Truck accident cases are a bit more complicated than regular automobile cases. With this difference in mind, handling their cases will require different kinds of expertise. Location is a factor too – If you live in Michigan, you’ll need experienced truck accident lawyers in Michigan to take on your case.
Some firms may give you lawyers that they feel will handle your case best, but, in the end, the responsibility of choosing a truck accident lawyer for your case is yours. You will need to ask a few questions, know their experience and even see if your personalities are compatible.
To help you get started, here are some things to consider when hiring a truck accident lawyer.
Meet Before Hiring: Ensure that you meet with your shortlisted or selected lawyers before you choose. In other words, you need to assess them, ask questions, understand their processes, then make a decision.
Assess the personality: Not in a way to discriminate or judge anyone. However, it would be best if you were comfortable around your lawyer and gauge that you align in essential areas. This assessment will allow you to answer questions like – Is this lawyer genuinely interested in my case? Will the lawyer listen to me? Am I comfortable communicating with this lawyer etc.
Assess the level of honesty: Trust is an essential factor in every lawyer-client relationship, and a truck accident case shouldn’t be an exception. You’d need a lawyer that will tell you the truth all the time, not necessarily only the things you may want to hear. The right lawyer will be transparent from the beginning and be willing to get all the relevant information they can gather to make your case successful. Truck accident cases are not always smooth sailing, and an honest lawyer can say when there are unfavorable results. E.g.: If you don’t have a good case, the lawyer should tell you soon enough to avoid incurring irrelevant costs.
Assess the fees: You may be comfortable with the lawyer and okay with their level of honesty but can’t afford them. Considering their prices before hiring is crucial as you don’t want to be in a fix. Truck accident lawyers usually charge a contingent fee and will typically disclose this upfront. However, if the lawyer doesn’t, ask them to draft the costs clearly so that no hidden fees may spring up on you later.
Assess the referees:To navigate the legal services industry, you may need some guidance and recommendations – that’s where referrals and referees come in. Family and friends are the first point-of-call for recommendations; however, you can go the extra mile by asking the lawyer to provide their referees. Recommendations allow you to sieve through to reach reliable lawyers. You can look through their portfolio to have an idea of the cases they’ve handled in the past. You can also speak to one or two of their referees to be sure. This process will inform the questions you may want to ask later and how to proceed.
Finally, another vital factor to consider is that it becomes a partnership once you’ve chosen a lawyer. You will need to communicate your expectations, and the lawyer will take you through how to achieve them. Dealing with a truck accident already comes with its challenges, so you need an experienced and trustworthy lawyer to ease the stress.