A truck accident case is not one a victim should take lightly. These accidents are often catastrophic, giving survivors life-changing damages. Furthermore, trucking companies’ insurance providers know how to convince claimants to settle their claims for as little money as possible. This combination means it is generally in your best interest to hire a New Mexico truck accident lawyer to assist you with a case in Albuquerque. Check for a few important qualities in an attorney to make sure you retain the right one for you.
Truck Accident Practice Area Experience
Trust your case with a lawyer who has significant experience handling truck accident claims. These are unique types of cases with special laws, such as safety rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Since commercial trucks cross state lines, federal rules apply. For example, all commercial truck drivers must obey hours of service regulations. Failing to do so could cause a drowsy driving truck accident. Your lawyer should have hands-on experience accepting clients who are victims of truck accidents. This can ensure your lawyer understands the unique parameters of a truck accident lawsuit in New Mexico.
Real Results
Although past results do not guarantee future ones, they can give you peace of mind about the law firm’s capabilities. Check for a history of positive results. Look at the law firm’s website or ask the attorney directly for examples of previous cases he or she won. Fair insurance settlements, as well as judgment awards from personal injury trials, can demonstrate the lawyer’s ability to see a claim through to the end and obtain maximum compensation for clients. Remember, however, that previous successes do not mean the lawyer will achieve the same results for you. Each case is unique.
Trial Attorneys
Most truck accident cases in New Mexico settle through insurance claim negotiations without needing trials by jury. Sometimes, however, debates with an insurance company continue for so long without positive results that a lawyer has to take a truck accident claim to court. For this reason, it is important to find an attorney who has the education, experience and ability to go to trial. It is better to hire a trial lawyer and not need to go to court than to find a new attorney after your case does not resolve at the settlement stage. A trial lawyer can prepare your case as if it will go to court from the beginning – making for a stronger claim to damages.
Affordable Rates
Your truck accident lawyer should not make you nervous about how you will afford his or her services. You should receive pricing information upfront before you ever sign anything to retain the attorney. Find out what you will need to pay to retain the lawyer, if anything, as well as the overall costs of the attorney. Many personal injury lawyers, including those at The Fine Law Firm, operate on a contingency fee basis. This legal fee setup means you will not have to pay your lawyer anything unless he or she secures you a financial award. If your lawyer does win the truck accident case, he or she will take payment from the settlement or verdict rather than charging you directly.
Positive Client Testimonials
Try to find law firm reviews that showcase how the attorney treats his or her clients. Think about what traits are the most important to you, such as honesty, respect and communication, and look for signs of them in client testimonials. You can get a good idea of what to expect from an attorney by reading testimonials from real clients. If the truck accident lawyer also offers free initial consultations, schedule one to see what he or she is like in person. You can meet with top New Mexico personal injury lawyers to see which one you connect with the most. You should feel confident in the truck accident attorney you choose in Albuquerque.