The choice of a truck accident attorney is a serious decision that can have major implications on your case and your future. But in our modern world advertising permeates our lives, and it seems as though every firm claims you are surely doomed if you choose another to handle your case. How then, should you make an informed decision about the law firm that can best serve your interests and protect your rights? By judging each law firm you consider on four simple criteria, you can make the best decision for you.
1) Experience
When it comes to personal injury law, there is no substitute for years in the courtroom. Ideally, your lawyer will have spent decades navigating the Virginia court system. Experienced trial attorneys have presented many cases to juries and are comfortable presenting cases in the courtroom. When your day in court comes, there is nothing more valuable than having an experienced truck accident lawyer in your corner.
2) Reputation
One way to identify the best lawyers is through other lawyers. Seek out a law firm that has great standing in the legal community. Numerous awards and commendations exist to help you identify the lawyers that other lawyers have recognized. Another important indication of a law firm’s quality is its reputation with the insurance companies. If your chosen firm has a reputation for willingness to go to trial and the ability to obtain large verdicts in the courtroom, the insurance company will most likely be more willing to settle your case.
3) Focus
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you need a personal injury attorney. But it is important to know what else that attorney does. Do they specialize in personal injury and truck accident cases? Or is that just a part of their practice? It is nearly always preferable to find an attorney, or better yet a law firm, that specializes in personal injury law and truck accidents. They will be more experienced handling cases like yours and will likely be more prepared for any problems or complications that may arise.
4) Resources
Attorneys are only one part of the legal team that will be responsible for handling your case. Be sure you also inquire about the investigation team and legal assistants that work at your chosen law firm. Their work will be central to bringing your case to a successful conclusion.
The issue of which truck accident lawyer you hire is even more crucial in a tractor trailer accident case. You need an attorney who understands both the special laws that apply to large trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor trailers and who understands the unique ways in which they operate.
Tractor trailer cases are governed by different laws that greatly increase their complexity. Because they engage in interstate commerce, tractor trailers are regulated by the federal government rather than individual states. There are complex laws regarding various aspects of trucking such as inspections and consecutive driving hours. Someone who has been trained to handle truck accident cases can really understand all of the special laws that may apply.[1]
Another factor affecting tractor trailer cases is the uniqueness of the vehicles themselves. Tractor trailers are large, ungainly vehicles with huge blind spots. They are more prone to rolling when traveling around sharp corners, and take much longer to come to a stop. A good truck accident attorney will recognize these differences and possibly make use of them during the handling of your case.
So when you’re wondering which truck accident lawyer can best represent you, just remember to concentrate on their experience, reputation, focus, and resources. If a law firm manages to impress you in these categories, it’s a safe bet they’ll do a great job handling your truck accident case.
About the Author: Richmond truck accident attorney Chris Guedri has over 30 years of experience handing complex trucking and tractor trailer accident cases for clients, some involving wrongful death or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recognized by his peers as a superb litigator, Chris has been listed in the book Best Lawyers in America since 1995 and in 2008 he was inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, an organization of attorneys who are elected to membership based on their reputation for excellence. He has also been included among the “Legal Elite Best Lawyers in Virginia” by Virginia Business Magazine.?
