Semi-truck accidents are surprisingly common in the United States, and their results are often catastrophic given the size discrepancy between these huge trucks and ordinary passenger vehicles.
Unfortunately, dealing with the aftermath of a semi-truck accident can also be more complicated than the process associated with regular car accidents. Those who have been involved in an accident should read on to find five helpful tips for how to get an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help.
- Look for a Local Attorney
It’s important to find an attorney who is licensed in the state where the accident took place, even if the injured party is from another state. The state laws that cover semi-truck accidents vary, and local lawyers will have a better grasp of those laws.
Anyone who has been injured in a semi-truck accident in Las Vegas can contact Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a consultation. For help finding a lawyer in other states, try searching their state bar association websites.
- Check for Relevant Experience
The field of personal injury law covers a diverse array of circumstances, so accident victims need to find a lawyer who has experience dealing with 18-wheeler accidents. To find out whether the law firm has experience with these matters, check its website and look for information that pertains specifically to semi-truck accidents. Remember that truck accident cases differ from ordinary car accidents, so victims need to find an attorney who knows how to navigate the complexities of commercial liability issues and insurance policies.
- Schedule Multiple Consultations
Once accident victims do some research by checking out prospective lawyers’ websites, they can start scheduling consultations. These initial meetings can take place either in person or over the phone, so people who were injured while they were away from home shouldn’t hesitate to call lawyers who are local to the area where the accident occurs. Explain the circumstances of the accident and be prepared to both ask and answer questions.
- Ask About Courtroom Experience
Most semi-truck accident cases can be settled out of court through negotiations with the involved party or parties’ insurance companies. However, some cases do still go to court, which means it’s still important to hire an attorney with courtroom experience as well as experience evaluating evidence.
Don’t be afraid to ask the lawyer directly about how many of his or her cases are settled out of court vs. in the courtroom. A good lawyer won’t mind answering a prospective client’s questions, and he or she will be honest with the answers. Injury victims who have a hunch that the lawyers they are interviewing may be overstating their experience levels will find that there are plenty of places online to find out about local lawyers’ experience and what kinds of cases they try.
- Pay Attention to Communication
An experienced lawyer should have a good system set up for communicating with clients and keeping them in the loop. He or she should set clear expectations and exercise honesty with clients. It’s better to work with someone who will clearly and openly communicate possible problems with the case than it is to hire a lawyer who allows clients to wrack up unnecessary costs trying to file claims that are unlikely to produce results.
Start the Search Now
It can take a while to find an experienced lawyer, so the best time to start the search is as soon as possible after an accident occurs. Follow the tips above and, again, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the case or the lawyer’s level of experience.
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