Choosing the best 18-wheeler accident lawyer can be a frustrating yet extremely important process. When a person has been injured in an accident, the negligent, or at-fault, party is generally responsible for compensating the victim for his or her injuries. The right 18-wheeler accident lawyer can make a substantial difference in the amount of compensation a victim receives, making the choice all the more important. A variety of resources are available to help make the right choice, such as friends and family, the internet, and the local bar association.
A victim in any type of accident can suffer serious injuries. Being involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler raises the likelihood of serious, or even life-threatening, injuries simply by virtue of the sheer size and weight of a semi-trailer. If the driver of the truck was at fault, then then the victim may be entitled to compensation for his or her injuries. Although an attorney is not required in order to secure compensation, in many cases, an attorney will ensure that the victim receives what he or she is due for his or her injuries.
One of the best ways to find a good 18-wheeler accident lawyer is to ask friends, family, or co-workers if they have had the opportunity to work with one in the past. Personal referrals are frequently the best source for finding a good attorney. Even if the referral is not for an attorney who specializes in accident cases, that referral may lead to an attorney who does.
In many jurisdictions, the local or state bar association is another excellent referral source. A bar association is a voluntary association of attorneys that offers services both to attorneys and to the public. A bar association frequently has a list of attorneys in the area and their areas of practice. In addition, it may be able to provide additional information, such as how long the attorney has been in practice or what other languages he or she speaks.
The internet is another tool for locating an 18-wheeler accident lawyer. In the digital age, most lawyers have at least a basic presence on the internet. Often, a potential client can find out a significant amount of information about a potential lawyer from his or her website. At a bare minimum, it is a good source to use to make a list that can be used to research potential attorneys.
Once a list has been made of potential 18-wheeler accident lawyers, a prospective client may wish to check with the state disciplinary board to ascertain whether the attorney has ever been disciplined. After that, a call to each attorney's office should be made to make an appointment for a consultation. Most accident attorneys offer a free consultation. Be prepared at the consultation to ask pertinent questions regarding the lawyer's background and experience, fees, and what he or she thinks about your specific case. After completing the consultations, choosing the best 18-wheeler accident lawyer should be easy.