How to Choose a Truck Accident Lawyer
When a truck crash causes serious injuries, finding the right lawyer can make a massive difference in the outcome of your case. Truck accident claims are far more complex than typical car accident cases. They often involve multiple parties, strict federal regulations, and large insurance companies with teams of lawyers working to pay as little as possible.
Choosing a truck accident lawyer requires careful consideration. The attorney you select will play a major role in determining whether you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Here’s what you need to know about how to choose a truck accident lawyer.
Look for Experience with Truck Accident Cases
Not every personal injury lawyer has the necessary knowledge to handle truck accident claims effectively. These cases require a deep understanding of federal trucking regulations, commercial vehicle laws, and the unique challenges that come with taking on large trucking companies.
When considering how to find a good lawyer after a truck accident, look for someone who has the following:
- A Record of Handling Multiple Truck Accident Cases Successfully – They should have a proven track record of representing clients injured in commercial vehicle crashes.
- Knowledge of Federal Regulations – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules that govern the trucking industry, including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service limits.
- Experience with Multiple Liable Parties – Truck accident cases often involve the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loading company, vehicle manufacturers, and others who may share responsibility.
An attorney who regularly handles truck accident cases will know how to investigate your claim thoroughly and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Check Client Reviews and Reputation
A lawyer’s reputation can tell you a lot about how they treat clients and handle cases. Before making a decision, take time to research potential attorneys online. Look for reviews on platforms such as Google, Avvo, and other reputable legal directories. Pay attention to what past clients say about the following:
- How the lawyer communicated throughout the case
- Whether the lawyer was responsive and accessible
- The outcome of their case
- How the lawyer and their staff treated them
You can also check the lawyer’s standing with the state bar association to make sure they have no disciplinary actions or complaints against them. A strong reputation built on positive client experiences is a good sign that you’ll receive quality representation.
Review Their History of Results
Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but they do show what a lawyer is capable of achieving. When evaluating potential attorneys, ask about their track record specifically with truck accident cases.
A skilled truck accident lawyer should be able to point to successful settlements and verdicts they’ve secured for clients. Look for evidence that they have done the following:
- Recovered significant compensation in truck accident cases
- Successfully held trucking companies accountable
- Won cases against major insurance carriers
- Secured fair compensation for clients with injuries similar to yours
Keep in mind that truck accident cases often result in higher settlements than regular car accidents due to the severity of injuries involved and the insurance coverage requirements for commercial trucks.
Assess Their Communication and Accessibility
Going through a truck accident case can take months or even years. During this time, you need a lawyer who will keep you informed and answer your questions promptly.
When you first meet with potential attorneys, pay attention to how they communicate. Do they explain legal concepts in a way you can understand? Do they listen to your concerns? Do they respond to phone calls and emails promptly?
Your lawyer should provide the following:
- Regular updates on the progress of your case
- Clear explanations of your legal options
- Honest assessments of what to expect
- Direct access to attorneys, not just support staff
A lawyer who makes you feel like a priority will make the legal process much less stressful.
Evaluate Their Resources and Staff
Truck accident cases require extensive investigation and expert testimony. Building a strong case takes significant resources, including the following:
- Accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the crash scene and determine how the accident happened
- Medical experts who can testify about your injuries and future treatment needs
- Investigators who can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain crucial documents
- Technology to analyze black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records
A well-established law firm will have access to these resources and the financial strength to take on large trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Ask potential lawyers about their team and the experts they regularly work with.
Ask About Their Fee Structure
Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any attorney fees up front. Instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of your settlement or verdict only if they win your case. As a result, you can pursue your claim without worrying about paying lawyer bills while you’re recovering from your injuries.
Before hiring a lawyer, make sure you understand the following:
- What percentage they will take from your recovery
- Whether the percentage changes if the case goes to trial
- What other costs you might be responsible for
- Whether they offer a free initial consultation
Check Their Willingness to Go to Trial
Many personal injury cases settle before trial, but truck accident cases sometimes require aggressive litigation. Insurance companies and trucking corporations often refuse to make fair settlement offers, betting that injured people will accept less money rather than face a lengthy trial.
When choosing a truck accident lawyer, find out whether they have trial experience. An attorney who is willing and prepared to take your case to court sends a powerful message to the insurance company that you mean business.
Call Our Queens Truck Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Case
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Queens or anywhere in New York, The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., can help. Our attorneys have the experience, resources, and commitment needed to take on trucking companies and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your truck accident case and learn how we can help you move forward.
About the Author
Simon Landsberg
Simon B. Landsberg is an associate attorney at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. He focuses his practice exclusively on representing individuals and families who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents and due to other forms of negligence.