Maison Law helps victims of motorcycle accidents in California by answering their questions about the legal process. One of the biggest losses that come from any motorcycle accident is your finances, which makes the prospect of hiring a lawyer sometimes problematic. That’s one of the ways we help–by charging you nothing up front. To learn more about your options, contact us today for a free consultation.
Is There a Maximum Contingency Fee For Motorcycle Accidents?
Most personal injury lawyers–Maison Law included–work on a contingency-fee basis. Put simply, it means that you pay nothing upfront, and we take our fee from whatever result (settlement or verdict) we get for you.
There’s actually no legal limit for a contingency fee in California, whether it be for motorcycle accidents or any other type of legal work. But most of the time, the fee is going to be between:
- 33% and 40% of the result of the case.
So with a 40% fee agreement, for example, you will receive $60,000 and our firm will take $40,000 in a $100,000 settlement. Obviously, every case is different. If you’re thinking about taking legal action, though, we can discuss our fee agreement and what works best in our free initial consultation with you.
Why Does a Contingency-Fee Agreement Work With Motorcycle Accidents?
In reality, a motorcycle accident is usually much more serious in terms of your injuries and losses. The reason that a contingency fee works is because, on top of everything else you’re dealing with, you probably can’t afford to pay a lawyer up front. But there are other reasons beyond financial that these fee agreements work in motorcycle accident cases:
- It gives you access to strong legal help and representation
- It provides us with incentive to maximize your case’s value
- You get to focus on your health and recovery without worrying about paying legal fees, which can get expensive
- Contingency fees take away the risk. In the event that you don’t get as much from a settlement or verdict, you still get to walk away from the process with something
Again, there’s no limit or requirement for a contingency fee. However, these agreements work well because every case is unique and can unfold differently–even though the actual process is the same.
What’s the Claims Process After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, you’re likely facing damage–mostly injuries. There are two key parts to your claim: first, your physical injuries from the accident, and second, your “legal” damages, which include your financial losses connected to those injuries.
As a victim of an accident, California law allows you to file a claim to recover these losses. To do this, you need to file either an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Here’s how the claims process works:
- Filing a claim -You’ll file a claim, either through the at-fault driver’s insurance or by filing a lawsuit, to recover damages.
- Providing evidence – You’ll need to gather and present evidence that shows the extent of your injuries and losses. This usually means providing medical records, repair estimates, and tax returns or bank records to show lost wages.
- Damages – The damages you can recover will depend on your specific situation but may include:
- Medical bills and future treatment costs
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
- Financial support for pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if the accident is fatal
Keep in mind that California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. Missing this deadline means you won’t be able to recover any damages.
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident?
Your legal options aren’t limited by the type of motorcycle accident you’re in, but after a motorcycle crash, you may feel unsure about your next steps or whether to get a lawyer.
Even though you have the legal option to file a claim, managing the process on your own can be extremely challenging, especially while trying to also recover from injuries. From handling paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies, the process can be overwhelming. That’s what Maison Law can help. With our experience and resources, we can:
- Explain your rights and how the process typically goes
- Help you gather important evidence and information, from insurance to whoever is responsible for the accident itself
- Negotiate and talk with insurance companies to try to get you a fair settlement
- If negotiations don’t cover what you need, we’ll then file a lawsuit in civil court for you
Our team wants to make this difficult process easier for you and your family. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident.
