There are plenty of truck accident lawyers out there, but not all of them can provide what you need in your case. How do you find a good one in the sea of possibilities out there? It all comes down to what you ask during your consultation.
A consultation isn’t just to see if you have a case. It’s also a chance for you to question a lawyer’s capability to handle your situation the way you want. Try asking these questions during consultations to help you find a good truck accident lawyer.
What Is Your Specialization?
Lawyers are specialists, and there are many subspecialties. Someone may have practiced personal injury law for decades but only handled a handful of truck accident cases. The lawyer you choose should have experience in your type of case. The more they’ve handled, the more experience they’ll have with your case.
Also, if they’re a specialist, they may know some of the parties in your case. They may know the insurer or the trucking company. Past experience with opponents is an enormous advantage for you and your lawyer.
Did You Win Those Cases?
No lawyer will win every single case, but it makes sense to choose a lawyer with a record of more successes than average. Ask what their win rate is for your specific type of case, and ask for references. You can follow up on the references, then contact the lawyer later to accept or reject their counsel.
Do I Have a Claim?
A good truck accident will tell you straight if you have a claim or not. Beating around the bush wastes your time and the lawyer’s time. If your injuries are minor or enough time has passed since the accident, then you may not need a lawyer’s help.
Will You Represent Me in Court?
This is an unfortunate thing that can happen at larger law firms. The lawyer you consult with may not be the lawyer the firm assigns you. You should know if this is how they operate upfront. If your initial consultation isn’t with the lawyer you’ll be assigned, request a meeting with them before proceeding.
Do You Have the Resources to Help Me?
A lawyer’s ability to help you isn’t just experience. They also need time and money. If your case has a lot of potential income, they’ll be more willing to spend time and money on you. Ask them about their current caseload and their accessibility. If you’re not comfortable with the response, move on.
Are You Prepared to Take My Claim to Court?
Not every lawyer has trial experience, or wants to take claims to court, but the ultimate choice is always yours to accept or reject a settlement. You need to ask if your lawyer has trial experience, and what their approach to trial is like.
Aggressive trial representation is our speciality at the Buzbee Law Firm. We’re an extremely aggressive law firm with extensive courtroom experience. Successful experience. It’s why we’ve been able to secure over $10 billion in compensation for our clients.
What Fees Will I Need to Pay?
Truck accident attorneys won’t get paid unless you win compensation, but some law firms will charge you for certain items that aren’t part of their fee. You need to be clear about what they are, because they’ll vary from firm to firm.
A firm with more resources might take on costs like:
- Filing fees
- Postage and printing costs
- Travel expenses
- Exért witness fees
- Accounting fees
There are also some firms that charge for consultation, though it’s not common. If your lawyer isn’t straightforward about charges and compensation, then you should select someone else.
Also, contingency fee arrangements can vary from lawyer to lawyer, though it is a good sign if you’re offered one. It means your lawyer believes you have a strong chance of success. Ask them what their percentage is and how it changes, like if you go to trial.
How Do You Like to Communicate?
Experience, legal approach, and fees are important, but it’s also important to have a lawyer you can get along with. One frequent point of frustration is communication policies. Do you prefer phone, email, texting, or even mail? Find a lawyer who prefers to contact you that way.
Also, you’ll need to negotiate with how often you want to hear from your lawyer. Your case may have periods where not much happens, but it’s frustrating to sit waiting for information you need. Setting expectations early will make the process smoother.
Do You Get Along at All?
Don’t discount gut feelings when you speak with a lawyer. You’re already going through a painful situation. Working with a lawyer you don’t get along with, even if everything else looks good, may not be in your best interest.
Asking questions like these is something good truck accident lawyers also look for, so don’t be afraid to ask. Your choice of lawyer can make all the difference in your case and your future, so don’t rush this important decision.
