It’s The Law TCSD Contacts Board Members
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2018
TRIATHLON CLUB OF SAN DIEGO
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Welcome New Members You’re an Ironman Weekly Workout Calendar
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TCSD Conversation Coach’s Corner Product Review: Tannus
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Tri News IT’S THE LAW:
Bicyclist's Guide to Hiring an Injury Lawyer: PART 1
NOVEMBER TCSD EVENTS
Every week I receive calls from injured bicyclists looking for an experienced injury lawyer. My intention herein is to help bicyclists and their families select the best lawyer. Each client has specific goals based on their case. But just as every case is different, so is every client. People need to hire a lawyer because they have a legal case and need professional help. But clients choose to hire a specific lawyer because of their unique motivations, values, and concerns. In the many years since I began practicing in 1983, I’ve identified several overarching concerns that clients bring to the decision to hire an attorney. I call these the “reasons to hire a lawyer” because anyone faced with a situation where they need a lawyer is likely feeling one or more of these feelings. If you feel any of these reasons have relevance to you, please read this guide for truthful insight into protecting your interest.
Common Reasons to Hire a Lawyer: ■
This is the first time I’ve had to hire a lawyer, guide me.
By Richard L. Duquette, Esq.
I just want to be treated fairly by the insurance company. ■ I don’t want to sue anyone, I’m not that type of person. ■ I’m angry and I want the maximum recovery. ■ I only want my medical bills and lost wages paid. ■ I want my bicycle repaired or replaced. ■ I want to preserve the memory of my lost spouse. ■ I want to prevent this from happening to another person. ■ I’m thinking of trying to handle this case on my own. There are many more reasons to hire an experienced bicycle injury lawyer, but the above are illustrative of the concerns weighing on many people’s minds as they consider it. Now, let’s review a few tips in making this important decision. Many of these tips follow the California Rules of Professional Ethics and Law ensuring attorney competency. ■
Tips and Pitfalls to Watch for When Hiring a Lawyer: ■
Experience is key. Be wary of inexperienced “marketing” lawyers. You have heard it before, “you get what you pay for”. This means to continued on page 16