Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney From Another State

Personal Injury Lawyer

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can bring with it a host of issues. You should first seek medical attention if needed, and should follow that with seeking legal representation. If your accident was in another state, should you hire an attorney from that state or hire someone who practices law in your state? It’s a great question with some key considerations that can assist you in finding an answer.

1. How Close Is the Other State?

When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in another state, it could be best to file a suit against the other party with a lawyer from that state. For example, if you live in Oregon and your accident was in Tennessee, your claim will have to be filed with a Tennessee court. Having representation from that state could speed up the litigation process. Your lawyer won’t have to travel for all of your hearings and expenses could be lower.

2. How Close to the Border Was the Accident?

There are some motorcycle accident lawyers who have license to practice in two states because their jurisdiction is right on the border. For example, if you were in a motorcycle accident in Tennessee, but you live just over the border in North Carolina, a lawyer practicing in North Carolina could have license to also practice in Tennessee. That lawyer would be a good choice for representation.

If your accident took place on the west side of Tennessee and you live on the coast of North Carolina, your lawyer may not have license to practice in Tennessee. In that case, you could see if your lawyer can get permission from Tennessee’s state bar to work as an associate with a lawyer who has permission over the jurisdiction where your accident was.

3. Is It Worth the Fight?

Speaking with an attorney from your own state could help you determine whether or not your case is worth the fight. If you weren’t injured and your motorcycle wasn’t extremely damaged, it might not be worth hiring a lawyer from another state to pursue a claim. Simply working with the insurance company could be your best option. If you were injured or your motorcycle was destroyed, it could be in your best interest to go to court.

Contacting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Whether or not you choose to hire an attorney from another state or your own, it’s important you have representation when involved in a motorcycle accident. Contact a local attorney today for assistance in moving forward.

Resource: Personal Injury Lawyer Harrisonburg, Virginia, MartinWren, P.C.