• March 13, 2019
• CMZ Law
• no comments

If you (or a loved one) have been injured and need to hire a Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer, there are important things you should consider before making the final selection. After all, when these large vehicles collide with your passenger vehicle, extensive damage can happen–the type of damage that can not only destroy your vehicle but can also alter your life. While you will undoubtedly be presented with many options for a Personal Injury Lawyer, not all attorneys or law firms are created equal.

Experience Matters

While specialized training is imperative for any Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer, this classic song lyric says it best: “Experience is a good teacher.” Insurance companies are well aware that the overwhelming majority of the public has no idea what rights they are entitled to in the event of personal injury. Not knowing–and failing to get the right kind of representation–can cost you money, in the form of low settlement offers. Experienced attorneys not only know what you’re entitled to, they are also seasoned in the art of building a solid case, negotiating with the insurance companies and in being prepared to go to trial if they have to. The experienced attorney is positioned to get you a favorable settlement which will far exceed the compensation you would receive in ‘going it alone.’

Costs Involved

Speaking of ‘going it alone,’ a number of injured parties choose this route to avoid attorney’s fees and associated costs for hiring a Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer. Understand that most accept your case on what’s called a Contingency Basis. Simply put, they are paid only when you receive a financial award. In most states, attorney’s fees range from 33%-40% of the overall award. While that percentage may seem staggering to you, remember this experienced professional is, in most cases, capable of recovering substantially more than their less experienced counterparts. If there is a loss, you pay nothing to the attorney.

Advanced Trial Techniques

In most cases, the experienced Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer will work to get a settlement, eliminating the need to prepare for trial. However, in some cases, the actual trial will be unavoidable. Trials involve juries, and juries are made up of a small assembly of your peers. Let’s face it: Ours is a very visually stimulated society, and having audio-visual aids can help a jury “see” and comprehend the details of your case. Examples of these advanced techniques include: Audio or video depositions, animated reenactments, photographs and scaled models. If your attorney uses these techniques, it can be a huge advantage.

Ask Questions

When you meet with a Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer for the first time, the initial consultation is usually free. He/she will ask questions regarding the details of your case, but before accepting the offer to represent you, ask questions. After all, you will need to know what to expect. Has he/she worked on cases similar to yours, and if so, what was the outcome? Will anyone else from the firm be working on your case alongside this attorney? How will you be kept informed of the progress of your case?