Many Missourians enjoy riding motorcycles for recreation and transportation, but unfortunately, motorcyclists involved in collisions are much more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries than people in passenger vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in accidents that occurred in 2018. In addition to those who lose their lives, tens of thousands of people are injured in motorcycle accidents every year. If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else, you might wonder how to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer.
How to Find the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Finding the best motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you is not a simple process. Anyone who has graduated from law school and been admitted to the bar is allowed to appear in court to represent victims; however, you shouldn’t choose just any lawyer to represent you. Instead, you should look at his or her experience, track record, and communication style amongst other factors:
Experience Practicing Law
An attorney with years of experience is more likely to be familiar with the courts, other attorneys, and the procedures that are involved in motorcycle accident claims. A newly minted attorney may be knowledgeable, but it’s generally better for you to choose someone who has experience handling motorcycle accident claims and won’t be learning on the job while representing you. Ask any attorney that you interview about his or her experience, including when he or she graduated from law school, how long he or she has been licensed, and how many times he or she has handled motorcycle accident claims.
Track Record
Another important factor when you are searching for an attorney is his or her track record. While an attorney’s past case results are not a guarantee of how your case will turn out, a record of success is an indicator of an attorney’s level of skill. Ask your prospective lawyer about his or her past case results and if he or she can provide you with references from former clients. You can also search Missouri’s discipline records to see if the attorney has any record of discipline.
Communication Style
When you hire an attorney, you can expect to work closely with him or her for months (or even years) while your case is pending. So choose a lawyer that you trust and like. Pay attention to how the attorney communicates with you during your consultation. Does he or she listen to you? Do you like him or her on a personal level? If you don’t like your lawyer, you may have trouble getting along during your case.
Location
You might see motorcycle accident lawyer commercials on television for attorneys from other parts of Missouri or other states. Some of these attorneys are located far from where you live, and while you’re able to hire them, this is rarely advisable. Choosing a lawyer who is located in your city means that he or she will know the attorneys on the defense bar, the judges, and the local court procedures.
Focus on Personal Injury Law
Choosing an attorney who focuses his or her practice on personal injury law is a good idea. Some attorneys have general practice law firms, which means that they might not have the same level of familiarity with the tort laws as attorneys who practice exclusively on particular areas of personal injury law. You can ask a prospective attorney questions to find out what percentage of the lawyer’s practice is devoted to personal injury claims.
Contact the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave
If you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, your financial well-being may be at stake. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave has the skills needed to advocate for the maximum compensation for your losses. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation by calling 417-322-2222 or sending a message online.