What Should You Ask When Meeting With A Texas Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer?
The latest data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows that there has been an increase in accidents involving large tractor trailers and buses since 2009. This trend is disturbing, since wrecks involving these vehicles tend to be accompanied by serious injuries and even fatalities in the worst cases. Skilled attorneys are available to help injured people and their families after a tractor trailer accident, such as those here at our firm, a Dallas car accident law firm, but sometimes it is difficult for laypeople to know the kinds of questions to ask at a first meeting.
After your truck accident, it is important to seek a tractor trailer accident lawyer as soon as possible so that they can start working on the necessary aspects of a successful claim for compensation. You should ask for information on their previous experience, on the viability of your claim, and on the kinds of information, you need to provide to help them begin the case.
It is Important for My Lawyer to Have Relevant Experience
One of the most crucial aspects of deciding on the right lawyer for your case is their experience. Tractor trailer accident claims in Texas can become very complex and may involve numerous defendants, such as:
- The trucking company
- The truck driver
- The truck manufacturer
- The truck inspector
Without experience in this specific area of law, an attorney may find themselves unable to withstand the pressure from these defendants and aggressive defense counsel. However, a lawyer who has dealt with these kinds of claims before is better suited to end your claim with a positive outcome.
Local Experience is Best
Though the laws on trucking accidents and related injury claims are governed throughout the state by the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, it is still important for your lawyer to have experience in the local court system. Every court will have its own specific nuances, from ways that the court prefers paperwork to be filed to processes for scheduling hearings. Also, local lawyers can benefit from their continued interactions with local judges and defense attorneys.
For instance, a local attorney may know the proclivities of a certain judge, along with the kinds of evidence that tends to sway them. Or, they may know the likelihood of specific defense attorneys to accept pretrial settlements. All of this knowledge can give your attorney an edge at the negotiation table and in court.
At our firm, a Dallas car accident law firm, , despite our name, we have practiced in a wide variety of cities and locales throughout Texas. The areas we serve include Arlington, Flower Mound, Denton, McKinney, and beyond.
Asking About the Viability of My Claim
Of course, a big part of your first meeting with a potential legal representative will be focused on discussing your claim’s viability. Though you may think you have a worthy claim, attorneys have deep knowledge of the law and can help you better understand the value of your case and how likely it is that your claim could end with a positive outcome. For instance, the deadline for filing a tractor trailer accident injury claim in Texas is two years from the date of the crash. If this deadline has been missed, unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will be able to pursue compensation at all.
Another aspect of your claim’s viability is the value of your damages. If your total harms do not represent a significant amount, a lengthy trial and negotiation may not be worth the time and fees. A skilled attorney can walk you through the value of your damages and help you decide whether or not you wish to proceed with litigation.
Information I May Need to Provide
In order for your lawyer to do their job quickly and efficiently, you should ask them what kinds of information you need to give them that can help speed the process along. Ideally, you will want to provide them with as much information about the claim as possible right from the first meeting. Examples of documents and information you should bring along include:
- Any videos or pictures of the accident scene that you possess
- A copy of the police report
- Medical bills you have accrued as a result of your injury
- Witness statements or contact information
- Insurance information
- Any information about the opposing driver
This can give your tractor trailer accident injury attorney a starting point for the collection and preservation of even more evidence to support your claim. The sooner they are able to start building a case, the better odds you have of getting the compensation you deserve.
Dallas Car Accident Lawyers Can Help Me Today
At our firm, a Dallas car accident law firm, , our attorneys have the relevant experience, local knowledge, understanding of the law, and the ability to pursue evidence that you need for a successful injury claim. We offer a 100% FREE consultation to discuss the viability of your claim and our ability to help you, and we do not collect a fee unless we win the claim.
To get your free consultation and start working toward restoring peace in your life, get in touch with us via our contact page. You can also call us at 469-998-4069.
