The Differences That Matter: David Craig on The Success Partner Podcast

“There are a lot of lawyers who make you feel like you’re lucky to have them as your lawyer,” David Craig said. “I feel very fortunate to have you as my client. It’s a subtle difference — but it’s a huge difference.”

In a profession too-often centered around money and pride, the best lawyers set their egos aside, prioritizing compassion, honesty, and client satisfaction.

This is what David Craig, managing partner of Craig, Kelley & Faultless believes, and it is what he shared with host Daya Naef on her podcast, “The Success Partner.”

From Podcast Host to Podcast Guest

David Craig is the managing partner of personal injury law firm Craig, Kelley and Faultless. As a truck accident attorney, he represents the victims of wrecks caused by negligent drivers of semi tractor-trailers, wreckers, dump trucks, flatbed trucks and other commercial motor vehicles.

Through his podcast, “After the Crash,” David empowers everyday listeners by interviewing experts in mechanics, commercial trucking, accident investigation and medical treatment. Anyone on the roads is vulnerable to the dangers posed by reckless truckers. David’s podcast gives victims the knowledge they need.

Recently, he joined another podcast: “The Success Partner” Podcast, hosted by Daya Naef.

Daya’s podcast explores the stories of attorneys, business professionals and entrepreneurs. Her guests share the “ups and downs” of their experiences and how they have overcome challenges to reach success.

Watch David’s episode, “Dogs, French Toast & Legal Excellence: Law Practice Culture,” on YouTube.

How Do I Find the Right Attorney for My Accident?

“It can be very intimidating for a non-lawyer looking for an attorney,” Daya brought up.

David agrees, and this is the reason he authored “It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney,” a book coming out later this year.

Most people will never need to hire a truck accident attorney. But, for those whose worlds have been turned upside down by a catastrophic truck wreck, knowing how to identify good, reputable lawyers is critical.

The right lawyer will make clear that they prioritize clients — not profits. You should feel seen by your attorney. They should make time to speak with you personally, to answer any questions you may have, and to ease your worries.

The attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless understand that their clients are overwhelmed and scared. Many clients are experiencing the worst months of their life, suffering horrible injuries or grieving a lost loved one.

When you meet with an attorney, before hiring them, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I feel seen and heard? Did they listen to me with patience and compassion?
• Did they answer all of my questions? Did they seem transparent and open?
• Did I feel comfortable around them? Do our personalities and values align?
• Does this lawyer have experience with cases like mine? Have they successfully taken cases to trial?

Especially in a truck accident case, clients and attorneys will be spending a lot of time together. Your case could last months or years. If you don’t feel comfortable around your lawyer’s team, if you feel unheard or talked down to, you should find someone else.

It is crucial that you have a say in your case. When your case progresses to settlement — the phase where the opposing party makes an offer — your lawyer must consult you before making any decisions.

David said he neither forces his clients to settle nor forces them to go to trial. Ultimately, that is the client’s decision. If they want to accept the settlement, he will support them. If they are unhappy with the offer and want to take the case to trial, he will be ready to fight for as long as it takes.

“Anybody can say they’re the best. The reality is some people can back it up.”

 In a world of billboards, social media ads and TV commercials, we are bombarded with information.

Every lawyer claims to be the best. They spread enticing advertisements. Many of them would tell you that you are lucky to have them as your attorney. This is a red flag.

If your lawyer is there to help you, they will feel fortunate for the chance to represent you. They will be happy to share their qualifications with you. Anyone with money can pay for a billboard. But certain accolades cannot be bought.

For example, all 10 of the attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless were recently named on the 2025 Indiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. To qualify for this honor, attorneys must be nominated, independently researched, and evaluated by peers. The Super Lawyers list honors only 5% of the state’s attorneys, and Rising Stars honors 2.5% of Indiana lawyers.

David Craig and Scott Faultless, two of the firm’s founding partners, are board-certified in truck accident law — a qualification held by fewer than 100 attorneys in the United States. To receive certification, lawyers must have trial experience, take a written exam, be extensively evaluated by peers, and more.

Each of the firm’s attorneys have been nationally ranked. Many of them speak at seminars and conferences across the country and are awarded for their success in truck accident law.

No matter how you find a lawyer, be sure to check their qualifications.

What Matters Most: Compassion, Respect, Perseverance

When David became a lawyer, he didn’t expect to dedicate his career to fighting for truck-wreck victims.

At the start of his career, he hadn’t yet found his niche, he told Daya.

But then he was hired to work on a truck wreck case. A gravel truck had run off the road and crashed into a building, where it severely injured David’s client. During this case, David discovered the passion he had for investigating these wrecks and fighting to get justice for the victims.

It occurred to him that he had been given the opportunity to change this man’s life for the better.

David read every book he could find on commercial trucking and trucking law. He built a practice representing personal injury victims, especially those who had been devastated by negligent semi-truck drivers.

He published “Semitruck Wreck: A Guide for Victims in Their Families,” and launched his podcast. He wants to educate folks — even if they don’t hire him.

And, at the end of the day, he knows that accomplishments and awards mean nothing if he isn’t focused on his clients. His team must prioritize compassion and respect, dedicating themselves to the people they have been chosen to represent.

Find Qualified Personal Injury Attorneys Near You

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a wreck caused by a commercial motor vehicle, reach out to a truck accident attorney today.

The attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless represent clients anywhere in the United States and are licensed to practice in Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Iowa.

For a free case consultation, contact the firm at (800) 746-0226 or with our online form.

 

David W. Craig is a nationally recognized truck accident lawyer who 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. He was the recipient of the National Thurgood Marshall “Fighting for Justice” Award for his work helping victims of truck wrecks. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to help people navigate a terrible situation by answering questions that come 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 Indiana law safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.