If you’ve been injured by a truck, whether you were driving your car or on foot, you will want to know how to hire a truck accident lawyer. You will want the best expert in truck accident law on your side to ensure that your case is handled properly and that you get the compensation you deserve from the trucking companies. Hiring a truck accident attorney is an important step in your recovery. Here is a checklist of questions you should ask when choosing an attorney.
What is Your Experience?
You want to hire an attorney who has experience handling cases like yours. Not all types of cases require the same type of attorney. An experienced truck accident lawyer will know how to determine whether there are possible parties who could be held liable for causing your injuries and damages, including the driver of the truck, the company that owns it, or the manufacturer of the vehicle or parts. You want to make sure that the lawyer understands all aspects of your case, including the laws and regulations that apply in your case. Truck accident cases can be complex and require an understanding of federal motor carrier safety laws and regulations.
What Types of Truck Accidents Do You Focus On?
It’s also important to know exactly which kinds of truck accidents your lawyer handles. Truck accidents can be caused by brake issues, cargo shifting, ELD issues, driver fatigue, improper loading, poor maintenance, etc. You’ll want to find an attorney who has experience with your specific type of accident and the corresponding injuries that come with it.
What Are My Options?
When you meet with a truck accident lawyer, they should explain all of the legal options available. This might include filing a lawsuit against the truck driver, the trucking company, or both. It might also include filing a claim for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the truck driver was at fault but does not have enough insurance to cover your damages. A good truck accident lawyer should outline the steps that need to be taken to resolve your case successfully. This includes filing paperwork with the court system, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses. The attorney should also discuss any potential settlement offers that might come up during or after trial proceedings have ended.
How Much Do You Charge for Your Legal Services?
Some lawyers charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee for some instances. Find out the average cost to hire a truck accident lawyer, what it includes, such as court costs or filing fees. Make sure you understand all of your payment options before deciding which one works best for you and your family. Attorneys who work on contingency – which means they don’t get anything until you win your case – can be one of the most effective ways to get great representation without paying upfront costs. If possible, try to find an attorney who will take cases on contingency so long as there is no cost upfront.
How Often Will You Be Able to Communicate with You?
Inquire how fast you may anticipate a response from your possible lawyer and which contact method they prefer. Some lawyers are only available in person and may not have time to meet with you more than once every few weeks. Other lawyers will make time for their clients, returning phone calls and emails within 24 hours. It is important to have a lawyer with whom you can easily reach and communicate with at any time. As you begin your search for a good truck accident attorney, you’ll likely begin to receive more information and phone calls from other law firms. A good lawyer will not pressure you to decide and will let you take your time during the hiring process. If they pressure you to decide, they may not be the right choice.
What Are Your Qualifications?
Most lawyers will list their credentials on their website or marketing materials, but you can always ask to be sure. You want to hire an experienced and knowledgeable attorney about truck accidents. Ideally, this person will have many years of experience handling cases like yours. In addition, truck accident lawyers must be familiar with federal regulations governing interstate commerce and state laws that govern motor vehicle operations on state roadways.
Bottom Line
To find the right truck accident lawyer, you need to ask the right questions. And these questions will help you get a better sense of what you’re looking for in an attorney. The answers to these questions can ultimately lead you to hire a truck accident lawyer who will do what’s best for you. So don’t wait. Ensure you gather your facts and get ready to ask your questions. You deserve the best after an accident, so don’t settle for anything less than the best attorney there.