Did you know that the average semi-truck weighs an average of 40 tons? Cars, on the other hand, weigh only 2 tons on average. When big trucks crash into smaller cars, the impact can lead to serious injuries because of the size and weight difference.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash with a big truck, it’s important to get legal help. This will protect your rights, make sure you get fair compensation, and help you feel less stressed.
To get started, please review our tips for hiring a truck accident attorney.
Tips for Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney
Choose a firm in your area.
First, start looking for a lawyer who practices in your area. This means the lawyer will be available for meetings and know the court’s rules.
Additionally, it increases the likelihood that your lawyer will be familiar with local judges and members of the defense bar, and it may help your lawyer anticipate the types of arguments that might be raised. Having experience with the local courts and judges can be advantageous.
Conduct some research.
Before you retain a lawyer, you should research them online. There are several sites that you can check to make sure that your lawyer is rated highly and does not have a disciplinary record.
Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to gauge their satisfaction and the attorney’s professionalism. Don’t hesitate to ask the attorney for references from past clients.
Look at reviews and ratings from other lawyers to see what people think about the attorney in the legal community.
For example, websites like Martindale-Hubbell offer reviews of attorneys and law firms. You can also check the state’s lawyer disciplinary agency to see if the attorney you are considering has any disciplinary records.
To find your state’s agency and other helpful resources, view the American Bar Association’s Resources for the Public.
Ask the lawyer about their truck accident case results.
Ideally, you’ll find a firm that has a record of impressive case results. While there is no guarantee that your case will achieve similar results, a strong record of success demonstrates that a firm has recovered substantial compensation for other clients in the past and may be willing to work hard to achieve similarly successful results in your case.
You can also ask if the lawyer has any references, i.e., past clients who are willing to recommend the lawyer or firm. If you are provided with references, follow up with them to get an idea of what you might expect, and ask about the attorney’s communication and accessibility.
Ask for an initial consultation
Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation. Use this opportunity to discuss your truck accident case, ask questions, and assess if you feel comfortable with the attorney.
During the consultation, the attorney should provide an honest evaluation of your case’s strengths and weaknesses. This initial meeting also allows you to gauge the attorney’s experience and expertise in handling truck accident cases.
It’s a chance to understand their communication style and determine if they are someone you can trust and work with throughout the legal process.
Additionally, the consultation can give you an idea of the potential strategies they might employ and the possible outcomes you can expect.
Choose a truck accident attorney that you like and trust.
Sometimes truck accident claims take a long time to resolve, so you may be working with your attorney for many weeks or months. Choose someone who is kind, respectful, and professional to help ensure the process will proceed smoothly. If you don’t feel comfortable during the consultation, imagine how you might feel several months into the case.
In addition, keep in mind that personal injury claims are sometimes complex and may require in-depth investigations and months of negotiation.
Look for an attorney who you feel you can trust to handle your claim. This may come down to intuition, or you might wish to rely on the lawyer’s experience, case records, and reviews.
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Following a truckcollision in which you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is important that you hire a truck accident attorney for guidance and expertise.
Without the help of an expert, you will likely struggle to recover the compensation you deserve for your losses. If you aren’t sure where to start, we hope our tips for hiring a truck accident attorney serve as a helpful roadmap.
Looking for a truck accident attorney in Oklahoma or Arkansas? Schedule a free consultation with the attorneys at the Law Offices of Craig L. Cook today to find out how we might help you. To get started, please give us a call at 479-783-8000 or send us a message online.
