether or not it feels like they’re actually listening to you. And make sure they won’t make any important decisions without consulting you first.
This is a very stressful time in your life. So you’re going to want to be informed about the progress of your case. Make it clear from the start that you’ll want to be updated. And that you’ll want someone who will be willing to answer your questions. You’ll want someone who is not only able to explain what’s happening in plain, clear language, but will also be willing to do so.
Choose an Attorney With a High Success Rate
You’ll obviously want an attorney who has a track record of success in handling bicycle accident cases. But finding out that information can be harder than it might seem on the surface. You can look up courtroom wins. However, the vast majority of all personal injury cases settle out of court. In many instances, settlements are confidential.
Law firms worth considering will be more than happy to provide you details about the outcomes of previous cases that are similar to yours. The ones that openly share their results will typically be more competent than those that aren’t as willing to share that information. Find out the average dollar amount of their bicycle accident settlements. If possible, ask for the percentage of the average settlement that actually ends up in their clients’ bank accounts.
Make Sure They’re Willing to Take Your Claim to Trial
Above all, do everything you can to avoid what is commonly referred to as a “settlement mill”. This is a law firm that will usually be more than willing to settle to have a high case turnover. Oftentimes, these settlements are for an amount that’s far less than what the client deserves.
When you talk to attorneys, make sure they are aggressive enough to take your case to court if an insurance company refuses to make you a fair settlement offer. A strong attorney will be more than ready to do just that, because they will have gathered the evidence needed to prove your case beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Contact Eberst Law Firm to Talk to Our Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
Once you’ve done all of the above, trust your instincts. If you feel confident that a particular attorney will be effective, go with that person and don’t look back.
The Eberst Law Firm has a team of bicycle accident attorneys who will fight passionately on your behalf to get you every penny you deserve. Schedule a free consultation by calling 1-888-CALL-JON or contacting us online.
