During your initial meeting with a motorcycle accident lawyer, they will review the details of your case, answer any questions you may have, and advise you about your legal options moving forward. Many motorcycle accident lawyers offer free initial consultations, allowing you to get a feel for how you might work together before committing to securing their services.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, we have been helping motorcycle accident victims recover the compensation they need and deserve for over 100 years. Contact us today by giving us a call or using our online contact form and schedule a free case consultation with one of our motorcycle accident lawyers.
How Long Will the Initial Meeting With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Last
A free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer will typically last 30 to 60 minutes. Before you meet with the attorney, you should be sure to find out exactly how much time you have so you can properly prepare.
In this consultation, the lawyer will learn more about your case, and you will be able to find out more about your legal standing while also seeing if you feel comfortable with the attorney. There is no obligation to retain the services of the lawyer after your initial meeting, so you don’t have to worry about wasting money if you don’t mesh with the attorney.
Come Prepared to Your First Meeting With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Before you go to your initial consultation, it is essential that you thoroughly prepare. You only have a limited amount of time for this meeting, so you need to make the most of it.
Write Down Questions
After scheduling your free consultation, you should prepare a list of questions to ask the attorney. You can update this list as new questions come to mind in the time before meeting with the lawyer. By having a thorough list of questions, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to ask something important.
Get Clarity on Legal Fees
One of the most important things to ask the attorney about is the fee structure they use. It is critical that you understand how you will be charged should you retain their services. If the lawyer is not clear and upfront about how their fee structure works, you might want to look elsewhere for legal counsel.
The most common disputes that arise between lawyers and their clients relate to the attorney’s fees they charge. Knowledge of the attorney’s fee structure can greatly simplify things.
Discuss How Communication With the Lawyer Will Work
Personal injury lawyers often have busy schedules and are not always readily available when you reach out. Of course, it is understandable that you will want updates about your case and to be able to reach out if you have any questions. Because of this, it is critical that you establish the best way to get in touch.
Lawyers lean heavily upon their support staff, so knowing who at the firm is familiar with your case can be critical when your attorney is unavailable. A member of their staff may be able to answer your question directly, and if not, they will ensure you get the information you need as soon as possible.
Learn About the Lawyer’s Experience
Asking questions about a lawyer’s experience can help you identify whether or not they are equipped to handle your case. You can discover if the attorney has handled cases similar to yours, as well as learn about outcomes they were able to secure for their clients both through court ordered payouts and out-of-court settlements.
Bring All Documents You Have that Relate to Your Case
The more information you can provide a lawyer with during your initial consultation, the better equipped they will be to answer your questions and offer advice. Some of the documents you should bring to this first meeting include:
- Medical records
- Hospital bills
- Repair bills
- Police accident reports
- Timesheets showing work you missed
- A list of potential witnesses and their contact information
- Photos of the accident and any injuries you sustained
- The insurance information for yourself and any other drivers involved in the crash
Find Out the Deadlines for Taking Legal Action
One of the most important things to know when attempting to recover compensation after a motorcycle accident is how long you have to take legal action. The personal injury statute of limitations for the state in which you are filing will dictate the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. In Indiana, this statute gives accident victims two years to sue the liable party.
However, exceptions may apply to your case that alter the amount of time you have to file. During your first meeting, an experienced attorney can help identify whether or not exceptions are likely to apply to your case and give you a rough estimate of how long you will likely have to wait to recover compensatory damages.
Reach Out to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer after a crash is an important decision. By taking advantage of the free, no-obligation initial consultations offered by most personal injury lawyers, you can ensure that you choose the right attorney for your cases. At Vaughan & Vaughan, we have been helping accident victims get the money they need and deserve for over 100 years.
Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys.
