The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says bicyclists face greater risk when it comes to crash-related injuries, compared to passengers and drivers of a motor vehicle. In 2013, over 900 bicyclists died, with bicycle-related injuries resulting in as much as 494,000 visits to the ER.
So if you bike, then you should be aware of the risks. If you ever find yourself in an accident or car crash, you’ll need the help of a bicycle accident lawyer to help you out. Here are some of the qualities you should look for before you hire one:
Experience
Long-standing experience is all well and good. But make sure the experience is in the area of expertise that you need. So pick a lawyer who has already had some experience dealing with bicycle accident cases.
Court record
Hire a lawyer who has a successful court record for settling cases. This increases the chances of you winning your case. If you want to get the outcome you want, hiring a lawyer with a reputation for getting things done gives you the legal advantage you need in court, says Ginnis & Krathen.
Dedication
The best lawyers are often busy. But yours shouldn’t be too busy that s/he can’t focus on your case. If your lawyer seems distracted during your meetings or worse, is often on the phone with another client, then that’s a sure sign you should look for legal help and representation elsewhere.
Negotiating skills
Accidents can result in life-long impairment or disability. You want to make sure you hire legal help who understands the difficulties you face and will do his best to ensure you get the compensation you need with superior negotiating skills.
By hiring a lawyer, you have a bigger chance of getting the maximum compensation you deserve. So if you find yourself in a bicycle accident, then start looking for legal help.
