Personal injury attorney may be generalists, taking everything from car accident cases to disputes over dog bites. Other attorneys will focus on a given area, whether it is medical malpractice or drunk driving accidents. Yet this type of legal focus makes it harder for the average client to judge the competence and qualifications of the attorney. Here are the top characteristics of a good truck traffic accident attorney.
Skill
The more complex the case, the greater the need for a highly-skilled advocate. Most people recognize the value for this when it comes to medicine. Yet the same is true when you’re dealing with complex legal cases, whether it is medical malpractice or an 18-wheeler accident.
A skilled attorney will know how to analyze related documents and ask the right questions. This allows them to get more done in less time. This is especially true when the attorney’s office specializes in 18-wheeler and truck accidents. They have an entire team dedicated to processing these cases. This allows them to get the job done as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality. And it can make the skilled attorney a better deal, though they may or may not charge a higher hourly rate.
Be careful when you interview attorneys. You might be introduced to the senior attorney at the law firm, when your case will actually be handled by a junior staffer. Verify that the person handling your case is qualified to do so.
Experience
One of the most important things to look for in a Houston truck accident attorney is experience. An attorney who is just starting out only has a theoretical knowledge of what is involved. An experienced attorney has a network of expert witnesses and outside consultants they can bring in as required. They may even have legal nurses and auto accident investigators on staff. This allows you to combine as many tasks as possible into a single visit, while it minimizes the overall amount of traveling you need to do.
Ask the attorney how much experience they have with 18-wheeler accidents. Regularly dealing with lesser car crashes or drunk driving accidents isn’t good enough, because 18-wheeler cases are much more challenging. And you can’t afford for your attorney to get this valuable experience at your expense.
The Heart of a Teacher
Serious accidents can leave you physically and emotionally scarred. You’re certainly facing a long road ahead, and it helps to have a good attorney by your side.
While it may feel good to know that the attorney will be an attack dog in court fighting for your rights, that isn’t good enough. You want an attorney who has the heart of a teacher. They talk to you about your condition and provide the support you need, whether it is a ride to the doctor or an advance on the settlement to pay your living expenses. They explain what their strategy is instead of telling you what to do. They’re available for questions and explain things to you in a manner you understand.
Note that being a good listener isn’t good enough, because you need to know what you’re agreeing to before you sign any kind of agreement.