On top of the devastation during and after a truck accident, there is the settlement and potential trial to consider. If you or your loved one is involved in a truck accident, you need a lawyer who will help you navigate everything that comes after the incident. Finding one can be easy or complicated, depending on whether you know how to choose a truck accident lawyer and what to consider. Successful truck accident lawyers possess certain qualities that you should look for.
Experience in Handling Truck Accident Claims
Truck accidents are very different from car accidents, and the trucking company and its insurance providers will have a team of aggressive lawyers and adjusters to ensure their clients are not found liable. They will do whatever they can to get out of a settlement or ensure you receive as little money as possible. Also, such cases and claims can go on for some time, so you need a lawyer who knows how to navigate them and who is incentivized to win.
Even though experience alone does not win cases, experience is vital. An experienced lawyer knows how to argue against anything the trucking company and their insurance provider will say and present during settlement talks or a case.
To determine whether a truck accident injury lawyer has enough experience to win you a good settlement, ask them about the cases they have worked on and their success rate. Many lawyers are proud to present these when you ask for them.
Experience in a Specific Area
There are numerous areas of law within transportation accidents. These include boat, bicycling, motorcycle, car, aviation, and truck accidents. Each of these areas presents its own nuances and distinctions. You need to ensure that your chosen lawyer is experienced in working truck accident cases.
While you can hire a lawyer who does not exclusively handle truck accident claims and cases, hiring one who does will mean they understand the laws applicable to such a case, the nuances within, and everything they need to navigate for a successful outcome. Lawyers who specialize in personal injury and accident cases involving trucks have enough experience to help you navigate your lawsuit so you can expect a great outcome if you work with them.
Their Willingness To Go The Distance
You and your lawyer will likely receive an early settlement offer when you inform the insurance company about the accident. Insurance companies are known for offering low settlements first to see if you are willing to accept such low-ball offers.
The vehicle accident lawyer you choose should be willing to reject such offers and be patient as more come in. They should be ready to go the distance and wait things out, even if that means going to court. The good news is that insurance companies do not like going to court, which can work in your favor.
One thing that can work against you is a lawyer who does not know the value of a case or when to accept a settlement. Having a lawyer with experience in litigating and settling truck accident cases is key. Experienced lawyers will know the value of your case and know when to accept or reject a settlement offer.
Remember, if you go to litigation, you might have to wait months or years for the case to be settled, and you risk not getting a settlement at all if you do not win. If things get that far, a reasonable attorney will know how to balance everything to ensure you get the most out of the settlement or case.
Trial Experience
Trial experience is just as important as experience in trucking accident cases. If the parties involved in such a case do not reach a settlement, the case will go to court. If that happens, you need to be sure that your attorney has experience winning cases at trial.
If the case goes to trial, the defense attorneys will do everything they can to show that you, not their client, are liable. They will do this regardless of the evidence or police report. Remember, it is all about minimizing your win as much as possible or ensuring they do not pay you anything.
Your attorney should be prepared for the different arguments they will present to the court, and knowing how to do this typically comes from trial experience. They should be able to dispel phony accusations while proving the truck driver or their company are liable for the accident and any injuries you sustained.
Caseload
This is something many people do not think about, but it can have a significant effect on your case. A caseload is the number of cases a lawyer is handling at any time. If they have a huge caseload, they may be unable to give your case the attention it deserves, which could lead to a poor outcome.
The best lawyer is one who has a light or medium caseload. Those who do will have enough time to give your case the attention it deserves. Their caseload will become even more important if they have to take your case to court. Your road accident lawyer will have much more to do if this happens, as taking a case to court requires significant effort and preparation.
Cost
Many accident lawyers provide their services on a contingency, meaning you do not pay them until you get a settlement or the money awarded by a jury. You will not pay anything out of your own pocket if they do not get you a settlement.
A good truck accident lawyer is the key to a good settlement or winning a jury trial if your truck accident case goes to court. This means choosing one is one of your most important decisions regarding your case. If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact The Truck Accident Guys. They have vast experience in truck accident lawsuits and settlements and can help you get the settlement or award you deserve.
