Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Truck Accident Attorney

Large truck accidents have increased by 49% in the last 10 years. In 2021, there were over 4,770 fatalities and thousands more serious injuries due to trucking accidents.

All auto accidents are traumatic, but trucking accidents can be especially devastating. Trunk accident victims often suffer life-altering, catastrophic injuries.

If you’re a victim of a truck accident at no fault of your own, you have rights. If you’re considering hiring a truck accident lawyer, we can help!

Here’s what you need to know about finding the best truck accident attorney for your case.

Check Their Experience

There are many kinds of personal injury cases. Before you hire a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to know they’re not all the same.

Truck accident cases can be complex, and truck accident lawyers are well-versed in how to handle these types of cases. There are many specifics involved in truck accident cases, and you want a lawyer who has the right skills and experience for the job.

Catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and other damages make these cases more complex than other personal injury cases. You need a truck accident lawyer by your side who handles these cases on a regular basis.

Understand the Fees

Not all lawyers charge clients the same. Depending on their location and level of expertise, lawyer fees can vary quite a bit. 

Some lawyers charge upfront. Others charge on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and only pay after receiving your settlement.

The attorney will charge you a percentage of your settlement. If you don’t receive a settlement, the attorney will waive the fee.

Before you hire a car accident lawyer, make sure you understand their fee structure and whether you can expect any additional fees in the future.

Take Advantage of Free Consultations

Before hiring an attorney, it’s a good idea to meet with them in person. Many truck accident attorneys offer free consultations before taking your case.

This offers you an opportunity to get to know the attorney, ask questions, and determine if they are a good fit for your legal needs. If you don’t establish a rapport or they don’t fit your needs, you don’t have to worry about paying any legal fees.

Be Realistic About Your Case

Truck accident cases are quite complex and can have many twists and turns. Some cases may settle quickly, but some can take months from start to finish.

It’s important to stay realistic about the amount of settlement you could receive. Although attorneys can’t promise specifics, they may be able to give you an idea of the settlement amount you can expect.

The size of your settlement depends on a variety of factors, and settlement amounts vary greatly from case to case. For the best possible settlement in your case, it’s in your best interest to hire a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents.

Know Your Role

The relationship you have with your attorney is a partnership. They should inform you about your case, and you should play an active role in the process.

Express your concerns and ask questions. Talk to your attorney and be honest about everything regarding your case and what you recall about your accident.

You may have to share personal information, and you want a truck accident lawyer you can trust. If you feel uncomfortable talking to your lawyer, it may be time to look for another.

A personal injury case is a partnership between you and your attorney. Although your truck accident lawyer will handle evidence gathering, negotiations, and other legal matters, you have the final word in decisions regarding your accident case.

Consider Their Reputation

When a lawyer has a good reputation, it means they’ve had success in their field and have the admiration of their peers and clients. You want a lawyer with a stellar reputation fighting for you and the maximum settlement you deserve.

Talk to people you know and trust to get referrals. If you know an attorney, ask their advice for choosing a truck accident lawyer.

Do some research, read online reviews and testimonials, and check out the law firm’s website. Do a Google search and see what previous clients have to say about the attorney in question.

If you see a pattern of negative reviews, consider it a red flag and find another attorney to handle your case. Social media is another source for client reviews. See what clients think about the attorney’s professionalism and the legal services they provide.

Going to Trial

Truck accident cases are often settled out of court. In some situations, if the parties don’t reach an agreement, the case may go to trial.

It’s important to consider whether your lawyer has experience with car accident cases in and out of the courtroom. If it’s in your best interests to go to court, your attorney should be ready to fight for your rights and the best possible settlement.

If a lawyer avoids court at all costs, you could end up with a lower settlement amount than you deserve. Make sure the attorney you choose has courtroom experience and feels comfortable taking your case to court if needed.

Evaluate Their Communication Skills

Since you’ll be in frequent communication with your lawyer, you should hire someone you like and trust. Your accident claim could take a few weeks or even several months to complete.

During this time, you have to work closely with your lawyer. They should be accessible and ready and willing to listen to you and answer your questions.

You want to feel good about your decision and know you have a truck accident lawyer who’s dedicated to doing the best possible job for you. The secret to an attorney-client relationship is openness and honesty.

Be wary of any attorney who doesn’t listen to your opinions or address your concerns. Truck accident cases can be complicated and have their fair share of challenges.

Knowing that you have a lawyer who is open and honest and will communicate with you throughout the legal process brings great peace of mind.

Choose a Lawyer Close to Home

If you’ve suffered an injury in a truck-related accident, you’re already dealing with so much. You may have mounting medical bills, a loss of income, and even emotional trauma as a result of your accident.

The last thing you need is to have to rearrange your life, inconvenience your family, or travel long distances to meet with truck accident lawyers. If possible, choose a lawyer in your local area.

A personal injury lawyer from your local area is likely to be familiar with the local courts and the other attorneys, judges, and other experts in the area. This can be beneficial for your case and more convenient for you.

If there’s not a personal injury lawyer close to home, see if they’re willing to come to you or meet at a nearby location.

Expect Proper and Efficient Communication 

Before you choose an attorney, ask if they’ll be the one you communicate with or if you’ll work with another attorney from their firm. Ask how you should contact them and how often you’ll receive an update regarding your case.

With some large firms, the person you speak with initially may not be the one who handles your case. That’s not necessarily a problem, but it’s important to know who you’ll be communicating with.

Your lawyer should include you in decision-making. You should feel comfortable contacting your attorney if you have any questions or concerns, and they should be prompt with their response.

Although no attorney can offer any guarantees, they should be able to evaluate the evidence in your case and give you an idea about the strength of your case and what you can expect.

Look for a History of Success

An experienced personal injury lawyer should have a track record of success. Although there are many personal injury lawyers out there, you want one who has a history of success with truck accident cases.

Your attorney should have experience negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for their clients in and out of the courtroom. Don’t hesitate to ask an attorney about how many truck accident cases they’ve handled.

Ask about their history of success in getting their clients the best possible settlement. With so much on the line, you want a successful truck accident lawyer by your side fighting on your behalf.

Find the Best Truck Accident Attorney for Your Case

Truck accident cases can be devastating. These accidents often result in serious or catastrophic injuries that can affect your life for many years to come.

Truck accident victims have rights, and they deserve the best legal representation possible. At Sweet Law, we know how traumatic a truck-related accident can be.

If you or your loved one has suffered a serious injury in a truck accident, we’d love to talk with you about your case. For over 40 years, Sweet Law has been dedicated to helping clients just like you receive the compensation they deserve.

Schedule a free consultation with a Sweet Law truck accident attorney today.