Finding the right attorney for your truck accident case requires knowing your options. Here are factors to consider when hiring truck accident attorneys.Truck accidents are often much more serious than passenger car accidents because trucks are so heavy. In 2018, there were nearly 500,000 truck accidents and 4,415 of them were fatal. Eighty-two percent of the fatalities were not the occupants of the truck.
If you or a family member have been injured in a truck accident, you should consider hiring an attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. Knowing whom to hire can be overwhelming, though, so use our tips for hiring truck accident attorneys to get someone who will work for you.
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1. Experience
This is likely not the time to hire a brand new attorney. Instead, you want someone who has years of experience handling personal injury cases, specifically truck accidents. There are special federal rules for truck drivers, and an experienced attorney will know the ins and outs.
They will also be able to estimate what your case is worth based on your medical expenses, lost wages, and lost future wages, and long-term medical care related to your truck accident injury.
2. References and Reviews
Asking family and friends for recommendations is very useful, but you should still do your own research. Put together a shortlist of attorneys based on these recommendations and then start reading reviews and asking for references.
Most attorneys will meet with you for an initial case evaluation, and this is a good time to ask them for references from previous clients. You can also check out any Google reviews from past clients as well.
3. Fee Structure
When you meet with the attorney, ask about their fee structure. Most personal injuries work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win. Don’t assume this is how they work, though, and ask them what their fee structure is and how much of your settlement you will owe them.
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4. Resources Available
To build your case, your attorney will investigate the accident, speak to witnesses, possibly hire accident reconstruction specialists, and review your medical records. Ask them about the resources they have to build your case and whether you will have to pay for these resources up front or if they will come out of your settlement.
5. Communication
Ask your attorney how they will communicate with you and how often. If you contact them, how long should you expect to wait for a response, and who will communicate with you? There’s no right or wrong answer here, but rather, choose an attorney who will communicate in a way that makes you comfortable.
There are a lot of options for attorneys, so pick someone you feel you can work with, as your case could take months or longer to settle.
Use These Tips for Hiring Truck Accident Attorneys
When you are hiring truck accident attorneys for your case, you should look for experience, a commitment to you and your case, and compatibility with the attorney. Go with your gut and if you have reservations, choose a different attorney.
If you found these tips helpful, be sure to check out some of our other legal articles for more valuable information.