Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. understands that the process of selecting a legal representative following a bike crash can seem like an overwhelming task, given the thousands of attorneys that practice accident & injury law, in Chicago alone. It is important to remember that not every personal injury firm is the same, nor should they be treated as such. There are several factors to take into consideration in order to ensure adequate protection of your legal rights, and more importantly, maximize the amount of financial recovery obtained on your claim for damages. In narrowing down your search during the selection process, it may be helpful to keep in mind some key principles to guide you in choosing a bicycle accident attorney that is best suited to meet your individual needs.
Step 1. Assessment of Firm. Following a bike crash, a good starting point in your search is to begin by identifying law firms that practice personal injury law, as opposed to general practitioners. In bike accidents in which the victim suffers a fatality, it is imperative that the attorney has prior experience in the specific area of wrongful death. The ideal choice is a professional that handles both injury and death cases, because this demonstrates the attorney’s capacity to handle complex legal issues.
Step 2. Assessment of Individual Practice Areas. One the most critical factors to keep in mind is that ‘personal injury’ and ‘wrongful death’ are terms used to broadly categorize a diverse range of uniquely distinct sub-practice areas. Just as the factual circumstances of every accident can vary greatly, so can the laws, procedures, and processes associated with a particular type of claim for damages. As such, it is important that bike collision victims, whether the injured or family members of the deceased, seek representation from an attorney that has prior experience in accident cases that specifically involve the injury or death of a bicyclist.
Step 3. Assessment of Professional Qualifications. Aside from confirming membership to the Illinois State Bar, it is equally important to check the IARDC to ensure that the attorney has no prior or pending disciplinary action. Further, admission to practice in Federal courts is an additional qualification which demonstrates the attorney’s professional level of skill. Finally, because the most valuable experience through actual practice, the number of years that an attorney has been continuously practicing since becoming initially licensed, can be vital to the outcome of a case.
Step 4. Assessment of Trial Experience. Litigation and trial experience is key. Some attorneys encourage early settlement, or refer cases that eventually go to another attorney---both of which can significantly affect a victim’s financial recovery. Just as premature settlement can result in inadequate compensation, mid-case referral, too, can have a damaging impact on the ultimate outcome. Selecting an attorney that will see your case through from beginning to end is an important factor to consider.
Step 5. Assessment of Attention to Client Needs. An additional element, which accident victims often fail to take into consideration when selecting an attorney, is the level of attentiveness that the firm provides each of its clients. During the claims process, there may be a number of questions and concerns that arise, and it is important to know that an answer, explanation, and/or resolution, is only a phone call or email away.
So, provided with the forgoing, your next inquiry might be—exactly how does Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. stand out from other attorneys?
Attorney Peter Zneimer has been practicing personal injury law, as well as wrongful death, for decades. He has continuously maintained good-standing with the Illinois Bar for nearly 25 years, and is eligible to practice in both state and federal courts. Peter personally attends to each and every one of his cases, and your matter will never get passed on to a novice attorney, as is common with many other firms. We encourage you to view, ‘Can your Bike Crash Attorney do all of the Following?’
While Illinois does not offer certifications of specialties in the practice of law, the rules of professional conduct require that any statements regarding the services an attorney provides must be both truthful and verifiable. With that said, Attorney Zneimer vehemently stands behind the declaration of being not only a seasoned practitioner, but also an experienced trial attorney—who has obtained favorable outcomes on behalf of hundreds of clients. In fact, the Chicago law firm of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients during our decades in practice.
Further, our firm remains dedicated to maintaining an attentive and responsive approach in handling any questions or concerns presented by our clients. This belief system is premised upon the expectations that we would hold an attorney to, if roles were reversed. In short, the agreement to represent a client is an undertaking that is never taken lightly by the attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.
If you or a loved one were involved in a bicycle accident, we want to help you obtain the compensation that you and your family deserve. We offer comprehensive case evaluation during our FREE personal injury consultation. Contact us today by using the form provided to the left of this page, or by calling us as 773-516-4100.