The idea of being involved in a collision with a truck is undeniably unsettling. Trucks are massive, often four times larger and heavier than typical cars, and frequently carry potentially hazardous cargo. Putting all these factors together, it’s easy to see why truck accidents tend to be so severe. In 2022, Texas led the nation in fatal accidents involving trucks and large buses, with 650 fatal crashes recorded. That was over 50% higher than California, which had the second-highest fatal crash rate at 459 collisions.
“If you have sustained an injury or lost a loved one through a truck accident, you may pursue compensation if you can demonstrate negligence by the truck driver, the trucking company, the loading company, or even the manufacturer. There are many possible defendants here. It all depends on the nature of your accident,” says Personal Injury attorney Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm. But as you may already suspect, truck accident lawsuits are inherently complex.
That’s why you should consider working with a truck accident lawyer. Truck accident lawyers are trained professionals who know how to navigate the law and have the expertise to represent you in court, ensuring you pursue fair compensation. This article will teach you key questions you should ask your lawyer before they start working on your claim.
What Is Your Payment Structure?
Legal services are rarely cheap. So you want to know right off the bat how you’ll be paying for the service and at what rate. Fortunately, truck accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means their firm fronts the costs needed to expedite your claim, from court fees to investigation costs and even travel expenses. Should you win, part of your settlement will go toward paying the firm back and compensating the lawyer who took on your case.
What Is Your Area of Specialization?
You want to work with an attorney who specializes in truck accidents. Not a general advocate. You have a better chance of winning with a specialized attorney who focuses on these types of cases. It means they have more experience and connections with experts who could come in to help, like doctors, forensic experts, surgeons, and more.
Who Will I Be Working With?
The attorney you meet during the initial consultation may not always be the one handling your case. Most firms have many lawyers. Some may evaluate claims while others pursue them, so ask whether the attorney you’re speaking to will be the one you’ll work with until the end. If your claim gets passed on to a colleague later on, you may not feel confident in that person.
Do You Need Me for the Case?
Lawyers are different. Some prefer to take a hands-off approach, where they handle everything on behalf of the plaintiff with minimal involvement. Others prefer more active participation from the plaintiff throughout the case. Just ensure there’s an understanding between you and your lawyer. You may need time to cope, to heal, and to recover both physically and emotionally, which means you won’t get so involved in matters relating to pursuing the case.
What Damages Will I Get If I Win?
The exact settlement award will depend on many factors, but your lawyer may have a rough idea based on the circumstances. So, ask them what damages you can secure if the claim is successful.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a mental image of a list of questions to ask your lawyer once you get to the consultation. Be calm and open. Try to get a rapport going with the professional because this is often the first step toward a fruitful relationship. It’s also important to trust your gut and choose a lawyer with whom you’re comfortable and willing to work with.
