A legal consultation involves meeting with a lawyer to discuss your case, understand your rights, and explore your options.
If you’re not well-versed in the law or aware of how lawsuits are litigated, you may not be able to represent yourself well. Hiring truck accident lawyers will ensure your rights are protected, and the proper procedures are followed when filing a claim.
Being well prepared for a consultation ensures that you will achieve the outcomes you desire.
What to look for in a lawyer
- Find a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents
- They should have experience handling similar cases
- They should not have a high caseload as this will prevent them from giving your case the attention it deserves
- Their charges should be within an acceptable range for your budget.
What to bring to a consultation
- Insurance information
- Vehicle information
- Medical records for injuries related to the accident
- Employment information
- Photos or other evidence related to the accident
- Contact information of other parties involved in the accident
Questions to ask your lawyer
What is your background?
You should ask your lawyer about their qualifications, experience handling similar cases, and success rate. This will have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. The more competent your lawyer, the higher your chances of winning.
What is your consultation fee?
You should know how much your lawyer charges per case and what additional costs will be involved. There may also be added charges later on if your case takes longer than expected to reach a resolution, so you should confirm what the additional fees will be.
Lawsuits can get pretty expensive, so being prepared will prevent a drain on your budget.
What’s the plan for the case?
Lawyers usually have a strategy to fight your case. Going over this with your lawyer will ensure that you know what to expect and your interests are protected. For example, if you wish to settle, you can ask your lawyer to prioritize that.
Who will be involved with the case?
The person you speak to during your consultation may not be the one who handles your case. You should know who will handle your case and get their contact information. Make sure they have a clear understanding of your needs.
How long will it take to resolve the case?
The time it takes to close a case will depend on the specifics of your case. You should ask your lawyer for a time estimate to ensure you are prepared mentally and financially.
Be honest with your lawyer
In order to defend your case well, your lawyer needs to know the details of your case. If you choose to hide something, say that you made a mistake that may have contributed to the accident, the defendant will most certainly use that against you, which will affect your chances of winning.
Be honest with your lawyer about the details of your case, including any details about your insurance, any previous health conditions, etc.
Be clear about what you want to achieve
Being clear about what you wish to achieve through the case will ensure that your lawyer can help you get the desired outcome. If you wish to receive a certain amount in settlement, your lawyer can counsel you on what’s doable and ensure that you meet your goals.
There were over 400,000 crashes involving large trucks in 2021. Being well prepared to fight for your rights ensures that you receive fair compensation.