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Accidents involving massive vehicles such as large container trucks, cube trucks or semi tractor-trailers can be very dangerous and scary. These massive vehicles can weight many tons and travel at high speeds. They are susceptible to the same poor weather and road conditions as your car but the damage caused by them can be much more extensive.
Here at O’Neil Injury Law, we have put together this blog post to share what we believe to be most important when hiring a truck accident attorney. We have been representing clients who were involved in truck accidents in Melbourne and Brevard County, FL for many years now and we can handle your case as well. That brings us to point number one on our list:
1.Experience
With years and years of experience trying cases involving truck accidents, your attorney will be prepared for any pitfalls which may present themselves. This is because the old cliché “practice makes perfect” isn’t wrong. With repetition comes learning. This is the kind of learning you cannot get simply from a law book or case study. Hands on experience is the number one asset of any attorney.
2. Trial
Make sure your new attorney has been to trial and has tried plenty of cases. Even though only about 5% of cases actually go to trial, you want to have an attorney who knows what they are doing should it come to that. They have to possess the confidence that they can win a trial in court. This way you know that they are not going to urge you to settle for an unfair offer. They are willing to fight in court for you and this is a very valuable characteristic to have in a truck accident attorney.
3. Good Reviews
First person experience is the most valuable form of feedback there is. If you are referred to attorney by someone you know, chances are you are going to end up satisfied. People don’t often lie about their personal experience with a doctor, attorney, or any other service professional. In fact, they are more apt to complain about what they didn’t like as opposed to what they did. So, if you get a positive referral to an attorney to handle your truck accident case, then consider yourself lucky. Most people relay on online reviews, which aren’t bad, but not as viable as a personal referral.
Online testimonials can be helpful. Reviews from Google aren’t a perfect form of referral, but if you read enough of them you can create a picture in your mind of what sort of attorney you are dealing with.
4. Fees
Your personal injury or accident attorney should operate on a commission basis. This way they only get paid if you do. And the more money you are awarded, the more money they are paid. They should never try to bill you up front, even for small things. This can be a bad sign. They will only take your case if they think you have a good case. They will usually charge a standard % of any settlement or award. You can ask them this number on day one.