In the year 2023 alone, large truck crashes resulted in 5,078 fatalities and 86,842 injuries in the United States. According to consumershield.com, there have been 139,000 accidents involving semi-trucks as of the end of December 2024, which appears to be a five-year low.
Accidents can cause both physical and financial harm to victims. A good lawyer can help you handle the complexities of a truck accident case and negotiate adequate compensation to cover for your expenses.
Westminster truck accident lawyer Brent A. Duque advises that you consider a lawyer’s experiences in handling truck accident claims and expertise in federal regulations. Evaluating a lawyer’s record and their way of communicating with clients will be beneficial for your case.
This article will discuss the several qualities that a truck accident lawyer must possess to successfully handle your case.
Assess Their Experience
Experience matters when choosing a truck accident attorney. Find someone who specializes in truck accident cases and compensation claims.
Inquire how long they have been practicing their legal specialization and whether they have previously handled cases similar to yours. A lawyer with prior experience should be familiar with the technical aspects of federal truck regulations and insurance companies.
According to the lawyers at Loughlin Fitzgerald, P.C., a confident and knowledgeable attorney is typically a good sign. Gauge your comfortability with their experience and think if they can effectively represent your best interests.
Evaluate Their Track Record
Lawyers’ track records often indicate their case management skills. High success rates often indicate good negotiation abilities.
When evaluating a particular attorney, ask for references or testimonials from previous clients. Statements from past clients can help you gain more insight on a particular lawyer.
Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints against a lawyer. A clean record will reflect an attorney’s professionalism and overall behavior.
Understand Fee Structures
Inquire about fees and payment structure upfront. Most truck accident lawyers are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win the case. The typical percentage rate for lawyers is 25% to 40% of the settlement awarded.
Some lawyers charge hourly or fixed fees for single services. Knowing these payment methods allows you to plan your budget accordingly and avoid costly surprises.
It is important to have a written agreement outlining the payments made and any outstanding expenses.
Communication and Availability
Effective communication and availability are key in lawyer-client relationships. The victim of a truck accident would need a responsive and accessible lawyer. A truck accident lawyer should be able to give constant updates about the case and make their clients feel comfortable during meetings.
Inquire about potential lawyers’ preferred modes of communication, such as phone, email, or text. Their communication style should align with yours. You would need constant communication with your legal representative to secure a favorable outcome for your case.
Availability matters too. Ask your lawyer who you can contact if his designated team member is unavailable.
Choose a lawyer with whom you can easily schedule appointments. A busy lawyer will be unable to respond quickly to urgent concerns.
Initial Consultation Insights
You can use the initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer to check their suitability for your case.
Discuss their plans for your case and the strategies they intend to use. Knowing how they plan to address the issues surrounding the case will give you peace of mind.
Trust your instincts. It can be a good sign if you feel comfortable and confident with their capabilities. If you feel any hesitation or doubt within you, it might be better for you to look up another lawyer.
