In a truck accident resulting in injuries and catastrophic damages, you may be entitled to compensation if another driver causes the crash. Often, injured victims of truck collisions hire attorneys to file a claim to avoid legal complications and successfully receive fair compensation.
However, not all truck accident lawyers have your best interests in mind. Sometimes, they only take cases for their own benefit without giving the utmost effort to negotiate a just settlement.
To avoid this, this article will help you discover how to find a truck accident attorney who is fit for you and your situation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident?
Many truck accidents lead to catastrophic injuries and significant damage. While it may be apparent that negligent drivers are liable in accidents where traffic violations are evident, it’s still best to hire truck accident lawyers to advocate for your case. This is because legal complications, especially when fighting against big truck companies, may arise.
For example, you were in the blind spot of the truck when they suddenly turned to your area. Unfortunately, this action led to a collision, resulting in severe arm injuries. If you lack legal defense, their insurance company and the legal team may insist that you are partially at fault for staying in the truck’s blind spot, thereby reducing your settlement.
Truck accident attorneys possess the expertise to identify all responsible parties involved in the accident and initiate legal action against them. This approach ensures that you have the opportunity to secure maximum compensation for the damages you’ve incurred.
How to Find the Right Truck Accident Attorney for You
While lawyers are hired to smooth the legal process, some attorneys worsen the situation. For instance, some may only contact you during the legal process once they reach a settlement, leaving you with questions and worrying about your case.
This is why it is essential to follow the steps below to ensure that the truck accident attorney you will be hiring is the best fit for you and your claim.
Check Their Credentials
When hiring a truck accident lawyer, it is in your best interest to connect with one with a stellar legal background. Ensure the lawyer you are considering has a current bar association membership and a license to practice law in your state. Look for any memberships or certificates in pertinent legal associations as well.
You can do this by calling the bar association of the state or checking the American Bar Association for this online accreditation.
Assess Their History and Track Record
Aside from their credentials, one crucial factor when hiring a lawyer is determining whether they win similar cases. An attorney who has successfully handled claims like yours brings valuable expertise and familiarity with the legal procedures specific to truck accident cases, streamlining the process and ensuring efficient progress.
So, you may assess their history by inquiring about their success rate, the types of cases they have handled, and any settlements or verdicts they have obtained for clients in the initial consultation.
You may also talk to their past clients and ask about their experience with the lawyer, or check reviews online. This way, you will know how they treat their clients during the legal process.
Identify Their Fee Structure
We know handling a truck accident comes with a hefty cost due to lost wages and other damages. Before you choose an attorney, you must understand how they manage their fees so you will know if it fits your needs.
Make sure to go over the lawyer’s service fee and any other expenses related to your case. Most personal injury lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win you compensation. However, there are instances where lawyers follow a different fee structure, such as an hourly basis.
Schedule an Initial Consultation
Most truck accident lawyers provide free initial consultations. Make the most of these chances to discuss your case and get to know them. You may ask inquiries, assess their level of experience and communication style, and decide whether you are comfortable working with them during this period.
The following questions may help you determine whether the lawyer is a good fit for you:
- Can you provide examples of cases you’ve managed similar to mine, and what were the results?
- How do you prefer to communicate, and how often do you offer case updates?
- What is your fee arrangement, and how do you bill for representation?
- In your opinion, what are the potential obstacles or advantages in pursuing this particular case?
- What is the estimated timeline for resolving my case?
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts when selecting a truck accident attorney. Choose someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and committed to fighting for your rights and best interests. You will often determine this during the first consultation. Aside from this, how they communicate with you often tells if you can get along and work well together.
Can I File a Truck Accident Case Without a Lawyer?
Fulfilling a truck accident claim without legal representation is possible, but it’s usually not advised. Due to the possibility of complicated issues that may arise, such as significant damages, the involvement of several parties, and complex legal restrictions, truck accident cases are often tricky. You might find it challenging to handle the intricacies of the legal system without an attorney by your side.
A lawyer from a trucking law firm increases the likelihood that you will receive just compensation for your losses and injuries by contributing significant assets and professional expertise to your case. This is why it is best to hire a truck accident lawyer to guarantee that your rights are upheld and ensure that your case will succeed.
