What to Look for in a Truck Accident Lawyer
Not all personal injury attorneys are equipped to represent truck accident victims. Taking action against a motor carrier, municipality, or manufacturer following a large truck crash is inherently challenging and demands considerable resources that many firms lack.
Put another way, you shouldn’t turn to just anyone for help with your truck accident claim. To give your case the best chance of success, it’s important that you look for someone who possesses the following:
1. Availability
You deserve counsel from someone who’s readily accessible and provides frequent status updates over the course of the proceedings. In other words, you might not be the firm’s biggest client, but they should certainly make you feel like you are.
During your initial consultation, ask how often you can expect to hear from your legal team. You should also ask how long they usually take to return calls and emails. Questions will inevitably arise during the claims process, and when they do, you’re going to want answers promptly.
2. Compassion
During such a stressful time in your life, you need compassion. You might want your attorney to take an aggressive approach with the opposing party, but they should always address you with warmth and empathy.
As long as your legal team puts you at ease, you’ll feel more comfortable opening up to them. This, in turn, will help them understand all the challenges you’re facing—including those that might be hard to discuss because of their personal nature—and their associated losses.
3. Experience
While you don’t have to hire a lawyer who specializes solely in large truck crashes, you do want someone with considerable experience handling such actions. During your first meeting, ask how much of the firm’s casework involves claims with elements similar to your own.
Then, inquire about the outcomes of those actions. Although past successes don’t guarantee future wins, they do demonstrate a commitment to clients, which is exactly what you want to see.
4. Integrity
Sadly, some personal injury attorneys are inclined to take advantage of those who find themselves in a dire financial situation. Instead of putting in the effort needed to seek the maximum payouts possible, they settle each claim rapidly, resulting in a kind of “case mill” whereby no one gets the counsel—or compensation—they deserve.
Thankfully, there are a couple of ways you can gauge a firm’s integrity. You could inquire about their litigation experience, for example, to make sure they’re willing to go to trial when the situation demands.
You can also ask about the most likely outcome to your claim. Lawyers who practice with integrity are willing to discuss all possible resolutions with their clients, including those that might not be in their favor. Since legal proceedings can be unpredictable, a reputable attorney will never promise to achieve a sizable settlement or judgement just to secure the client’s business.
Call 813-551-3907 to Discuss Your Case with a Tampa Truck Accident Attorney
To hire a strategic attorney who possesses all of the above, turn to Capaz Law Firm, P.A. Dereck Capaz has the knowledge, resources, and experience needed to resolve even the most complex legal disputes. Submit our Contact Form or call 813-551-3907 to set up a free case review with this tenacious truck accident lawyer in Tampa.