If you get hurt in a bicycle accident in Texas, one of the best things that you can do to protect yourself is to hire a San Antonio bicycle accident attorney. Your attorney will protect your best interests throughout the legal process. He or she will help you exercise your rights and go up against a driver’s insurance company while you focus on healing from your injuries. Not all lawyers are created equal. Look for the following traits to make sure that you choose the right fit for your case.
Experience Handling Bicycle Accident Claims
The lawyer that you hire must have experience handling bicycle accident cases. While this may seem obvious, it is important to find an attorney who has hands-on experience specifically with bicycle accident claims and who has successfully resolved them – not just one who practices personal injury in general. On-the-job experience in bicycle accident law will give the attorney valuable knowledge and proficiency to use during your case.
Knowledge of Local and State Laws
While you may see large national law firms advertising on billboards or TV, it is a lawyer with local expertise and dedication to your community that you should choose. In-depth knowledge of state and local bicycle laws – such as helmet laws, filing requirements and statutes of limitations (deadlines for filing) – can make all of the difference in your case. A local law firm will also have ties and connections to courthouses, judges, accident experts and others to give your case greater odds of success.
Real Case Results
A history of winning bicycle accident cases and obtaining real results for clients can give you greater confidence in your attorney’s ability to successfully handle your case. While past case results do not guarantee future wins, they demonstrate that the attorney knows what it takes to win a bicycle accident settlement or jury verdict. Ask about the lawyer’s history of resolving bicycle accident cases and the law firm’s success rate as a whole.
Awards, Recognition, and Accolades
A law firm that has spent many years in the industry should have a positive overall reputation, both in the community and in the field. Look for proof that the bicycle accident lawyer is reputable and trustworthy, such as positive client testimonials, five-star ratings on third-party review websites, awards for outstanding services and recognition by prominent legal organizations. Seeing how the lawyer and law firm are received by peers, the legal industry and your community can give you greater peace of mind that it is the right lawyer for your case.
Affordable Attorney’s Fees
Ask about the attorney’s fees before hiring the law firm for your bicycle accident case. Your lawyer should be honest and upfront about how the law firm charges on personal injury cases. Most bicycle accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t pay for your lawyer unless he or she wins your case and successfully obtains financial compensation for your losses. Finding a lawyer with this payment option can ensure that you never have to pay out of pocket, as the lawyer will only take his or her fees out of the settlement or judgment award won – and won’t charge anything for an unsuccessful case.
A Personal Connection
Finally, look for a personal connection with your bicycle accident attorney. You should feel confident and comfortable with your attorney as your personal injury advocate. Schedule a free consultation so that you can speak to the lawyer who will be handling your case one on one. The attorney that you select should have good listening skills, open and honest communication, an obvious passion for helping people and seeking justice, and a primary focus on client care. With a task as important as safeguarding your future, you should feel good about the bicycle accident attorney that you hire.