Finding a good truck accident lawyer is critical if you have been injured in a collision. Recovering fair compensation after an accident is going to be a key step in getting your life back on track. It is important to find a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable, as they will be handling perhaps the most crucial legal proceeding of your lifetime.
You are going to want to do your research and make sure you find an attorney with a proven track record of winning large compensation packages for clients in similar situations to yours. While it is good to hire a lawyer soon after your accident, you don’t want to be too hasty in making this decision.
Talk to Friends and Family
There are many paths you can take to find a good truck accident attorney, but a good place to start is by talking to friends and family. Ask those you know who have filed personal injury lawsuits in the past if they recommend the lawyer that they used. If you receive any recommendations, you can move those lawyers to the top of your research list.
Search the Internet
Whether you have already compiled any names or not, the next step you will likely want to take is to do some online research. If you received recommendations, you can start with those lawyers first. After that, you can simply type “truck accident lawyer” and your city into your search engine and scroll through the names you find there.
You can look at the websites of these law firms as well as any social media presence they might have to find client testimonials and case results.
Additionally, you can check the local bar association’s website to find out the status of your potential attorney. There you can also discover whether they have received any sanctions or if disciplinary action has been taken against them.
Meet with Attorneys
Once you have found a few options for lawyers you think might be a good fit, it’s time to meet. Many truck accident lawyers offer free consultations to potential clients. These consultations may take place in person or over the phone. This gives you an opportunity to see if you feel that you have a good rapport with the attorney, as well as to ask some helpful questions.
Ask Questions
You might have some questions about your case in particular that you would like to ask the lawyers. However, you should also ask them questions about themselves and their practice.
Finding out about their experience level, and their results in fighting for other truck accident victims can give you a better idea of whether or not they will be your best bet for fair compensation.
Make Sure You Are on the Same Page
In addition to having a list of questions to ask a potential attorney about their history, it is important to make sure you are on the same page regarding your future. Go into any consultation with a clear idea of what you expect, and make sure the truck accident attorney is ready to approach things in the same way.
You may feel strongly that you want to settle your case as quickly and painlessly as possible so that you can move on. Alternatively, you may be willing to take your case all the way to the courtroom to fight for as much money as possible to cover all of your current and future damages.
Either of these approaches can be a solid path to take. You simply need to make sure your lawyer is prepared to walk it with you. Some truck accident lawyers may prefer to settle your case as soon as possible so that they can move on to the next client. Meanwhile, others might want to maximize their fee by winning you as much money as possible.
Make Sure You Vibe
If all is good on paper, there is one final hurdle that a potential lawyer should pass before you hire them. That is to make sure you feel comfortable with them representing you. Even if a lawyer seems to meet all your other criteria, if you don’t feel comfortable with them, they might not be the best fit.
Your lawyer is going to be handling one of the most important legal matters of your life. If you don’t feel good about them representing you, then your stress levels are likely to be peaking throughout this potentially years-long process. Finding a lawyer you trust can put your mind at ease, allowing you to focus your energy on your physical recovery instead of your financial one.