A motorcycle crash can turn your world upside down in an instant. As medical bills pile up and you're forced to miss work, you may wonder if you can afford to hire an Albuquerque motorcycle lawyer to protect your rights.
At Keller & Keller, we believe every injured rider deserves access to experienced legal representation. That's why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront costs. Our fee is only a percentage of your final settlement or verdict.
Learn about common fee structures used by Albuquerque motorcycle attorneys, what to expect during your initial consultation, and the factors that can influence the value of your case.
How Contingency Fees Work
Most Albuquerque motorcycle attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement:
- You pay no upfront costs or hourly fees
- Your attorney's fee is a percentage of your final settlement or jury award
- If your case is unsuccessful, you typically owe your attorney nothing
Contingency fees are beneficial for several reasons. First, they allow injured individuals to access legal representation without paying out of pocket. Second, they align your attorney's interests with your own, as your lawyer only gets paid if you recover compensation.
The specific percentage can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the stage at which it resolves. Typically, contingency fees range from 33% to 40% of the total recovery. If your case settles before a lawsuit is filed, your attorney's fee may be on the lower end of that range. If your case goes to trial, the fee percentage may be higher to account for the additional time and resources required.
During your free consultation at Keller & Keller, we'll discuss our fee structure so you'll know exactly what to expect.
The Cost of Not Hiring a Lawyer
While you may want to handle your motorcycle accident claim on your own to save on attorney fees, the financial risks can be significant. Consider:
- Insurance companies often lowball unrepresented claimants, offering far less than the actual value of their case
- Without a lawyer, you may not know the full extent of your damages or how to document your losses properly
- Accepting a settlement without consulting an attorney could mean losing out on compensation you're entitled to
- You may have to deal with complex legal issues, such as comparative negligence or multiple liable parties, without the guidance of an experienced professional
A study by the Insurance Research Council found that, on average, injured people who hired lawyers received settlements or awards that were 3.5 times larger than those who didn't hire attorneys. Past studies have yielded similar results. The difference between having legal representation and going it alone can be substantial, potentially totaling tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, even after accounting for attorney fees.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Most Albuquerque motorcycle attorneys offer free initial consultations. During this meeting, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your case with a lawyer and learn more about your legal options. Here's what to expect:
- You'll be asked to provide details about the accident, your injuries, and any communication you've had with insurance companies.
- The attorney will explain the legal process and the potential timeline for your case.
- You'll receive an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your claim.
- The lawyer will discuss their fee structure and any costs associated with your case.
- You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns.
The purpose of the consultation is for both you and the attorney to determine whether you want to work together. Before hiring a particular lawyer, you should feel comfortable asking questions to ensure you understand the process.
Factors That Impact Your Case Value
Every motorcycle accident case is unique. The value of your claim will depend on factors such as:
- Injury severity and permanence
- Amount of your medical bills and lost wages
- Whether you'll need future medical treatment or care
- Strength of evidence showing the other driver was at fault
- Available insurance coverage
- Your age, occupation, and pre-accident health
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to account for all damages. This may involve consulting with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and other professionals to build a strong case on your behalf.
Maximizing Your Recovery
While no one can guarantee the outcome of any case, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and maximize your potential recovery after a motorcycle crash:
- Seek prompt medical attention and follow your doctor's treatment plan.
- Gather evidence from the scene, including photos of damage and witness contact information.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media, as insurance adjusters may use your posts to undermine your claim.
- Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical treatment, and how the accident has impacted your daily life.
- Contact an experienced Albuquerque motorcycle attorney as soon as possible to preserve critical evidence and protect your rights.
When choosing a motorcycle accident attorney, look for someone with experience handling cases like yours, a history of successful outcomes, and a commitment to client service. You should feel confident in your attorney's ability to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Keller & Keller, we have a proven track record of success in handling complicated motorcycle accident claims. We've recovered millions of dollars for injured riders across New Mexico and are ready to put our skills and resources to work for you.
