Managing the legal intricacies of a truck accident claim can be so challenging that many people are advised not to go through the process alone. Instead, victims are encouraged to contact a reputable truck accident lawyer and rely on their expertise throughout the process.
However, when you’ve never been in legal proceedings before, you likely won’t know the best questions to ask to ensure you choose a lawyer who suits your unique needs. Ask these questions below, and you might make your hiring decision with confidence.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Asking your chosen truck accident lawyer who can be liable for a truck accident is an important question to ask when you want to be sure of their knowledge on the subject. Unlike most regular car accidents, liability for truck accidents can sometimes be shared across multiple parties, such as the:
- Truck driver
- Truck company
- Truck owner
- Truck manufacturer
- Truck part manufacturer
- Truck mechanic
- The company responsible for loading the freight or cargo
If there’s also a chance that you might also be responsible for the accident, inform your chosen lawyer. Some states, such as North Carolina, have contributory negligence laws, meaning you might be ineligible for compensation even if you’re not entirely at fault.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
Asking about a lawyer’s experience can be uncomfortable, but you’re well within your rights to ask about the experience level of a lawyer you will be trusting with your case. Ask them how many years they’ve been in personal injury law, how many years they’ve been involved in truck accident cases, and what their success history is. Personal questions like these can sometimes be more important to ask than questions for which you can receive the same answers from legal publications.
Who Will Handle My Case?
You might be meeting with a particular truck accident lawyer during your free case review, but that doesn’t mean they will be the sole person working on your case. It also doesn’t always mean they will be the person you will communicate with throughout. Ask who will handle your case and avoid any unexpected surprises about communications as your case progresses.
Sometimes, a truck accident lawyer will be the face of the case, negotiating with insurance companies and defendants on your behalf. However, they might outsource the research and communication stages of your case to their support staff.
How Much Will My Case Cost?
Money can be an essential consideration when seeking legal representation. If you’ve needed to take time off work to recover from your accident-related injuries, you might not have an income to cover your legal fees. Don’t be afraid to ask how much your lawyer will charge for their services so you can plan how you’ll cover their costs. Some lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, while others charge straightforward hourly fees. Some lawyers also adopt a contingency and fee model, in which you’ll pay a reduced hourly fee plus a percentage of your settlement figure if your case is successful.
How Can I Communicate With Your Law Firm?
Experiencing legal challenges can be stressful, especially when you’ve never had any dealings with lawyers before. You likely have many questions about how your case will progress and the outcome you can expect and wish for a lawyer to answer them.
When you meet your lawyer for the first time, ask about the level of communication you can expect and their preferred communication avenues. Some lawyers will contact you by phone or email when they have any changes or progress to report, while others prefer in-person meetings or text messages and are happy to answer any questions at any time.
When you understand the type of communication you can expect from the beginning, you might experience reduced frustration. You know how your lawyer operates and can feel confident that they’re making progress even if you haven’t heard from them.
What Can I Receive Compensation for?
If your chosen truck accident attorney believes pursuing your truck accident claim is worthwhile, consider asking what you can receive compensation for. Most of the best truck accident lawyers will fight for your right to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, repair bills, and physical pain. You might also be eligible for compensation for permanent injuries, a loss of life enjoyment and quality of life, and emotional distress.
As overwhelming as deciding who you want to represent you in a truck accident claim can be, it doesn’t have to be as stressful as you think. Ask them these important questions above, and you might have the confidence you need to make an informed hiring decision.
