Truck Accident Lawyer

Why you Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

he odds are not in your favor when you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck. If you were in a car, walking or on a bike, you or your family member likely sustained serious injury or was killed. If the accident was caused by a truck owner or truck driver’s negligence, it can be an uphill battle to receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses such as lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering and far more. The trucking company has an enormous advantage in this type of case and here is why; they have been defending claims similar to yours for decades, have entire departments for risk management, and have experienced lawyers on staff or retainer ready to challenge your claim.

You need a truck accident lawyer to even the odds…

Unfortunately, time may not be on your side. Immediately following an accident you are most likely in your motor vehicle waiting for the police and an ambulance to arrive. At this point, the trucking company has already begun an investigation into the accident. The driver has called the home office and been instructed not to make any statement to law enforcement or anyone else. The home office will have contacted their investigators and experts in accident reconstruction to dispatch them to the scene of the accident. In some cases they even arrive before police. They will take photos including damage to vehicles, road marks, debris, traffic signals in the area and far more while evidence is still fresh. At this point you might be fighting for your life in a nearby hospital.

The sooner you or a family member can bring an experienced truck accident lawyer on board, the better chance you have at recovering the full damages you will need to deal with injuries and losses over your lifetime.

How to Find the Right Truck Accident Lawyer

A personal injury claim that results from an accident involving a commercial truck is more complicated than legal claims that deal with other kinds of vehicle accidents. Much of this is due to the federal oversight of the trucking industry. Hiring a truck accident lawyer with extensive experience in litigating these types of claims is critical.

Here are some tips on how to find a good truck accident lawyer:

• First and foremost, act quickly while the evidence is fresh
• Talk to peers you trust for a referral and try an attorney network such as the Elite Lawyer Project.
• Put together a short list of competent  lawyers in your area that handle truck accident litigation
• Arrange an initial interview by phone with your short list of potential lawyers. Ask about their experience in this type of litigation, and what rate of compensation they require. See if they offer a free initial consultation where you can discuss the details of your case and get a feel for the attorney.
• Review information you collected in conversations with the attorneys, your peers and business associates.
• Make an appointment with the attorney that feels like the best fit; one who has a track record of client support and one you trust. Make sure they can deal with your claim in a timely manner.
• Prior to your first consultation, make a list of questions about the legal process and what may lay ahead for you. This can include what time frame you can reasonably expect to bring the claim to a close and what your case may be worth. Also bring well organized documentation regarding your accident, including all medical bills, lost time at work, etc.
• Following your initial meeting, if you believe that you are dealing with a lawyer who has your best interests at heart and has extensive experience in successful truck accident litigation, immediately hire them! If not, go back to your shortlist and line up a meeting with your second choice.