As
an Illinois bicycle attorney that handles a large caseload of personal injury cases that
stem from bicycle crashes or collisions, I'm asked a large variety of
questions by clients. I often tell clients about the questions I would
ask if I was "on the other side of the desk" and looking for an attorney
to represent me.
Here are the 5 Questions I would ask an attorney
before retaining them in a personal injury case stemming from a bicycle accident:
- How long have you been practicing in the field of personal injury law? The attorneys at Keating Law Offices have years of experience handling personal injury cases, specifically bicycle-related cases. No two cases are the same, and having a wealth of experience to rely on is often the key to a successful resolution to a case.
- If necessary, are you prepared to take my case to trial? Many attorneys who hold themselves out as "trial lawyers" rarely, if ever, take their cases to trial. Attorney Mike Keating has repeatedly been named a "Rising Star" by Illinois Super Lawyers and Chicago magazines and also named to the "Top 40 Under 40" list of top young trial attorneys for his record of winning at trial. He also is the Chair of the Bicycle Litigation Comittee for the national trial lawyers organization.
- Are you familiar with the traffic laws for bicyclists? In the past few years Illinois and many of the municipalities, especially the City of Chicago, have enacted new laws that directly impact bicyclists. Attorney Mike Keating has directly lobbied local and state governments as an advocate for bicyclists' rights. As a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers' Associations' Legislative Committe, Attorney Keating ensured that there is always a voice for injured cyclists within the organization.
- Do you specialize in personal injury? Again, while many attorneys may work on some personal injury cases, the attorneys at Keating Law Offices only work on personal injury cases and regularly participate in the litigation of our cases in courtrooms throughout Illinois.
- Do you ride a bike? What may sound like a silly question is actually very important. Only riders know what it feels like to ride in a crowded urban or suburban environment. An understanding of the "ins and outs" of bike riding can make the difference in successfully handling a case. This question can also let you know whether the attorney is sincere about advocating for bicyclists' rights.
