Building Expertise in the Legal Field: David W. Craig’s Advice for Success

Becoming a trial attorney and building expertise in truck accident law are some of the biggest factors and challenges in Truck Accident Attorney David W. Craig’s early legal career. But pushing through, taking the time to develop his skills, and challenging himself is what has made him into the nationally recognized lawyer he is today.

It takes time and dedication to be successful in the legal field. You will have successes and losses, but every case is an opportunity to learn and grow. In his recent feature on an episode of Bulldog Brewhouse Podcast, David shared his legal journey and what steps he had to take to build a successful career.

Advancing Your Legal Expertise

In the personal injury field, becoming a trial attorney can be extremely valuable for your clients. There will be times, especially in truck accident law, where the parties involved cannot agree on a settlement, making trial the next best step to get your client the justice they deserve. But it takes time to hone the skills needed to try and win a case.

Early in his career, David would try every case he could, even the “bad” or difficult ones. However, these cases give new attorneys the opportunity to build their trial skills and get time in the courtroom. If the parties involved cannot decide on a settlement, it does not hurt to take the case to trial and attempt to win the outcome your client deserves. When the responsible party is offering an unsatisfactory settlement, there is no harm in taking it to court. And if you can create a reputation as someone who successfully tries personal injury cases, it can open you to case referrals from other attorneys

Furthermore, fear of failing should not hold you back from trying cases. Failure is simply a risk you must take when fighting for a client, but there is something to be learned from both the wins and the failures. Failing is part of the process when taking the steps to become a better trial attorney. Tough cases help you learn and build more confidence in the courtroom.

Even if you do lose a trial or get a lower settlement, you can still make a huge difference for your clients. Several of David’s clients appreciate his willingness to fight for them, regardless of the outcome. And going to trial gives you and your client the chance to bring about change beyond the courtroom by pushing for things like policy changes, in addition to a fair settlement. Overall, a good attorney should always try to improve.

Necessary Steps to Developing Knowledge of Truck Accident Law

While many personal injury firms and attorneys deal with automobile accidents, truck wreck cases are far more complex. To take on these cases, you need the expertise, dedication, and resources to get your client the outcome they need after an accident.

If you choose to practice truck accident law, it is important to keep in mind that truck drivers are professional drivers and have to abide by different rules and standards than those of us who drive four-wheel vehicles. To pursue these cases, an attorney needs to learn and understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the standards in the Commercial Driver’s License manual.

You must also recognize that the minimum insurance coverage truck drivers carry may not cover your client’s expenses after an accident, meaning you need to investigate if other parties are liable and should compensate your client. It is vital to investigate the trucking company, the medical examiner, the shipper, and the broker in addition to the driver. Moreover, you need the resources to hire experts to gather evidence before there is a chance for it to disappear.

If you would like to specialize in truck accident law specifically, it is worthwhile to strive for board-certification, which shows clients that you have been recognized for your expertise in this area of law.

Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

David W. Craig is the managing partner and one of the founders of Craig, Kelley & Faultless, a personal injury law firm headquartered in Indianapolis. Craig, Kelley & Faultless can be contacted at (888) 253-5198, and additional information can be found on the firm’s website or on Facebook and LinkedIn.

He is board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, accredited by the American Bar Association in Truck Accident Law. He sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families and It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney, both written to help people navigate what comes next after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.

Injured After a Truck Wreck? Craig, Kelley & Faultless Can Help

Attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless are prepared and have the experience to help victims and their loved ones involved in commercial vehicle wrecks through every aspect of their case. Both attorneys David W. Craig and Scott A. Faultless are board-certified in truck accident law by the NBTA, accredited by the American Bar Association. The firm also has a rapid response team that works with investigators, reconstructionists and mechanics who immediately collect evidence as soon as the firm is hired. Additionally, two of the firm’s litigation paralegals are board-certified in truck accident law by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Their team-centered approach puts client needs at the forefront, and several attorneys will work on your case to achieve the best possible outcome.

Reach out for a free case consultation today at (888) 253-5198 or online.

David W. Craig is board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, accredited by the American Bar Association in Truck Accident Law. He sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families and It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney, both written to help people navigate what comes next after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.