How to Find the Best Truck Accident Attorney in My Area?

If you've been in a truck accident, you're probably feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Whether you've been injured or simply startled by the event, you need a reliable resource to help you navigate the next steps. That starts with finding an advocate who can help you get the compensation or legal protection you need.

With over 39,000 crashes each year, you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to accident attorneys. Are you wondering, "How can I find the best truck accident attorney near me?" Read on to find out!

Know What You Need

First, be clear on what you're hoping to get from hiring an attorney. For instance, maybe you are saddled with medical expenses caused by a negligent truck driver. In that scenario, you may be seeking compensation through a settlement.

In other instances, you might want to be more aggressive and pursue a lawsuit. It's also perfectly normal not to know exactly what you want or deserve from a potential case. A good attorney can go over damages that might apply to your situation.

If you've sustained severe injuries that caused chronic pain, for instance, you may need ongoing rehabilitation support. Because of injuries, you may have missed a lot of work, too. This means you might be looking for lost wages support.

Some accidents can cause emotional trauma that requires further assistance. If you're dealing with emotional distress, depression, or other mental health issues, you have a right to compensation.

The testimony of friends, witnesses, and others can help bolster your case. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to assemble the right people to give your case credibility.

Choose an Attorney with the Right Expertise

Be sure you're choosing an attorney with the right personal injury law expertise. They should specifically focus on truck accidents. Truck accidents often come with more moving parts than other types of vehicle-related accidents.

In particular, truck accidents are distinct from car accidents. Don't assume an attorney who's worked with clients on car wrecks has the expertise to handle a truck accident case. After all, truck accidents can involve a more unique combination of factors.

For example, a truck's weight or the driver's level of training can contribute to an accident. Truck maintenance and company procedures may factor into an accident's cause, as well. Even the truck manufacturer may end up involved in a case where faulty parts are to blame.

Multiple insurance agencies could be part of the case. And the trucking company connected to the truck driver may be deeply involved in the case, as well. This could mean several high-powered attorneys will be handling the defense.

Consequently, you'll need the best representation to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. You don't want to face a large trucking company alone.

Look for an Experienced Attorney

An experienced attorney is essential when significant compensation is on the line. You don't want to go with an inexperienced attorney simply because they offer lower fees. It's better to pay a little more for a truck accident attorney with the experience to deliver a better result.

Look for an attorney with the right credentials. They should have a JD from an accredited law school, and they should be able to show they've passed the bar and are licensed to practice law.

You also want to see evidence the attorney is engaged within the legal community. They should be involved in local or regional organizations, for instance. They should be attending conferences or authoring articles that help them stay abreast of the latest developments in their field.

An experienced attorney also will bring masterful negotiation skills to the table. They should have a track record of strong settlements or court victories they can show you. This can be a powerful indicator the attorney is persuasive and skilled at bringing together evidence.

Check the Firm's Processes

What kind of resources does a prospective attorney's firm have? What are their standard processes for handling truck injury cases? These are questions you'll want to answer before working with a particular attorney.

When you work with an attorney, you don't want them to pawn off your case on other people. Working closely with one attorney ensures no detail falls through the cracks. It's important to ask about internal processes, including whether your attorney will be your main point of contact.

Ask a potential attorney how they will strengthen your case through the use of expert witnesses. You'll want to know your attorney has a lineup of experts in the right fields to testify on your behalf. These experts could include engineers, doctors, trucking industry experts, and others.

Your attorney should be able to rattle off names of individuals right away. And they should have experience working with them. You don't want an attorney who's desperately trying to find credible experts.

You also don't want to go with the newest attorney in town. They may lack the connections with witnesses and other key players that can help strengthen your case. It's better to go with an established attorney with strong connections.

Understand the Fee Structure

It's also important to know how fees and payments work with a given attorney. You don't want to be blindsided by a bill that cuts into your compensation more than you expected. It's wise to ask about fees upfront.

In some instances, an attorney may charge an hourly fee for their services. Or sometimes there are flat fee arrangements.

Generally attorney fee agreements in personal injury cases are contingent fee agreements.  Meaning the attorney will only be paid if money is paid to you. 

While this percentage can vary, it may be around one-third of your total settlement. However, some attorneys may charge as much as 40%.

You also should ask about other hidden fees. For example, you may need to pay extra for certain expert witnesses. And you may need to cover filings and mailings.

These fees can add up and become a burden if you're not aware of them. Ask for a written statement about the fee structure. Additionally, ask about payment plans if they are relevant to your case.

Evaluate the Communication Style

Unless you have experience with personal injury law, the procedures of your case probably will seem complex. That's why it's critical to find an attorney who can explain legal concepts to you in a way that's easy to understand. Furthermore, you'll want an attorney who is responsive and willing to give you their time.

Plan on meeting for a consultation before giving your business to an attorney. Many reputable attorneys will offer these for free. These meetings are a good opportunity to gauge an attorney's communication style and ask questions.

Ask how an attorney prefers to communicate. If you're more interested in face-to-face meetings but an attorney prefers emails and phone calls, you might not have a good match. Also, ask about the frequency of communication.

The attorney you choose should be accessible. That means you should be able to get a hold of them with urgent questions. And they should return communication promptly.

An attorney who seems evasive or vague when answering your questions is one to avoid. And if you don't feel comfortable during an initial consultation, you should look elsewhere.

Read Online Reviews

Lastly, don't forget to look at reviews and ask for referrals for any attorney you are considering. You can start by visiting an attorney's website to look for evidence of professionalism and positive reviews.

On a good website, you may be able to locate testimonials that provide specific insights into an attorney's strengths. Keep in mind, however, these testimonials were handpicked by the attorney. In other words, you're only seeing the best reviews.

That's why it's smart to use search engines to find reviews, as well. Often, these reviews will be less biased and you may find more of them. Steer clear of attorneys with several poor reviews or very few reviews.

In addition, reach out to your network of friends and family for recommendations. Some of them may have faced similar circumstances or know someone who has, so they might be able to offer attorney recommendations in your geographic area.

Consider choosing a local attorney to avoid travel costs. You'll also be able to source input on a given attorney from local people. Plus, with a local attorney, it may be easier to have face-to-face meetings if that is your preference.

Find the Best Truck Accident Attorney Near Me

When you search online for "the best truck accident attorney near me", you'll discover many attorneys are competing for your business. Look for attorneys willing to offer free consultations where you can ask about their experience, processes, and fees. Then read reviews and ask for referrals so you get the best attorney for your needs.

Find the expertise you need to handle the aftermath of a truck accident. Daniels Law has 25 years of experience helping individuals who have sustained significant injuries after accidents. We have expertise in a range of practice areas, including truck accidents. Contact Daniels Law today!

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