Being in a truck accident of any kind can lead to traumatic injuries due to the sheer size of the vehicle involved. The vulnerability of those who are traveling in smaller vehicles can lead to more severe injuries such as TBIs, spinal cord injuries and even death. With trucks weighing between 20 and 30 times as much as cars, accidents on Southern California’s roadways and indeed throughout the nation have the ability to carry dire consequences.
According to the FMCSA, of the 415,000 crashes involving large trucks in 2015, there were 3,600 fatalities and 83,000 injuries. Unfortunately, most deaths resulting from semi and trailer truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants. The main problem here, aside from the obvious weight difference, is that trucks tend to be much taller with higher ground clearance, resulting in smaller vehicles becoming underpinned in accidents. Another factor is braking capability. A fully loaded tractor trailer can take up to 40% longer to stop than cars. This is compounded when slippery road conditions are taken into consideration.
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Have you been the victim of a truck accident? Was your loved one killed in such a crash? If so, you need to secure the services of a qualified truck accident attorney in Lancaster. But how do you know which one to choose? There are many in the Southern California area but they are not all created equal. Heed our tips to find the best truck accident lawyer in Lancaster.
Check Reputation
Experience, word of mouth recommendations, reviews…these factors all play into how well a lawyer is known in the community for providing exceptional service. Researching the backgrounds of the lawyers you’re considering is a crucial first step. Talk to people who may have used a lawyer in the past. Create a shortlist of those recommended to you. Ask to be provided with references and then follow up by talking to former clients.
Examine Experience
Now that you have a better understanding of the lawyers you have narrowed down, it’s time to take a deeper look into their history, schooling and experience. Just like in the medical profession, there is no substitute for experience in the legal world. Look for those who have several years of experience handling truck accident cases. In fact, examine the track record of success. Follow up with questions for each lawyer and ask them how many cases like yours they have taken on. How many cases have they won? Settled? In the end, you want a truck accident attorney in Lancaster that works with commercial truck crash cases on a daily basis.
Take Note of Your Comfort Level
To draw another parallel to the medical profession…just as you would naturally gravitate toward doctors with warm bedside manners coupled with proven skill in their specialties, you may also gravitate toward attorneys with whom you feel comfortable with. There’s something to be said about people you “click” with. If you feel uneasy in your gut upon meeting with a particular lawyer – despite his or her skills – you may want to keep searching. After all, you’ll be working with your lawyer for many months and even years to resolve your case. You should be able to rely on a good lawyer-client relationship. That’s because any lawsuit is a collaboration between a lawyer and the client. If you can’t trust your truck accident attorney in Lancaster, and vice versa, your chances for success are reduced.
Assess Lawyer’s Interest Level
Passion…dedication…perseverance…these are the qualities you want to see when meeting with lawyers. If they don’t seem particularly enthusiastic about taking on your case – either stemming from lack of confidence with your type of case or just business as usual – try someone else. There’s no one else in the world that will fight for your rights quite like your attorney will. You want someone who will fight hard for you and not give up. A motivated lawyer will gather all the experts necessary to help prove your case, from doctors to police, as well as collect relevant evidence, take depositions and find witnesses that can further exonerate you.
Conduct Interviews
The last step is to actually meet with the lawyers you have selected. The first consultation is free and you can use this time to have a lengthy one-on-one conversation. Here are some handy questions to ask:
- How many truck accident claims have you handled?
- How many have you won?
- How many are you currently handling?
- When was the last time you handled a truck accident case?
- How much was the verdict?
- Who will actually work on my case?
By doing your research, you can feel confident that you have chosen the best truck accident lawyer in Lancaster.
Contact Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers
From driver fatigue and inattention to overload and poor road conditions, many factors can lead to a commercial truck accident. If you would like to discuss the parameters of your case, please call Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers for a free initial consultation at 661-945-6969. Our personal injury attorneys handle dozens of cases just like yours every year.