Considering the nature of truck accidents that occur every day, it’s a well-known fact that most of them result in devastating injuries, both mental and physical. What comes next is often even more taxing, i.e., the aftermath of pursuing a legal case to get the compensation you are entitled to.
Road crashes, overall, are nothing uncommon. According to the WHO, 1.19 million fatalities occur due to road traffic crashes. Unfortunately, many victims struggle with lawsuits because they simply can’t find the right lawyer.
When it comes to dealing with a truck accident, it’s critical that you have the correct legal aid to pursue a case. The trucking industry is on the rise, and truck accidents are more prone than ever to happen around you. Any qualified trucking accident attorney will tell you that pursuing a legal case isn’t as simple as many might perceive.
With that in mind, there are a few things to look out for when it comes to choosing the right lawyer for your truck accident case:
1. They Have Relevant Experience:
Many personal injury attorneys are well-versed with laws regarding injury laws. However, not all of them might be specialized regarding your truck accident case. One of the primary reasons for needing a specialized truck accident lawyer is due to multiple parties often being involved. This means the responsibility goes beyond just you or the other driver. It goes to trucking companies, vehicle owners, and even maintenance facilities. Relevant experience is always necessary if you’re pursuing a trucking accident case.
2. They Have A Transparent Fee Structure:
Lawyers typically work on a contingency basis. This means they charge you an amount of the final settlement. This is also regardless of if the case goes to trial or is settled out of court. Usually, lawyers charge a higher percentage if the case goes to trial, considering the additional work involved.
In this model, you would also be responsible for court filing fees and other miscellaneous expenses if you lose the case. Some lawyers may prefer to charge you hourly. It’s critical to discuss the terms of payment right from the start, and once you receive a fee agreement from your lawyer, go through it thoroughly before signing.
3. Communication & Compatibility:
Legal cases tend to go on for a while, during which you’ll be communicating with your lawyer quite often. Always assess if the lawyer you choose is someone you can talk to easily. Also, consider if your lawyer is simplifying all the legalities involved for you, maintaining transparency, and keeping you informed of the overall progress of your case.
Your lawyer will also have access to a lot of personal information so use your initial consultation with them to assess if they’re the right fit for you. Use the first meeting to gauge if this can be a sustainable relationship. Also ask them about their current caseload. If they have too many ongoing cases, it’s quite possible that they may not be able to devote the time needed to your case.
4. They Have Trial Experience:
Most attorneys will prefer an out-of-court settlement because it’s a lot quicker, and the case wouldn’t linger on for too long. It would also be the easiest way to go about it.
Always enquire about their trial experience and that if they have what it takes to go to court if needed. If they’re willing to put in the necessary time and effort to get you the compensation you deserve and not just opt for a settlement because it’s easier, they’ll be the right fit for you.
5. They Have A Good Success Rate:
One of the most critical elements of choosing the right lawyer is always to go for someone who has a demonstrated success rate, particularly in truck accident cases. Ask them how much they’ve recovered from truck accident cases for other victims. Also, ask for reference checks from previous clients and research whom you choose.
Check their ratings online and social media pages to see if your lawyer is everything they claim to be. Also, check third-party forums and other websites your lawyer isn’t connected to to get a more transparent picture of their practice.
Having the right legal help is crucial to winning a case, and fortunately, in today’s digital age, finding a good lawyer has become easier than ever. It’s very easy to find others with experiences similar to yours, and from there, you can always ask for referrals. You can even check a lawyer’s bar status from online portals.