If you’ve been in an accident with an 18 wheeler, you’re lucky to be alive. Those trucks are as big as they come and when they hit highway speeds, they can be especially dangerous. But while you still may be in a lot of pain, it’s important you call a qualified 18 wheeler accident lawyer as soon as possible. Of course, anyone can claim that title, so here’s what to look for.

After you’ve told the lawyer your side of the story, you should expect that they act quickly to obtain the black box recordings aboard the truck. Black boxes record the minutes leading up to and immediately after an accident. Obviously, this can provide invaluable information. But because it’s recorded on loop, if your lawyer doesn’t know to work fast, it can be lost forever.

Your potential 18 wheeler accident lawyer should usually have a plan regarding the trucking company employing the driver. That’s because these companies have a number of obligations when it comes to vetting possible employees. They’re also responsible for the upkeep of their vehicles. If your accident was caused because the truck wasn’t properly maintained, the trucking company might be at fault.

It may even become necessary for your lawyer to go after the truck manufacturer if the actual truck was faulty from the beginning.

Lastly, a qualified 18 wheeler accident lawyer should be very interested in knowing where the accident occurred and getting to that spot as soon as possible. That’s because they’ll want a shot at gathering any evidence or eyewitness statements they can. Time is a factor when it comes to both of those.

So while you have plenty of attorneys to pick from, you need to make sure you only pick ones who know what they’re doing. Kirkendall Dwyer LLP is a good example of the type of firm you want to work with. They have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide you with qualified representation.