A commercial truck accident is an important reason to hire a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will look out for your best interests during negotiations with the truck company’s insurance provider. Since insurance companies often try to take advantage of their clients, it is critical to retain a lawyer if you wish to maximize your recovery award. Not all truck accident attorneys are equal, however; you must do your research to find the best attorney for your unique needs.
Experience Handling Truck Accident Claims in Texas
Truck accident claims are not like typical car crash cases. They involve complex issues such as truck company liability, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules and commercial trucking laws. Find a lawyer that specifically offers legal representation for truck accident claims, not just car accident cases in general. Your attorney should have experience handling real-life cases involving serious or fatal big rig accidents. This experience could make all the difference during settlement negotiations with an insurance company. Also, check for local experience, as this could confirm the law firm has a working knowledge of Texas law.
Investigative Capabilities
You may not get far with your claim without a full investigation into its true cause. You may have your version of events and the truck driver will have his or hers, but only a team of investigators can truly get to the bottom of who or what caused the wreck. Find a lawyer with connections to personnel such as investigators, truck accident experts and crash reconstructionists to build the strongest possible case against the defendant. The law firm you choose should have the power to thoroughly investigate your wreck, gather evidence such as the truck’s black box and recreate the accident for a judge or jury.
Positive Reputation
Past clients should have had positive interactions with the truck accident lawyer you choose to take your case. Truck accident victims like you should walk away satisfied with the level of attention, care and service they received from the law firm, regardless of case results. Look at attorney and firm testimonials to gauge how well the lawyer takes care of his or her clientele. Read about a few past client experiences to get an idea of what to expect if you select this lawyer to represent you. A positive reputation as a truck accident lawyer in Texas is a good sign.
Proven Track Record of Success
Although no lawyer or law firm can guarantee positive results, the attorney you choose should at least have past case results that are favorable for injured accident victims. A positive track record can confirm the lawyer has the resources and abilities to achieve a settlement or verdict for injured clients. Browsing past results can also give you an idea of the types of compensation awards that may be possible with quality legal representation. Your truck accident lawyer should have at least some trial experience to give you the best odds of a fair award amount. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your truck accident lawyer could take your case to court for a better outcome.
Personal Preference
Your truck accident attorney should be the person you trust the most during the claims process. You should feel comfortable talking to your lawyer, asking questions and voicing your concerns. Meet with a few top attorneys in your area for free consultations. Get to know them and the firm as a whole. While many different factors can point to a higher quality law firm than others, your choice will ultimately come down to what you feel. Discuss your case with a few different attorneys. Ask yourself which one seems like he or she will fight the hardest for justice on your behalf. Then, choose the lawyer that suits your personal preferences the most.