You can file a motorcycle accident lawsuit without an attorney, but it’s likely not in your best interests to do so. When you pursue a motorcycle accident claim without an attorney, all the responsibility for building your case, including arguing it in court, falls to you.
That is why having a Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can offer significant advantages and ensure that your interests are protected. Should you still choose to proceed on your own, you can still contact us for a free consultation to receive guidance as you traverse the legal process independently.
Understanding the Financial Considerations of Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim Without Legal Representation
One concern is the cost of hiring an attorney. Whether through contingency, hourly rate, or a different payment method, avoiding those fees and keeping a larger portion of your settlement may sound attractive. It is crucial to understand these payment structures so that you can make a well-informed decision. Sometimes, these options may not be what they seem at first glance.
Handling your own motorcycle accident lawsuit means eliminating the need to pay for a lawyer’s services. If maximizing your proportion of the compensation in your pocket is your top priority, this could be the path you choose. However, going without an attorney could lead to losing your case or receiving less compensation than you might have otherwise.
Choosing to work with a motorcycle accident lawyer offers flexibility in how you pay them. Many lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win, taking a percentage of your settlement. Others might charge by the hour or request payment for specific phases of the legal process.
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Why Motorcycle Accidents Can Be Difficult to Take On By Yourself
The unfortunate truth is that motorcycle accidents often result in very severe injuries since the protection of a car or truck around the driver is not there. This means that completing even regular daily tasks becomes that much more difficult. And that’s before you consider the need to file a lawsuit.
A lot of laws apply to personal injury cases. The defense may try to use these to argue that you are to blame for at least enough of the accident that you will be left with little or no payout. Having to learn these when a lawyer already knows them is extra work you do not have to do when you have a lawyer.
Motorcycle accident injury lawyers also do a lot of work with finding evidence and building arguments based on that evidence and prior legal experience. Doing this from a hospital bed or a home-care setup can be incredibly difficult compared to allowing a hired legal team to take care of it.
When to Consult a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident
Even if you have started filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit without a lawyer, it is okay to change your mind and hire an attorney. The legal system understands that circumstances may change throughout a case. The Utah State Courts provide guidance on whether changing lawyers is the move you want to make.
Most of the available options are designed for situations where a lawyer leaves a case, but if you are switching from self-representation to hiring a lawyer, you will need to submit either a Substitution of Counsel form or a Notice of Appearance form, depending on the specifics of your situation.
If you are still deciding between getting representation or going at it on your own, it is a good idea to get a free case evaluation anyway. Although joining the case late can present challenges, we can still help you assess whether it is the right decision for you. Do not hesitate to seek help, regardless of the status of your case.
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Resources at Your Disposal if You File Your Case Alone
The Utah State Courts provide resources to help those who choose to represent themselves. Their self-help center offers useful links to guides, directions to the Utah State Law Library, and access to staff lawyers who can answer your basic legal questions. They cannot offer full legal advice or represent you in court, though.
You can also find additional information about court rules and procedures on the Utah State Courts website, including a detailed guide to the legal process. This will help you understand what forms to file and where to submit them. However, you will be responsible for managing every step of the case, which is normally handled by attorneys on behalf of their clients.
If you are not pursuing criminal charges, a summary of civil procedure may be helpful. While this information can be valuable, it cannot replace the knowledge and experience that comes from years of legal training and practice. A single mistake could jeopardize your case, so always feel free to reconsider filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit without an attorney.
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Talk to Us to Know For Sure Whether You Want an Attorney or Not
Even if you decide to handle your case on your own, you still have options. Utah’s judicial system offers helpful resources, and we are always available to assist when needed. Before making your final decision about whether you need a motorcycle accident lawyer, it is wise to explore all available avenues for filing a motorcycle accident claim without legal representation.
Siegfried & Jensen offers decades of experience. During your free consultation, we will help you decide if we are the right fit to handle your motorcycle accident case. While you can certainly pursue a claim on your own, we are here to help whenever you are ready to take that step.
Let us guide you in making an informed decision, ensuring that you do what is best for your case and fully understand what a motorcycle accident lawyer can do for you.
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