Originally Posted by
Paul Barnard
A lawyer can cost you a goodly amount of what you might be awarded in a settlement. I'd be inclined to see what they offer before I involved a lawyer. Their offer may be reasonable. If they lowball you, then you can get a lawyer.
The standard fee for a personal injury lawyer is one third of your pain and suffering settlement (property damages and lost wages excluded from this). It seems like a lot up front, but lawyers can typically negotiate a far higher settlement than if a victim tries to do everything solo. It makes sense for OP to at least consult some attorneys now, because it will cost nothing up front.
OP, see if you can locate a local carbon fiber expert to look at your frame. They'll be able to tell if it's totaled. If I were you, I'd also audio record every conversation with the other side's insurance company (assuming you live in a one-party-consent state). However, it's still probably best to say, "Here is my lawyer's contact information. Direct any inquiries to them."