Being involved in a truck accident can turn your entire life upside down. They can cause catastrophic damages, severe injuries, and fatalities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Crash deaths of occupants of large trucks (above 10,000 pounds) are increasing.” Despite the traumatic experience, you have made the sound decision to hire an attorney to represent you and pursue compensation for your losses.
However, you may not know the steps to take to find a good truck accident lawyer. You want to make sure you are completely comfortable and confident in the law firm and personal injury attorney you choose to handle your case.
Recommendations on Finding a Good Truck Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right truck accident attorney to represent you in your truck accident case is an important decision you should not take lightly. This will be the person who will be handling all aspects of your case. So, you will want to take a little time to do your research to find the right truck accident lawyer for you.
Ask Your Friends and Family
Your close circle of friends and relatives is a good place to start. Ask if they recommend a good personal injury attorney. Talk to them about what you are looking for when it comes to legal representation: years of experience, how easily accessible they are, a solid track record, etc.
Let Your Fingers Do the Research
Researching various personal injury lawyers online is a good way to learn more about the cases they have handled and more about their background. All lawyers are registered on their local bar association’s database. You can always check their bar status online and whether they have been sanctioned or if any disciplinary measures have been filed against them.
Inquire About Their Experience
Most personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation. This could be in person or over the phone. This would be a good time to ask about their experience as it would relate to your specific case. You may want to ask:
- How long have they been in practice?
- What types of personal injury cases do they handle? How many have they tried or settled?
Discuss Your Settlement Goal
Clearly, you want to be on the same page as your truck accident lawyer when it comes to your goals for a settlement. After you discuss the facts of your case, make sure you let your attorney know what your expectations are when it comes to receiving a settlement from the insurance company. Are you looking for a quick settlement right away, with as little negotiation and hassle as possible? Are you willing to wait it out as long as it takes for a higher settlement that covers current and possibly future medical costs? The answer to these questions can help you determine if this is the right truck accident lawyer for you.
Agree on a Payment Plan
Another critical aspect of hiring an attorney is to find out how they handle payment. You have just been through a terrifying truck accident which means you are facing medical bills, time away from work, and other expenses. If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be trying to cover funeral expenses, loss of your loved one’s income, and more.
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee-basis. That means the client pays no upfront or out-of-pocket fees for the firm’s work on their case. The attorney only receives payment if he or she secures a fair settlement or court award on your behalf. Make sure you and your attorney agree to a written fee agreement before the work starts.
The Statute of Limitations
As you research how to find a good truck accident lawyer, make sure you do not run out of time to file a claim against the at-fault truck driver or trucking company. Each state has its own statute of limitations, or time limit, to file a personal injury lawsuit. If that time runs out, the court may bar you from filing and receiving the compensation you deserve.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC we understand the financial, physical, and emotional burdens you are suffering following your accident involving a truck. Our truck accident lawyer will gather evidence, interview eyewitnesses, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Call (800) 235-0444 to speak with a member of our team today. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning we do not get paid unless we secure a settlement or court award for you. The initial consultation is free for truck accident victims and their families. Call us today.
