In need of an attorney in Virginia

[yespatterns]

Evening all,

Earlier this year in May I was hit by an inattentive driver while commuting home. I am nearing the end of the medical procedures/physical therapy stemming from that, and will be settling up with her insurance company soon. As much as I don't want to involve an attorney, I think it would be wise to at least have that resource at hand in case it becomes necessary. Thanks in advance for any advice or references for anyone that specializes in bicycle or motorcycle accidents.

Thanks again,
John

Incidentally, I'll be cross-posting this in my usual stomping ground (the commuting forum).

[tomg]

i think in "bicycling" magazine there was an ad about a bicyclist lawyer (in DC area?). that firm may help you, or provide links to a firm that could. if you still haven't located competent help, i'll try to give you specific numbers.

check out the "league of American bicyclists" (LAB) as well.

glad to hear your recovery is moving forward, in a positive direction!
be safe!

[Tom Stormcrowe]

A Piece of advice......

Do NOT discuss the particulars of the case on the forum here.......it's Google Searchable and Insurance Company attorneys have been known to lurk on various forums like this and look for posts about cases they have and use info they get against the plaintiff.

[Blue Order]

Your approach to this is not conducive to hiring an attorney to represent you. Your reluctance to hire an attorney in the first place raises a red flag for your potential attorney that he or she won't get paid for the work they do. It also raises a red flag for your potential attorney that you will not appreciate the work they do. Finally, it raises a red flag that you will represent yourself first, and (reluctantly) bring in an attorney if you get in over your head-- and that likely means the attorney will have to try to salvage your case after you've botched it.

The first thing you need to do, then, is to to decide if you're going to represent yourself, or have an attorney represent you, and then proceed from there. Because the legal issues raised are complex, you shouldn't even consider representing yourself. Your idea to hire an attorney experienced in handling bicycle cases is the right one, and you shouldn't give serious consideration to any other option.

[noisebeam]

I see where you coming from BO, but a 'good' attorney should recognise that potential clients are reluctant to 'hire' as many are not familiar with the system and not sure of what they may be getting themselves into with or without one. An attorney shouldn't be just looking for red flags unless they are just looking out for themselves which to me doesn't sound like a 'good' attorney.

That said, your recommendation is sound.

Al

[Blue Order]

I see where you coming from BO, but a 'good' attorney should recognise that potential clients are reluctant to 'hire' as many are not familiar with the system and not sure of what they may be getting themselves into with or without one. An attorney shouldn't be just looking for red flags unless they are just looking out for themselves which to me doesn't sound like a 'good' attorney.

That said, your recommendation is sound.

AlYes, I think it's understandable that many people feel reluctant to get attorneys involved, and an attorney should understand that reluctance. However, everybody should keep in mind one simple fact: The insurance company you're dealing with has a legal department standing by ready to do battle with you, and they will not feel the least bit reluctant to get attorneys involved.

On the subject of red flags, experienced attorneys do decline cases when the client sends signals that the attorney's work will be unappreciated, and thus, unpaid. Being attentive to those red flags is what allows experienced attorneys to keep their doors open.

The O.P.'s best bet will be to get a consultation with one or more experienced attorneys, and to hire the attorney that seems like the best fit, and then let that attorney do the job he/she is hired to do: To zealously represent the client's interests.

[yespatterns]

Thanks everyone for the advice, I'll be sure and check out the LAB and DC links!

[Blue Order]

Good luck with it, and glad to hear that you're healing.