How Much Does It Cost For A Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Motorcycle accidents often result in enormous losses for the motorcycle rider. Serious injuries are typical for the bike rider, and recovery time also means lost wages and other expenses piling up. You may be wondering about the cost of a motorcycle accident attorney and if you can afford one to represent you. Fortunately, choosing the right motorcycle accident attorney might cost you nothing upfront and allow you to focus your time and energy on recovering from your injuries. 

The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are experienced in motorcycle accidents and will help you receive the compensation you deserve. We have attorneys throughout the United States, so no matter where you’re located, we can help. Throughout our careers, we have recovered more than $20 billion dollars for our clients in all types of personal injury and wrongful death cases. Morgan & Morgan works on a contingency fee basis, so you’ll never have to pay us anything until we win. Once we successfully win or settle your case, we will take our portion of the compensation, and then you receive the rest. This way, you never have to worry about what you owe us. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.
 

All About Contingency Fees

The following information is important to note regarding contingency fees and the cost of a motorcycle accident attorney.

1. Contingency fees mean you pay nothing upfront. When you work with an attorney on a contingency fee agreement, it means you pay nothing at the beginning of the case. Your attorney will not charge a flat fee or hourly rate for their services. Instead, they will retain a percentage of what you are awarded in your case. Contingency fee rates are different among attorneys, but often fall between 33% to 40% of your total award amount. If you do not win your case, your attorney typically collects no fees. This not only allows victims of any economic background to hire experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, but it also gives the attorneys motivation to negotiate the largest possible settlement for you. When you hire a firm that uses a contingency fee basis, you never have to worry about the cost of a motorcycle accident attorney.
2. Ask about other related expenses. Other expenses related to your case may be paid separately from the contingency fee. These expenses can include fees for medical records and hospital documents, accident re-creations, expert witness testimony, and court fees. Most attorneys will keep track of these expenses and deduct them from your compensation amount after your case is settled or won in court. Discussing the potential costs with your motorcycle attorney during your initial consultation will give you a better idea of what to expect when your case is settled or won in court.
3. The attorney believes in your case. When an attorney takes a case on a contingency fee basis, the attorney is likely confident in their ability to win the case. An attorney will not want to take a case that is questionable or hard to prove in court if they only get paid upon a successful outcome. If your attorney has taken your case on a contingency fee basis, they firmly believe they can win your case. After all, they are not going to want to take a case that is hard to prove and, therefore, will not result in a win or a settlement. When your lawyer does not get paid unless you do, they will do everything they can to win your case so they do not work for free. 
4. Your case can often be settled quickly. Experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will know what it takes to win a case for injured bikers better than lawyers who don’t have experience handling these types of cases. They know the specific traffic and safety laws that pertain to motorcycles. They will also have existing relationships with court officials and insurance representatives that they deal with all the time. Because they have so much experience in this field, it is quite possible they can come to a speedy settlement in your motorcycle accident case. Winning a settlement quickly will allow you to focus on your recovery and worry less about the cost of the motorcycle accident attorney. 

You Only Pay If You Win

Contingency fees are great for many people, especially those who do not have extra money to pay hourly fees for an attorney. Generally, if you lose your case, you will not have to pay your lawyer for the time spent preparing and defending your case. However, not all contingency agreements are the same. It is essential to understand your agreement when you initially hire your attorney. Attorney fees will generally be a portion of the settlement. If you lose and receive nothing, then your attorney receives $0. 

However, there may have been expenses incurred during the preparation of your case. These can include court fees and document fees. These fees are generally paid by the lawyer as they prepare for your case. At the end of your case, you may be responsible for these expenses if it was part of your agreement. During the initial consultation with your motorcycle accident attorney, make sure you discuss all the possible fees and expenses. You need to know what you will be responsible for paying.

Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

This is a common question many accident victims have when they have been hurt in a motorcycle accident. You may think that you cannot afford the cost of a motorcycle accident attorney or that you might not have a winnable case. The good news is that personal injury lawyers almost always offer a free consultation to assess your case and give you some answers. This can be quite helpful if you are still in the hospital or recovering from your accident. Motorcycle accident attorneys represent bikers on a regular basis, so they are knowledgeable and experienced, and know what it takes to win a case. They can often easily determine how much compensation you might be entitled to, and can help you get the most compensation for your injuries and medical bills, as well as other damages, including lost wages and pain and suffering. They are better equipped to negotiate with insurance companies and they will know when to take your case to court. 

When Should I Contact an Attorney?

It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. All states have deadlines you must meet if you want to initiate a lawsuit. In addition, memories fade, paperwork gets lost, and other things can negatively impact the chances of winning your case if you wait to hire an attorney. For the best possible outcome, you want your attorney to get started as soon as possible in preparing your case and negotiating a settlement. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to win your case.

Does It Matter What Kind of Motorcycle Accident I Was In?

The majority of motorcycle accidents are the fault of other drivers who do not see motorcyclists in their path. Some of the accidents that occur most often include:

• Cars making a left turn in front of a motorcycle
• Cars switching lanes and running into a motorcycle
• Vehicles that do not see the motorcycle and hit them head-on
• Intoxicated drivers that are a danger to all motorists, including motorcyclists

Regardless of the type of accident you are in, it is essential to consult with an attorney to discuss your options. Because most motorcycle accident attorneys will offer a free initial consultation, you have nothing to lose in speaking with an experienced lawyer before you accept any kind of settlement from an insurance company. Even when the fault of the accident lies with the driver of the vehicle, insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible. Hiring an attorney to help you negotiate a settlement, or represent you in the event your case goes to court, is a good idea regardless of what kind of motorcycle accident you have been involved in. 

How Do I Choose a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

When you are in a motorcycle accident, knowing who to call can be confusing. Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in how much compensation you receive. There are several things you should consider when deciding which attorney to hire:

• Look for an attorney that specializes in motorcycle accidents. There are some specific laws that must be considered that only apply to motorcycle safety. A lawyer that does not specialize in motorcycle accidents may not understand some of the things they should be looking into with a motorcycle accident. You should also ask about their track record with motorcycle accident cases and how often they win settlements for their clients.
• Ask for recommendations from people you know and trust. Local biker communities usually know the best motorcycle accident attorneys to contact in the area. If personal recommendations are not possible, you can always rely on client reviews online. 
• Most attorneys will offer free initial consultations. Take advantage of this and meet with several lawyers. You can get a better feel for their professionalism and expertise when you meet in person. If you’re worried about the cost of a motorcycle accident attorney, free consultations are a great option.
• Use a local attorney if it is possible. Local attorneys will know the officials that work in your area, including local police, judges, and court personnel. When your attorney has a working relationship with people that may affect your case, it can be easier for your attorney to obtain the information they need to prepare an effective case for you.

Morgan & Morgan Is Here to Help

The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are experienced in motorcycle accident cases and they have been working with clients on these types of cases for decades. All of the attorneys at Morgan & Morgan have a successful track record and will work hard to win your case. This could mean a trial or a settlement, but you can rest assured that your attorney will do everything in their power to make sure your case is handled in the best way possible. If you have any questions or concerns, Morgan & Morgan always offers free case consultations so you can discuss your case and determine what the next steps are. At Morgan & Morgan, we always work on a contingency basis. This means we only get paid when we win or successfully settle your case. Call Morgan & Morgan today to schedule your free consultation.