The State of New York is the fourth most populous state in the United States of America. Two-thirds of the population resides in this city, which is known to be the melting pot of different cultures. NY state is located on the northeastern side and is considered one of the 13 original colonies that formed old America. Because it is a bustling city, it is fairly common for traffic accidents to occur in The Empire State, which is dubbed this way because it serves as a home to the iconic Empire State Building.
If you’re involved in a traffic accident, seek a personal injury lawyer’s help. If the accident you are involved in is with a truck, you would need a specialized attorney. Given the massive size and weight of these monstrous vehicles, you need a special New York truck accident lawyer to help you out. Often, truck accidents result in more serious injuries that have catastrophic effects on the victims’ lives.
With possible extensive injuries, it is common for those involved in these truck accidents to sustain lifetime disabilities, which render them unable to return to work. If you or your loved one are stuck in this harrowing scenario, you must carefully choose your lawyer. Here’s what you need to consider when you are finding representation.
Work with Referrals
When it comes to finding an experienced truck accident lawyer to help you navigate the complex legal process for obtaining damages for your injuries, research your prospects. Good old word of mouth is the number one choice. Get referrals from your family, friends, or colleagues. This is the option that inspires the most trust, especially when you are going through a complex legal challenge that drains your energy.
Do Your Due Diligence
However, if you don’t know anyone who has used a New York truck accident lawyer, you can do a quick Google search to see a list of the experts in your area. Check out their website for information. Find out the lawyer’s credentials, the success rates, and if they provide a free initial consultation. This speaks volumes about the kind character the firm possesses. Anyone that charges upfront is a huge red flag because a lawyer-client relationship hinges on trust. Any reputable firm understands that the initial meeting is crucial to establishing this trust. You must also check out reviews and online testimonials to see what their other clients say.
Check the Bar Status
Once you’ve made a prospective list, you must ascertain if they have licenses in the state where the accident occurred. In the US, each state has a bar association where all lawyers are registered in the database. Do check your prospective attorney’s bar status online, so you can see if they have any sanctions or disciplinary measures against them. Since you will be paying a lot of money for their services, you want the best representation.
Set-Up that Initial Meeting
Once you’ve picked a lawyer, check how they conduct their meetings. During this time, you must ask questions about their training and legal experience. How long have they been working on truck accidents? How many cases have they won? Listen to their answers and their demeanor when replying. Non-verbal cues offer a lot of insight into a professional’s capabilities. In this instance, you have to follow what your guts say. Your instincts are usually always on point, especially when it comes to assessing first impressions. You must be comfortable with your attorney because you will be divulging personal information. If you are feeling doubtful, it is best not to proceed with this firm.
Discuss the Fees Before Signing a Contract
When it comes to this kind of relationship, transparency is necessary. You must talk about the fees upfront and be sure to get this agreement in writing. A reputable firm understands that this goes a long way into making their clients feel secure. When you are battling a trucking company, your lawyer will be facing a lot of days in court and will be submitting a lot of paperwork such as insurance information, police reports of the accident, medical reports, and like. Ask if the firm is charging billable hours or a contingency. It would be best to go with the latter to receive a portion of the eventual settlement after the final judgment has been rendered. You must understand your lawyer’s fees right off the bat.
Final Word
When dealing with something as complicated as a truck accident, you need a capable lawyer who can champion your cause to seek justice. Make sure that the person you speak with is the lawyer who will handle your case. If someone is unable to meet with you, sending an intake person, paralegal, or secretary to do all the initial assessments, this is a bad indicator of the quality of care and attention you will be receiving throughout your court case. To win a complex legal issue, you need a reputable and capable attorney who has your best interest.
