What Qualities Should I Look For in a Bicycle Accident Attorney

Cycling is a popular way to commute across California’s metro areas, but every time you get into the saddle you’re facing serious risks. Accidents are commonplace, and those involving cyclists can often result in catastrophic injuries.  

If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, you might be thinking of hiring an attorney to assist with your personal injury claim. While it is possible to seek damages on your own, your claim may be more complex than you realize.  

An attorney can help guide you through proceedings, providing tenacious representation from the first day until the last. He or she can also investigate the accident and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim. 

Let’s look at a few qualities you should look for when searching for a bicycle accident attorney:  

Relevant Experience 

While bicycle accident claims share many similarities with other types of personal injury cases, they often require a slightly different approach. Additionally, such cases will also require an in-depth understanding of the relevant statutes, laws, and court proceedings. 

As such, even if an attorney has a track record of success handling other types of claims, they might not be the right candidate to oversee yours. During the initial consultation you should ask the attorney whether they’ve handled similar cases, inquire about the results they’ve achieved in this area, and question them on whether they’ve taken such claims to court and won. 

Considerable Resources 

If you suffered a serious injury, you’re likely planning to seek a significant sum. Unfortunately, the greater the potential payout, the bigger the incentive the insurer has to challenge your claim. After all, insurance companies would struggle to turn a profit if they paid out every claim without question.  

As such, you might face many disputes throughout proceedings, so it’s important to build a strong case. In such situations, having access to a vast professional network can be an invaluable asset.  

Not only will this ensure that the expert witnesses you need are always just a phone call away, but it can also help level the playing field as insurance companies typically have access to their own extensive resources. When you meet with an attorney, make sure to ask them about the types of experts they plan to bring in to assist with your case. 

Accessible 

While many attorney’s promise open communication, not all of them can follow through on this guarantee. As such, their clients are left in the dark as their emails, texts, and calls go unanswered. Ultimately, this will only add to your worries. It can be difficult to gauge whether an attorney will be responsive, but if they are willing to give you their direct line, this is usually a good sign that they will return your calls promptly. 

Litigation Experience 

Most claims are settled out of court, but that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from hiring an attorney with trial experience. If the insurer is aware that you have the means to go to court, they may be less likely to dispute your case, and—if you do have to file a lawsuit—you can have peace of mind that your lawyer has the experience, resources, and knowledge necessary to help you secure a favorable outcome. 

Discuss Your Case with a California Bicycle Accident Attorney 

Were you hurt in a bicycle accident? At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers we know what it takes to succeed in even the most complex cases. Our legal team is here to assist with almost every aspect of your case. Reach out to us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our contact page HERE to request a free case review with a California bicycle accident attorney.