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. Due to this huge gap in size and tonnage, when semi-trucks collide with passenger vehicles, the sheer physical forces involved can cause devastating injuries. If you or someone you love has recently been injured in a collision with a large truck, seeking legal help is imperative to protecting your rights, ensuring you receive fair compensation, and maintaining your peace of mind. 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. Not only does this ensure that the lawyer will be accessible to you for in-person meetings, but also that they will know and understand the local procedural rules used by the court. 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.
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. 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 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.
Choose a lawyer that you personally 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 collision in which you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is important that you hire a lawyer 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.
