According to TruckInfo, more than 13,000 bus accidents occur annually in the US, with roughly 51% involving injuries and 1.3% resulting in fatalities. School bus-related accidents claimed the lives of 128 people in 2023, as reported by the National Safety Council (NSC). The 2023 figure is up by 23% compared to the 104 deaths recorded in 2022.
A bus accident attorney in Beverly Hills says after a bus accident, injuries, costs, and dealing with a big transit company can be complicated. If you were injured in a bus accident, you need an experienced bus accident attorney if you plan to file a personal injury claim against whoever was at fault.
With the help your lawyer, you may be able to max out your settlement. He or she knows the special rules that apply to bus accidents. Whether your case involves public transit or school buses, a competent lawyer will assist you in every step of the legal process.
How can your personal injury lawyer assist and how do you pick the right attorney to represent you?
Assess Your Specific Needs
Before looking for an accident attorney, you should take a good look at your particular needs. You should examine the type of accident involved and the injuries you or your loved one sustained.
Denver brain injury lawyer Kevin Cheney says bus accidents can result in a traumatic brain injury. Some of the permanent effects of TBIs are loss of enjoyment in life, a reduced earning capacity, and ongoing medical expenses.
If you have severe injuries, you should hire a compentent lawyer who can negotiate the right settlement for your ongoing medical needs. If you sustained minor injuries, ask yourself if you would want to settle quickly or rather take your time and perhaps try to achieve a better outcome during trial?
Assessing your needs allow you to also have a set budget and can influence your decision-making process when hiring your lawyer.
Research Potential Lawyers
When you start looking for lawyers, keep in mind that not all lawyers are created the same. Ask your family and friends for recommendations. The information they can give you is valuable since it will most likely come from personal experience.
Use the Internet to go through reviews and testimonials for prospective lawyers. Check their specializations. You want someone who has a focus on accident cases. An attorney should be able to present a proven track record when asked to. Look for someone who has dealt with similar cases to yours.
Go ahead and check their presence in professional directories and legal forums. Prepare a question list for your initial consultations that will ascertain whether the attorney actually comprehends your needs and is capable of representing you in an appropriate manner.
Do take your time when selecting a legal representative. Don’t just settle with the attorney you first come across.
Check Qualifications and Experience
Before choosing an accident lawyer, first set your mind on looking into their credentials and experiences.
Check the lawyer’s law school and personal injury law training first. A lawyer having a current license and good standing with the state bar is best.
You will need to know how many accident cases a lawyer has handled and the results of those cases. Investigate the familiarity of the attorney with the local laws and procedure. These aspects, when paid attention to, can greatly influence your case.
Hiring an attorney who has dealt with a case like the one you are confronting will offer some insights regarding your circumstances. Check what the lawyer’s former clients have had to say about them. Do the reviews for a potential attorney reflect goodwill toward the clients?
A lawyer with a lot of experience and good qualifications is more likely to help you get the result you want.
Schedule Consultations
How can you be certain if you have found an adequate accident attorney? You can confirm if a lawyer is the right one for you by scheduling consultations.
Many lawyers will meet with you for free. You can discuss your situation without having to spend money. Prepare to ask prospective lawyers about their experience, how they work, and their professional fees.
See if your lawyer really cares about your case. You can compare their work ethics and their personalities by meeting with a few lawyers. Take your time meeting with several lawyers so you can see how knowledgeable and dedicated they are to really understanding your case.
Don’t make decisions too quickly; they could have a big impact on the result of your case.
Evaluate Communication and Comfort Level
What makes you feel comfortable talking to a lawyer? Assess a lawyer’s response times and the ability to simplify legal terms. A lawyer who listens and is able to answer questions gently will add value to your case.
Try to figure out the lawyer’s body language so that you can know whether he/she actually has empathy and understands fully what you are going through. Being comfortable with your lawyer will allow you to divulge intricate details about your case.
On the other hand, one can always pick and find another lawyer if he feels that a lawyer is not the right fit.
Remember, the right lawyer will alleviate your stress and allow you to recover, while a wrong hire can lead to frustrations and wasted resources. Pick the right lawyer who you can trust and rely on.
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