Before making a decision on the lawyer to hire, you need to sit down with them for a consultation. This is your opportunity to get a sense of who they are, how they work, and whether they’re the right fit for you.
The initial consultation can serve as a job interview, except you’re the one doing the hiring. A truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation, and by paying attention to these details during the consultation, you can make a more informed decision about whether to hire one.
Here’s what you should be inquiring about during your consultation.
Not all personal injury lawyers specialize in truck accident cases, and that matters more than you might think. Truck accidents are far more complex than regular car accidents. They involve larger vehicles, federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and more severe injuries. Because of this, you need a lawyer who has extensive experience handling these types of claims.
Ask them about their experience in truck accident cases. A lawyer who regularly deals with truck accidents will be familiar with the tactics that trucking companies and insurance providers use to reduce or deny claims.
While no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome, their past successes can give you an idea of how effective they are at handling cases like yours.
Ask them how many truck accident cases they’ve won or settled favorably. A lawyer with a strong history of securing fair settlements and court victories is more likely to fight hard for you.
Legal fees can be a big concern, especially if you’re already dealing with medical bills and lost wages. That’s why it’s important to understand how a lawyer charges before you commit to hiring them.
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, taking a percentage of the settlement or court award. This can be beneficial because it means they have a vested interest in getting you the highest payout possible.
Ask them to clarify how their contingency fee works, what percentage they take, and whether there are any additional costs you should be aware of.
Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful truck accident claim. The more documentation you provide, the better your chances of proving liability and securing compensation.
Ask your lawyer what kind of evidence will be most helpful. Do they need medical records? Police reports? Photos of the accident scene? Witness statements? The sooner you know what they need, the sooner you can start gathering everything.
Sometimes, the lawyer you meet with during your consultation isn’t the one who actually handles your case. Instead, it may be passed off to a junior attorney or a paralegal. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, you want to know upfront who will be working on your case and how involved your primary lawyer will be.
Ask them directly: Will you be the one handling my case? If not, who will? Will I have direct access to you if I have questions? You want to be sure that you’re getting the attention and expertise you’re paying for.
