During bicycle accidents, riders usually receive the brunt of the injuries. Without any protective barrier, as with motor vehicles, a rider’s body directly absorbs the crash force. This can lead to life-altering or even fatal injuries. According to the NHTSA, more than 2500 cyclists died in traffic crashes in the first nine months of 2022. Florida remains one of the most dangerous places in the country for bicyclists. Reports show that almost 6,400 bicycle accidents occurred in 2021 and 6,000 in 2020. About 4,600 bike accidents were reported in the first nine months of 2022.
If you are a passionate cyclist living in Florida or near the Tampa Bay area, you should be aware of the laws associated with bicycle accidents. You should also have a list of the best bicycle accident attorneys to contact in an emergency.
Are you wondering how to find the best bicycle accident attorney to get maximum compensation? If yes, then keep on reading.
Here are some of the tips on finding the best bicycle accident attorney in Tampa:
- Seek Recommendations and Referrals
One of the best ways to find a bike accident attorney is through referrals. If you have ever worked out a case with an attorney, ask them to refer you to a bicycle accident lawyer. Your local bar association can also be an excellent resource for a bike accident attorney. They can provide you with the list of best lawyers based on city, county, and area of specialization.
- Read Reviews From Past Clients
It’s a good sign if a prospective lawyer’s past clients publicly discuss their experiences. Reviews, particularly on third-party sites, can provide valuable insight into the case, customer service, outcome, and overall experience with the attorney.
Remember that positive client reviews shouldn’t be the sole reason you choose a particular lawyer. But when all else is equal, positive testimonials may show that the lawyer went above and beyond to help clients win their cases. You surely want an attorney who will fight nail and tooth to get you the compensation you need and deserve, so ensure to do some research and choose wisely.
- Look for an Experienced Bike Accident Attorney
You don’t want to hire a family or criminal defense attorney to handle your bicycle accident case. Hiring a lawyer without experience in a bicycle accident can be wrong. So, ensure to choose an attorney with extensive experience litigating bicycle injury cases.
Interview several lawyers and ask about their experience with bike accident cases. An experienced bicycle accident attorney will know what state and federal laws apply to your lawsuit. They will also consider factors that could have affected your accident.
- Ask About Their Success Rate
If your potential lawyer has a history of representing clients in bicycle accident cases, ask about their success rate. After all, you don’t want to hire an attorney with a track record of losing bike injury cases. Find out how many bike accident cases they settled out of court and how many they’ve taken to trial in the past year. Also, find out what amounts of settlement or awards they have won for their clients.
An attorney’s track record shows how far they’re willing to go to ensure you receive all the monetary compensation you deserve.
- Look for a Contingency Contract
A reputable bike injury attorney should never ask you to pay them upfront. Injury lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they will only get paid if they win or settle the matter. They typically take a percentage of the final settlement, which can vary by attorney.
When interviewing a potential lawyer, ensure they explain this contingency percentage and other payment issues in detail. To avoid last-minute surprises, agree upon the payment plan in writing.
- Consider How You Get Along
You must get along with your bicycle accident lawyer and their staff. Dealing with an attorney who sees you as another case file can be highly stressful. You want an attorney who communicates well, provides personalized services, and will often provide updates on your case.
If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with an attorney during the initial consultation, consider choosing one of your alternatives instead. If you can’t get along at the first stage, things will not likely improve during the other stages.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best bicycle accident lawyer for your case can be overwhelming, but doing your homework well will pay off. Extensive experience, proven track record, and care in communication are all signs of a great bike accident lawyer.
