How Do I Find a Good Truck Accident Lawyer?

Fully loaded commercial trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds, and collisions often produce devastating results. Semi-truck crashes typically cause severe or fatal injuries and catastrophic vehicle damage. The circumstances of your accident might indicate eligibility to file different types of insurance claims or civil lawsuits.

The aftermath of a truck accident can find those involved facing health-related and financial difficulties. Family members may even need to bury loved ones. Hiring a truck accident lawyer to handle your insurance claims has many benefits, but how do you find the right truck accident attorney? Fielding Law explains.

How Can You Find a Good Truck Accident Lawyer?

There are probably several attorneys in your area, but don’t let that overwhelm you. Although any lawyer can technically handle your claim, one who focuses on truck accident or wrongful death claims will probably be more effective than an estate planning attorney, for example. These cases are best suited to attorneys who practice personal injury law.

You need to be comfortable with your legal team, and you should also trust them to handle your claim successfully.

Ask Friends and Family for Referrals

Speaking to people who have personal experience with an attorney can give you great insights. Ask friends, co-workers, and family members to see if anyone you know has previously worked with a personal injury attorney. These people may highly recommend a particular attorney or law firm, or they might advise you to look elsewhere due to a negative experience.

If you have a working relationship with a different kind of lawyer, you can also ask them for recommendations.

Search Online Listings

These days, most people use internet search engines to find what they’re looking for. Most law firms include an “about us” section on their websites, along with pages highlighting case results, short bios of the attorneys and support staff, and client testimonials. Pay attention to things like:

• The attorney or law firm’s experience handling truck accident claims
• How much they charge, and when you will need to pay them
• The number of cases they’ve handled
• How much compensation they’ve won for their clients
• Their Google ratings, client reviews, or awards received
• Office locations
• Their litigation experience
• If their local bar association has taken any disciplinary measures against them

Once you’ve found a few likely candidates, you can interview them.

What Should You Discuss When Interviewing Potential Truck Accident Lawyers?

It’s helpful to make a list of questions to ask each lawyer you speak with. You’ll also get an idea of their competence by comparing the questions each of them asks you. When you’ve completed all the interviews, you can compare.

Most lawyers offer free initial consultations, so you probably won’t have to spend any money on these interviews.

Truck Accident Claim Experience

Truck accident claims are typically complex, involving the potential for multiple guilty parties, in-depth investigations, and significantly higher damages. Ask:

• How many truck accident claims have you handled, and what were the outcomes?
• Do you have trial experience?
• On average, are you able to obtain substantially more compensation than insurance companies offer initially?
• What complications might be involved with my claim?
• Which laws affect my case?
• What happens if I share a portion of the blame for causing my accident?

An experienced attorney should be able to answer these questions readily. Many claims settle without the need for a civil lawsuit, but it’s essential that the attorney you select has trial experience.

Recommended Course of Action

Truck accident lawyers should be able to tell you how much your case is worth and their recommendations once you’ve provided relevant details about your accident and injuries. If they’re reluctant to give you that information without a valid reason, they may not be the right one to trust with your claim.

Ask questions such as:

• If I hire you, what steps will you take?
• Do you recommend negotiating with insurance companies for a reasonable settlement offer?
• Is it likely that a trial will be necessary?
• Do you have any helpful advice?
• What will you do for me?

These answers will also demonstrate an attorney’s level of knowledge about truck accident claims.

Available Resources

Many truck accident claims require detailed investigations by experienced investigators. If you’re eligible to seek some kinds of damages, your attorney may need to have qualified physicians examine you and testify on your behalf.

These and other necessary tasks take time, money, and access to the right professionals to perform them. If an attorney doesn’t have these necessary resources, they may not be able to handle your case successfully.

Communication

There will be many interactions during your claims process, so establishing a good rapport is vital. Ask questions like:

• Will I need to come to your office for meetings, or do you use alternative methods like coming to me or video conferencing?
• Do you prefer to communicate via phone calls or by email?
• How quickly can I expect a response if I have a question about my case?
• Will I be speaking to my lawyer or office staff?
• Do you provide regular updates about my case status without me asking?
• Are you available during specific hours and days or 24/7?

You need to find a competent lawyer with proven success in handling truck accident claims, but you also need to feel comfortable with the communication methods used by your legal team.

Payment Terms

Your accident, resulting injuries, and time away from work will likely take a toll on your finances. Wondering if you’ll have any upfront costs when hiring a truck accident lawyer is a valid and understandable concern.

Many personal injury law firms operate on a contingency fee basis. These don’t require their clients to pay any upfront costs; instead, they take a certain percentage out of the compensation they win on your behalf. Ask:

• Will I have any out-of-pocket costs?
• What percentage of the insurance claim or civil lawsuit payment will you require?
• If you don’t win my case, what will I owe you?

Thoroughly understanding the financial aspects of hiring a particular lawyer is crucial.

How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help?

A truck accident lawyer can assist you in several ways. You need to recover physically and mentally from your injuries, and hiring an attorney will give you the time to do so.

When you hire Fielding Law, we will:

• Assess your case for free, provide advice, and discuss your options
• Complete and submit all accident-related paperwork
• Speak to insurance companies on your behalf
• Investigate your accident to gather evidence and determine fault
• Use our extensive resources to build and prepare your claim or civil lawsuit
• Negotiate with insurance companies to obtain maximum compensation for your damages
• Take your case to court if we feel it’s in your best interests

Laws in each state vary, and Fielding Law is intimately familiar with those in the states we serve.

Why Should You Choose Fielding Law?

Fielding Law focuses on truck accident claims. We have a five-star Google rating and a multitude of positive client reviews. We’ve won more than $60 million for our clients through over 2,500 cases. You’ll receive the personal attention you deserve, have direct access to your attorney, and benefit from our experience and resources when you choose Fielding Law.

You won’t owe us any fees unless you win. Begin by requesting your free, no-obligation case evaluation. Someone can speak to you 24/7, so contact us now by using live chat, calling us at (877) 880-4090, or submitting this contact request form.