Up to 80% of motorcycle drivers are injured or killed when involved in a motorcycle accident, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many of these accidents are caused by the negligent failure of a motor vehicle driver to carefully maintain lookout for motorcycles on the roadway or to otherwise fail to follow basic traffic laws.
Because of the vulnerability of a motorcyclist to injury or death through no fault of his or her own, injuries suffered, if not fatal, can be severe and life-altering, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Scarring and abrasions (including “road rash”)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Internal organ lacerations and crush wounds
- Paralysis
- Soft tissue injuries
- And more.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision as the operator or passenger, you may have a claim for compensation and will need the help of an experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney. Finding the right lawyer for you can be daunting, but it is important that you hire an attorney you are comfortable with, and in whom you can place your trust.
What will a Wisconsin personal injury attorney do for me?
A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will review and investigate the circumstances of your motorcycle accident; evaluate your injuries, including past and future pain and suffering, economic losses, and the interference with your enjoyment of life caused by the injuries. An experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney will then determine your rights under Wisconsin law including whether you are entitled to compensation. Finally, and in partnership with you, that attorney will determine what compensation for you is fair and adequate.
What will it cost to hire a Wisconsin personal injury attorney to help me?
Most Wisconsin motorcycle accident attorneys only charge a fee if they recover compensation for you and are paid a percentage of that recovery. At Clifford & Raihala, your Madison personal injury attorney will advance any out of pocket costs such as medical records, filing fees, expert witness fees, etc., so you don’t have to worry about those. Those advanced costs will only be reimbursed when you recover compensation.
How do I find a Wisconsin personal injury attorney to help with my motorcycle accident case?
You may have seen or heard TV or radio ads for law firms in your area, or even received letters and other promotional material from lawyers. Learning about personal injury law firms to consider is a starting point, but only a starting point. We encourage the following:
- Meet with more than one attorney or firm. Initial meetings with most lawyers about your case are usually free, and with no obligation to hire the attorney. If you speak with an attorney who wants to charge for that consultation, move on. If the firm has you meet with a non-lawyer (e.g., an “investigator,” paralegal or assistant), move on.
- Ask the right questions. What is the attorney’s experience in motorcycle accident and other personal injury cases? Is at least one member of the firm board certified? Is the firm AV-Preeminent rated? Has the firm or have its attorneys been recognized by peers for excellence and leadership in the profession?
- Find out who in the firm will actually handle your case. Far too often, firms assign cases internally not to lawyers but to paralegals, investigators or other non-lawyers. If you are hiring a lawyer, you should be represented by a lawyer. Ask about how many non-lawyers staff the firm – if there are many more non-lawyers than lawyers, it may tell you who will handle your case. Find out who will be your primary contact within the firm, who will communicate with you, who will handle each phase of your claim. If you can’t be assured a lawyer will do these things, move on.
As Clifford & Raihala, a Wisconsin personal injury attorney will handle your case and work personally with you throughout the pursuit of your claim. You will not be abandoned to other, non-lawyer staff. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a Clifford & Raihala Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyer today to find the right lawyer for you and your family.
