Motorcyclists in Atlanta often suffer severe injuries in road mishaps, primarily because they are exposed to the elements. From multiple fractures and brain injuries to spinal cord damage, the risks are high. If you were hurt in such an accident, you need to consult an Atlanta motorcycle lawyer. Here’s what you can expect when hiring an attorney.
A free case evaluation
Most personal injury lawyers who take motorcycle accident injury claims don’t charge anything to meet prospective clients. If you are worried about your financial situation, you still have the option to see an attorney and discuss your case without a consultation fee. At the least, you deserve to know whether you have a case.
An initial investigation
One of the most challenging aspects of any personal injury claim is to establish the fault of the other party. For motorcycle accidents, lawyers start with an investigation, where they try to uncover what happened. They will gather evidence from diverse sources, talk to witnesses, and check for dashcam and other video footage to ensure their client has a strong claim.
Analyze the damages
What is the worth of your motorcycle accident claim? That’s the first question that victims ask, and an attorney can help with that. They will analyze your medical records, check the other losses you have incurred, including lost wages, and determine the extent of your settlement. The lawyer’s job is to recover the full value of your claim.
Communicate with the insurance adjuster
Insurance companies are not interested in helping injured motorcyclists. The claims adjuster may want a recorded statement, and if you agree to give that, they could use your words and confessions against you. A competent attorney will handle all the essential communication on your part and respond to the request. They will also negotiate and ensure you don’t settle for the first offer.
Keep up with the deadline
In Georgia, there is a statute of limitations, which gives you two years to pursue your motorcycle accident case and file a lawsuit against the driver liable for the mishap. However, your insurance claim should be initiated immediately, and there is no time to wait. With a lawyer, you don’t have to track anything, as they are in charge of ensuring you have time to go to court.
Hire expert witnesses
You may need expert witnesses, such as medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts, and finding these resources on your own can be a tough battle. Your lawyer already has these contacts, and as and when required, they will get people on board.
Determine the strategy
Each motorcycle accident case is unique and must be handled accordingly. Your lawyer will find the best way to maximize your settlement, for which they will check the variables that are likely to affect your claim and find the best ways to tackle those aspects. If you have questions, you can always ask, but ensure you don’t hire someone who is promising an outcome, as that is not possible for any attorney to claim in advance.
No immediate or upfront fee
If you don’t have money to pay an hourly rate, there is some good news. Your motorcycle accident attorney in Atlanta will not charge any immediate fee or retainer. Instead, they will charge a percentage of your payout, for which you must get paid for your claim. There is no financial strain, but it is also pertinent that you know about the contingency fee.
With an attorney at the forefront, there is very little you need to worry about. They will fight until you win and are just as interested in your payout as you.