4 Essential Qualities to Look for in a Truck Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
Semi-truck accidents can leave innocent victims stranded in the hospital with piles of bills stacking up. Fortunately, there is help for people injured by negligent truck drivers. With the assistance of an attorney, you can file a claim for compensation and recover enough money to pay for your medical expenses and more.
But with so many attorneys claiming to be the best, it can be overwhelming to choose which attorney should represent you. Before you decide to hire, make sure you know which qualities to look for in a truck accident attorney.
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Experience with Truck Accident Cases
Trucking accident cases are complex. There are complicated rules and regulations set by the federal government as well as by the State of Florida which concern safety, negligence, and liability for accidents.
In addition to the complexity that a truck accident brings, many truck carriers are extremely large companies backed by huge insurers and law firms.
Before hiring an attorney to represent you, make sure s/he has prior experience handling truck accident cases and going up against large truck carriers and their insurers. You do not want your case to be the first one s/he handles.
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Willingness and Ability to Investigate Major Accidents
A great truck accident lawyer will be willing and able to properly investigate a truck accident. This means collecting and using various pieces of evidence, including:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Truck driver’s logbooks, personnel files, and other important paperwork
- Vehicle maintenance, inspection, and safety records
- Police reports from the scene of the accident
- Expert testimony from medical professionals and trucking industry professionals
- Accident reconstruction evidence/expert testimony
Furthermore, before hiring an attorney, make sure that s/he knows how to prevent the destruction of this important evidence by acting quickly as well as by sending a letter of spoliation.
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Knowledge of FMCSA Rules and Regulations
Because the rules and regulations concerning truck drivers are so complicated, you want to make sure that any potential truck accident attorney you hire is confident with them. There are very specific rules on how many hours a truck driver can drive without a break, when drivers must perform inspections, and how trucking companies must maintain their trucks.
Having an attorney that can spot Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) violations can be the difference between a successful claim and an unsuccessful one.
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Leaves Clients Satisfied
It is impossible for an attorney to win every case, but you want to make sure that a qualified attorney handles your truck accident case properly so that you have the best possible chance of success.
Before hiring a truck accident attorney, look at his/her recent cases. What were the outcomes? Were his/her clients satisfied? Will the attorney return your calls in a timely manner or will s/he leave you hanging?
Make sure you know the answers to these questions before retaining your lawyer.
Contact Coffey McPharlin after a Serious Truck Accident
The Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorneys at Coffey McPharlin have years of experience representing clients injured in truck accidents. We will use every possible piece of evidence to build a strong case for you. Let us fight on your behalf and show you why so many of our prior clients leave positive reviews.
Call us today at 954-541-3194 to schedule your free consultation and see why we are the right team for you.
