Vehicular accidents have always been relatively common nowadays. Most of the time, the damages aren’t very serious. However, there are instances, such as with truck accidents, where victims of the crash sustain severe injuries. It’s crucial that they look for the right lawyer to handle their case so that they’ll get the appropriate compensation for their current and future needs.
According to David Bryant Law, brake problems are one of the top causes of truck crashes. This type of negligence falls under the accountability of the driver and their employer. Commercial vehicles, especially those that carry cargo, should always be checked before they’re driven outside since they can lead to significant damages if they malfunction.
If you or someone you know was involved in a truck accident, here are ways they can choose the right lawyer to handle the case:
1. Know Their Field of Expertise
Similar to medicine, law is a vast field. You wouldn’t approach a pulmonologist for your kidney problems. The same way goes for lawyers. The first criterion you should have when looking for a legal representative is their field of expertise.
Even if it seems very specific, some attorneys specialize in truck accidents. There are lots of legal entanglements that may arise from this incident, such as personal injury, workers’ compensation, and even criminal law. It’s best to put your trust in someone who knows almost everything about truck accident law, from the current statistics to the rules involved in the case.
2. Check the Attorney’s Track Record
Aside from ensuring that your lawyer has the expertise to help you, you should also look into their experience and check cases similar to yours that they’ve handled. Find how they succeeded in defending their client, especially the details of the settlement or other compensation arrangements.
However, experience is more than just the number of cases that the attorney has won. Another factor that can help you evaluate their proficiency is the number of years that they’ve been serving others as a lawyer, particularly in your area.
Their length of service gives them the advantage of knowing the judges and their peers in the jurisdiction. They can include this knowledge when crafting their defense strategy so that you can get the best end out of the ordeal.
3. Identify the Traits You Want in Your Lawyer
Since you’ll be disclosing sensitive information, you should also be comfortable with your attorney. This process can be a little subjective, but it’s crucial because you’ll be working with them closely for your truck accident case. You should be able to talk to them with ease and feel that you can trust them with your life.
Some traits that you should look for include the following:
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Honest - While you can’t really measure honesty, you can always gauge if the lawyer is transparent with you through non-verbal cues, like looking you directly in the eyes during conversations. You want a legal representative who’ll be forthright with your chances of winning or losing the case to align your expectations with the possible outcome in reality.
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Meticulous - There are many documents to file and evidence to collect, so you should look for someone thorough when it comes to record-keeping. Paperwork is a necessary part of the legal process. Your attorney and their team must be organized and efficient.
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Excellent Communicator - This trait shouldn’t be confused with being talkative. Your lawyer must have excellent communication skills, meaning they should be able to express their thoughts well, as well as explain your side to the judge and defendant. They must also be responsive to your phone calls and messages to keep you abreast of the progress of your case.
4. Read Through Client and Peer Reviews
Another way to determine whether or not a potential attorney is a right fit for you and your needs is to check what others are saying about them. Of course, you shouldn’t expect to hear only positive feedback since that would seem a bit fishy. However, client testimonials can give you an idea of what it’ll be like to work with your lawyer.
Peer reviews are valuable as well. These can provide you with insights into a legal representative’s reputation in their industry. You should look for someone with a credible standing, even with their rivals in the courtroom.
Conclusion
Finding the right lawyer for your truck accident case is crucial. It can ensure that you get the appropriate compensation for the damages you incurred or prove to others that you weren’t negligent. Follow these tips as you look for the best attorney to represent you in court.
