Steps to Take Before Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident attorney near me, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. From dealing with insurance claims to medical bills, the process is stressful and exhausting. Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney can be a game-changer—they help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. But before bringing an attorney on board, there are critical steps you need to take to lay the groundwork for success.

This blog will guide you through the essential steps to take before hiring a motorcycle accident attorney. By preparing properly, you’ll strengthen your case and make your attorney’s job easier, improving the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Why Preparation Matters After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents come with unique challenges. Unlike car accidents, motorcyclists are statistically more vulnerable to severe injuries due to the limited protection they have. According to recent road safety statistics, motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash compared to passengers in cars. These factors often complicate legal proceedings, making preparation vital.

Understanding what an attorney needs—facts, evidence, and a clear account—can smooth the process and maximize your potential compensation. Here are the steps you should take before hiring a motorcycle accident attorney.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention 

The priority after any motorcycle accident is health and safety. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, may not become apparent until days after the accident. Here’s why this step is critical:

Health Comes First: Timely treatment prevents injuries from worsening and ensures your well-being.

Medical Records Are Valuable Evidence: Documented injuries can serve as strong evidence, linking the accident to your medical condition.

Keeping all invoices, doctor’s notes, and prescriptions is essential, as your attorney will use them to build your case.

Step 2: Call Law Enforcement and File an Official Report

After ensuring your safety, contact law enforcement immediately. A police report is a critical piece of evidence and often serves as the backbone of your case. An official account includes key information about the accident, such as:

Incident details (location, time, parties involved)

Initial findings on who was at fault

Statements from eyewitnesses

Never skip this step, even if the other party suggests resolving issues without involving the police. An official report ensures an objective and professional account of the accident.

Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene 

To strengthen your case, collect as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. Be mindful of your safety, and only proceed if you’re physically able. Here’s what to focus on:

Photos and Videos

Take pictures or videos of:

The damaged vehicles (motorcycle and all others involved)

Scene of the accident, including skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs

Injuries sustained

High-quality, time-stamped visuals provide undeniable proof of the situation immediately after the crash.

Witness Contact Information 

If there were any bystanders who saw the accident, ask for their names and contact details. Eyewitness accounts can be instrumental in clarifying events.

Documentation

Jot down other significant details, like the weather conditions and the behavior of other drivers. The more detailed your records, the stronger your case will be.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company must be informed about the accident as soon as possible. Many companies have specific deadlines for reporting incidents, and failing to meet them can jeopardize your coverage. When notifying your insurance provider, stick to the facts:

Be Honest: Present accurate details without assigning blame.

Avoid Speculation: Do not make guesses or overexplain; simply describe the events clearly as they happened.

A detailed yet factual interaction helps protect your claim and ensures no miscommunication arises.

Step 5: Keep a Record of Damages and Expenses

Motorcycle accidents often lead to financial strain, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. To ensure all your costs are accounted for, maintain a detailed record of:

Medical treatments and hospital stays

Prescription costs

Motorcycle repair or replacement costs

Documented time off work due to injuries

Tracking these expenses will help your attorney calculate fair compensation, covering both tangible and intangible losses like pain and suffering or emotional distress.

Step 6: Avoid Discussions with Third Parties

One of the most common mistakes after a motorcycle accident is engaging with the other driver’s insurance company directly. Their priority is to minimize their payout, not to protect your interests. Avoid:

Giving recorded statements to other insurance companies

Signing any settlement agreements without professional legal advice

Discussing fault or liability

Instead, politely direct any third parties to speak with your attorney.

Step 7: Research Potential Attorneys

Now that you’ve laid the groundwork by gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, and managing insurance communications, it’s time to research attorneys. Choosing the right motorcycle accident attorney can drastically impact your case’s outcome. Keep these factors in mind:

Experience

Look for attorneys specializing in motorcycle accident cases. Their in-depth understanding of relevant laws and industry nuances ensures you get the best representation.

Track Record

Review their success rate in handling similar cases. A strong history of settling claims and courtroom victories is a good sign of competence.

Reviews and Testimonials

Read testimonials from previous clients to assess the attorney’s reliability, communication, and commitment to their cases.

Initial Consultation

Most motorcycle accident attorneys offer free initial consultations. Take this opportunity to ask about their strategy, fees, and expected timelines.

Step 8: Understand the Attorney’s Fee Structure

Before hiring an attorney, clarify their fee structure to avoid potential misunderstandings. Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Some key points to cover during this discussion include:

Percentage of the settlement they will take

Additional costs (e.g., filing fees or expert witness fees)

Payment expectations in case of an unsuccessful outcome

Knowing this in advance ensures complete transparency and avoids any surprises down the line.

Step 9: Prepare Questions for Your Attorney

Before you finalize your decision, prepare a list of questions to evaluate an attorney’s capabilities. Consider asking about:

Past experience with similar cases

Strategy for handling your case

Expected timelines for resolution

Their communication approach (e.g., how often will they provide updates?)

Resources or experts they may bring in to support your case

These questions help you gauge whether the attorney is the right fit for you and your unique situation.