How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

How much it will cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer will depend on the law firm you choose, how much its attorneys charge, and how it structures its fees. Many personal injury firms, including ours, take cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront or out of pocket.

How Much Do Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Charge?

How much it costs to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer will depend on how much the attorney charges for their services and on factors related to your case. In general, the following can affect legal fees:

• The lawyer’s legal experience, skill, ability, and case record
• The amount of time it takes to resolve your legal issue
• The complexity of the case
• The amount of your settlement or verdict

Common Fee Arrangements

How a motorcycle crash lawyer structures their fees can also influence how much you will owe and what you will pay out of pocket. Common fee arrangements for a personal injury attorney include:

• Flat fee: If your legal matter is relatively straightforward and simple, a lawyer may charge a flat fee.
• Hourly rate: Some lawyers charge an hourly rate. This rate is usually based on their experience, with more senior attorneys commanding a higher hourly fee.
• Retainer fee: A retainer is an upfront payment for legal fees. It secures an attorney’s services and goes toward paying their fee as it accrues.
• Referral fee: If you speak with a lawyer who wants to refer your case to another firm, they may charge a referral fee. This fee must be “reasonable,” and you must agree to it in writing.
• Contingency fee: This payment structure is often standard for personal injury lawyers, including those at our law firm. You do not assume any upfront financial risk with a contingency fee arrangement. Instead, you and your lawyer agree to a preapproved percentage they will take from your settlement or verdict. If they do not win your case, they do not get paid. However, you may still owe other legal costs, such as court filing fees.

Is There Anything You Can Do to Reduce Your Legal Fees?

One way you may be able to reduce your legal costs is to be open and honest with your attorney. Anything you say to your lawyer is confidential, and being honest with them allows them to be the most effective.

You can also help by providing your legal team with as much information as possible. You should:

• Relay any important facts or case details as soon as you become aware of them
• Maintain your medical records and update your lawyer about any new treatments, healthcare developments, or medical expenses
• Track your accident-related losses using bills, receipts, invoices, and pay stubs
• Keep a daily journal recording your physical, mental, and emotional state and how you notice your injury interfering with your daily life and activities

Doing these things may also help to increase your compensation.

Is Working With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Worth the Cost?

Working with a motorcycle collision lawyer may well be worth the cost. Motorcycle accident cases can involve severe, catastrophic, and fatal injuries, which can lead to significant medical damages and other expenses. These types of claims can be high, and insurance companies often fight against them.

Hiring legal representation can send the message that you mean business and will not accept a lowball settlement offer. A lawyer can also ensure you pursue every cent owed and do not miss out on recoverable losses. Finally, knowing you have an advocate on your side can relieve your legal burden and give you peace of mind while you focus on healing.

Damages You Can Seek With a Motorcycle Accident Claim

A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you identify and pursue all of your damages. In general, fair compensation may include:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Medical procedures
• Hospital stays
• Doctor bills
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Medical equipment
• Nursing services
• Lost wages, earnings, and employment benefits
• Lost future earning capacity
• Vehicle damages
• Household services
• Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
• Lost quality of life
• Wrongful death of a loved one

How Long Do You Have to Pursue Your Case?

How long you have to seek motorcycle accident damages will depend on the statute of limitations where you live. In California, CCP § 335.1 allows two years to file most personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. In Idaho, claimants also have two years to sue for injury or death, according to Idaho Statutes § 5-219.

These deadlines matter even if you expect to resolve your case through a claim against an at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance policy. If time expires and you have not taken legal action, you lose your leverage over the insurance company.

What Should You Look for When Hiring a Motorcycle Collision Lawyer?

How much it costs to hire a motorcycle accident attorney is not the only thing you should think about when selecting a lawyer. When choosing legal counsel, you should consider:

• The types of cases they usually handle: If you have a motorcycle accident injury, you want to engage a lawyer with personal injury experience (as opposed to someone who primarily handles divorces, contracts, or criminal matters).
• Their case record: Ideally, you want a lawyer who has handled and won previous motorcycle accident claims. Ask any law firm you consider about their case results.
• How they make you feel: You want a lawyer you feel comfortable speaking with and who you feel you can trust. You also want an attorney who seems capable and confident in their ability to manage your legal issue.

Contact Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping injured people recover. For over a decade, we have provided the highest level of legal representation, medical treatment, and financial compensation to those harmed by negligence. We will work with you toward the common goal of securing the maximum settlement or verdict possible.

We take cases on a contingency-fee basis, so it costs you nothing up front or out-of-pocket to work with our motorcycle accident attorneys. We also offer free initial consultations. Contact us online or call our offices today. We serve clients at several convenient locations across California and Idaho.