Are you seeking a bicycle lawyer for your claim? We’ve got you covered. Avoid making these common mistakes, and getting your compensation will be easy.
It’s essential to hire an experienced lawyer who understands your situation. Fortunately, Seattle bicycle accident lawyers are well-versed in the local laws in Seattle and the greater Washington area. It’s also crucial to speak with several lawyers and determine a good fit for you.
We’ll go over these factors and more in this article. Read on to learn more about filing a bicycle claim and getting the best legal representation.
Hiring a Lawyer Who Doesn’t Specialize in Bicycle Claims
It’s crucial to have a lawyer that understands your issue. Don’t hire a general practice lawyer who does not know bicycle injury claims.
Instead, look for a lawyer well-versed in bicycle claims. Inquire if the firm has helped with bicycle cases before. You may also read testimonials and see if past clients received help.
With regulations changing constantly, you also need an attorney who’s up-to-date with current bicycle laws. With this in mind, you’ll be well on your way to getting compensation.
Waiting Too Long To Hire a Lawyer
Don’t wait too long to file your claim. We recommend reaching out as soon as possible after your incident.
A bicycle accident can be stressful, and hiring a lawyer might be the furthest thing from your mind. However, laws place limitations on when you can file a claim. If you wait too long, you might lose your chance for compensation.
Hire a bicycle lawyer as quickly, and give your lawyer plenty of time to work out your case. Staying ahead of schedule will prevent long wait times or missing out on your claim altogether.
Not Asking Questions
It’s important to dialogue with your lawyer as much as possible. They are there to help you and should answer any questions. Asking questions also helps you get to know your lawyer and see if their personality is a good fit.
Ask what they charge and how much experience they have. It’s also crucial to inquire how long the case might take.
It’s common to feel uncomfortable or nervous, but remember there are no wrong questions. Be upfront with your lawyer and ask them about any concerns you have.
Getting a Lawyer From Out of State
Choose a lawyer in your local area. You won’t receive the same level of quality from an out-of-state lawyer. Even if they have experience, the lawyer won’t understand your personal needs and local factors.
Ideally, you should hire a bicycle claim lawyer in your city, as every area has different procedures for bicycle cases. If the option isn’t available, try to find a law firm within your state.
Paying Upfront
A good bicycle lawyer waits to charge their client until the case is over. It’s a sign to be suspicious if the lawyer asks for payment upfront.
It’s common practice to have contingency fees, which means you only have to pay the lawyer if your claim is successful. We recommend asking the lawyer about their fee policies before you commit to them.
Not Gathering Documentation
Gather your documents together before selecting a bicycle lawyer for your claim. A high-quality lawyer will expect this, so avoid lawyers who don’t care about documentation.
Visit a doctor and obtain medical papers if you or a loved one is injured. Also, don’t forget to bring photos of the scene or any property damage documentation.
Conclusion
Dealing with a bicycle-related injury or death case can be stressful, but you’re not alone. In the US, over 130,000 bicycle-related injuries and nearly 1,000 deaths occur annually, and the costs of these incidents exceed $23 billion. In Seattle, the authorities are applying various regulations to reduce the number of bicycle accidents involving cars, which is a concern among many.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you have options to help your recovery. Many qualified lawyers specialize in these cases and help people get the compensation necessary to move forward.
