Trucking Accident Lawyers
Trucking accidents are on the rise.
In 2020, 4,842 large trucks were involved in a fatal accident. This is a 33% increase since 2011.
Trucking accidents are often the fault of the large truck and if you’re in an accident with a trailer truck, you may be entitled to compensation. Hiring a lawyer can help you win your case, but finding the right lawyer can seem overwhelming.
Keep reading for the top 10 questions to ask trucking accident lawyers to reduce your anxiety and start your case off on the right foot.
1. Why Did You Choose Trucking Accident Law?
What separates a passable attorney from a great one is the passion they have for their work. Trucking accident lawyers should have empathy for victims of accidents and it should show.
When interviewing potential lawyers, consider how they make you feel. You should feel heard and understood. Choosing a lawyer you can trust will lead to better results.
2. Have You Handled Cases Like Mine Before?
Even if you choose a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents, you still want to be sure they have experience with cases like yours. This is especially true if your case has any complicating factors.
You can determine whether a lawyer is a right fit by asking them about their experience with cases similar to yours.
3. What Are Your Past Results?
Past results are a reliable indicator of future success. Ask potential trucking accident lawyers about their track record.
The right attorney will be proud to share their accomplishments. You can even ask if they have any testimonials from former clients that have been happy with their results.
4. What Do You Think About My Case?
Trucking accident lawyers offer free case evaluations to potential clients so everyone can get an idea of what to expect. This is the time to ask any burning questions you may have including the obvious, “Do I have a case?”
Proving liability and damages can be difficult and it’s important for everyone to be on the same page. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how a case will go, setting general expectations can put everyone at ease.
5. What Damages Could I Recover?
Trucking accidents are often particularly severe with victims suffering extensive damages. You should ask your truck accident lawyer about your damages and what you can expect to recover.
You may be able to recover economic damages including medical expenses and lost wages as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Your damages will depend on the nature and extent of your injuries.
6. What Parties Will You Go After?
The best trucking accident lawyers pursue every responsible party to ensure you get the maximum possible compensation. With trailer truck accidents, more than one party can be responsible for what happened.
These parties can include the trucking company, the driver of the truck, another driver that may have contributed to the accident, government entities, manufacturers, suppliers, and more.
7. What Will Representation Cost?
Before you hire a trucking accident lawyer, you want to ask what their representation will cost. How much will you pay, how will you pay, and when will you pay?
Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you only pay if they win your case.
You should ask for a fee agreement that details what expenses, fees, and costs you will pay and when.
8. Who Will Be Handling My Case?
While the attorney you meet with may be the one assigned to your case, they may not be your main point of contact throughout the claims process. This is why one of the most important questions to ask after a trailer truck accident is who will be working on your case.
Trucking accident lawyers have teams of paralegals and legal assistants who do much of the legwork on cases. Be sure to ask who you should contact if you have any questions, what you should expect as far as updates and communication go, and when you should expect to hear back after reaching out.
You should also ask which method of communication is best.
9. What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Contacts Me?
Insurance companies shouldn’t contact you directly if you’re represented by a trucking accident lawyer. But, they don’t always do what they’re supposed to.
You should never talk to an insurance adjuster without your attorney. Remember that they can and will use anything you say against you.
This is why it’s so important to have a truck accident lawyer. Your lawyer will instruct you on how to handle the insurance company if they do contact you directly to prevent common mistakes that may cost you down the line.
10. Will You Take My Case to Court?
Last but not least, you want to ask trucking accident lawyers whether they are ready and willing to take your case to trial. While most cases settle outside of court, sometimes a fair settlement just can’t be reached. When this happens, the best trucking accident lawyers will file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
However, not all attorneys have trial experience or are willing to take your case all the way. Ask potential lawyers what their plan for your case is if a settlement can’t be reached.
Under the California statute of limitations, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Ask your attorney about upcoming deadlines to make sure your case is following a good timeline.
Do You Have Questions for Trucking Accident Lawyers?
If you’ve been involved in a trailer truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The first step is hiring a truck accident lawyer.
You can make the most of your free consultation by asking the right questions.
Click here to schedule a free case evaluation with our Cerritos trucking accident lawyers today.