How Do You Find the Best Truck Accident Attorney?
Finding the best truck accident attorney to handle your claim will require you to conduct some research. You will want to assess an attorney’s track record, location, experience, reputation, and more. To find the right attorney, you should start by identifying several potential lawyers from word-of-mouth recommendations, online searches, and other sources. Once you have narrowed down your list, schedule consultations with each attorney. Most truck accident lawyers offer free consultations, allowing you to meet with them in order to make a well-informed decision.
Experience and Track Record
While many personal injury lawyers advertise that they accept truck accident claims, you should look for an attorney who has experience specifically representing victims of truck accidents. Ask each prospective attorney about the truck accident claims he or she has handled and what his or her track record with those cases has been. You should also ask prospective attorneys about how long they have been licensed and have handled truck accident claims. While new attorneys might be talented, you do not want to hire someone who will be learning on the job while representing you.
Attorneys who are experienced with handling truck accident claims will be much more likely to understand the complex regulations and rules governing the trucking industry. They might also understand how to investigate complex cases and the type of negotiations that might be necessary.
Reputation
Finding a lawyer with a strong reputation within the legal community and with his or her past clients is also important. You can check reviews online. You should also ask an attorney for names of past clients that you can talk to for references. Once you have a few names, follow up and contact them.
Location
While you might see attorneys advertising on television who are located far away, it’s typically best to choose a lawyer who practices in the area where you live or where your accident occurred. A local attorney is much more likely to know the insurance company representatives in the area, defense counsel, and the judges that might handle your case. Having this type of insight might help your attorney anticipate potential defenses and work to counter them.
Trial Experience
While the vast majority of truck accident cases are settled out of court, you should still look for an attorney who has experience in the courtroom. Some cases will need to be litigated at trial, and you want to have a lawyer who is prepared and willing to fight for you at trial if necessary. Ask prospective lawyers about the number of cases they have taken to trial and what types of results they have secured.
Your Level of Comfort
When you meet with an attorney, take note of how the office staff treats you. You should also pay attention to the lawyer’s communication style. See if he or she explains things in a way that you can understand and whether or not he or she listens carefully to you. If an attorney interrupts you, talks over you, or fails to listen to you, you should consider whether or not you feel comfortable allowing him or her to handle your case. Truck accident claims can take months or years to resolve, and you will have to work closely with the attorney you hire. This makes it important for you to choose a lawyer with whom you are comfortable and that you trust to handle your case competently.
Schedule a Consultation with Ellis & Associates
Getting help from an experienced truck accident attorney is important when you have sustained serious injuries. To learn more about what our truck accident lawyers might be able to do for you, call Ellis & Associates at 800-MR-ELLIS or send us a message online.