How to Choose a Truck Accident Lawyer

Michael S. Callahan | | Truck Accidents
how to choose a truck accident lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer after a truck accident is a decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your case and your path to recovery. With the complexity of truck accident cases involving both state and federal laws and regulations, large insurance companies, and potentially severe injuries, it’s essential to select an attorney who is not only experienced in this specific field but also understands the unique challenges these accidents present.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look any further. The Callahan Law Firm’s commitment to our clients goes beyond legal representation; we offer compassionate support and a personalized approach, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Choosing us means partnering with a team that has extensive experience successfully representing individuals and families in truck accident cases.

If you’re looking for an experienced truck accident lawyer, contact The Callahan Law Firm to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss the next steps.

What is a Truck Accident Lawyer?

A truck accident lawyer is a legal professional who focuses on handling cases involving accidents with commercial trucks, such as semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other large freight carriers. These lawyers are well-versed in the specific laws and regulations governing the trucking industry. Truck accident lawyers focus on helping those injured in truck accidents to recover compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Truck Accident Lawyer

Selecting a truck accident lawyer is a crucial step in ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve following a truck accident. Given the complexity of truck accident cases and the unique regulations governing the trucking industry, it’s important to choose a lawyer who is experienced in successfully handling truck accident cases and understands this specific area of law. Consider the following key factors to help you make an informed decision:

houston truck accident lawyer

Experience and Practice Area: Choose a lawyer who focuses on truck accident cases and has a demonstrated history of success. Their experience equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex issues that typically arise in truck accident cases, ensuring your are effectively and competently represented.

Reputation and Reviews: Investigate the lawyer’s reputation within the legal community and consider feedback from previous clients. These testimonials and reviews can provide insights into the lawyer’s ability to handle cases effectively, their approach to client service, and their overall success in representing clients in truck accident cases.

Resources and Investigation Capabilities: Ensure the lawyer has adequate resources and the capability to conduct comprehensive investigations in truck accident cases. This includes having access to support staff and experts like accident reconstructionists. These resources are crucial as they enable the lawyer to obtain critical evidence, analyze complex accident scenarios, determine what happened and why, and effectively develop your case.

Communication and Accessibility: Opt for a lawyer who maintains open lines of communication and is readily available to address your concerns. Effective communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. You should feel comfortable reaching out with questions and expect timely and clear responses. Your lawyer should keep you informed about the progress of your case and any significant developments.

Legal Strategy and Approach: Inquire about the lawyer’s specific strategies and methodologies for handling truck accident cases. This includes their approach to investigating the accident, gathering evidence, dealing with trucking companies and insurers, and preparing your case for resolution, whether by settlement or trial.

Fees and Payment Structure: Clarify the lawyer’s fee structure upfront. Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you make a financial recovery – meaning they get paid only if you win. Make sure the contract clearly states the percentage they will be paid as well as any additional costs or fees that might arise.

Client-Centric Approach: Look for a lawyer who will prioritize your best interests and provide personalized attention to your case. A client-centric lawyer will be committed to understanding your specific needs and goals, and dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you, whether through settlement or trial. This approach ensures that your case receives the care and attention it deserves.

Personal Connection: Choose a lawyer you trust and to whom you feel a personal connection. The nature of truck accident cases are emotionally taxing, and having a lawyer who is truly empathetic and listens to you makes a significant difference.

finding a truck accident lawyer

By evaluating these factors, you can choose a lawyer who is not only skilled and experienced in handling truck accident cases, but also a good fit for you and your case. For help with a truck accident claim, reach out to The Callahan Law Firm today to speak with a truck accident lawyer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Truck Accident Lawyer

Selecting the right truck accident lawyer is a critical decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Avoiding common mistakes in this selection process is essential to ensure you receive the best possible representation. Here’s what you should avoid:

Failing to Meet the Lawyer

Consider meeting the lawyer in person, whether by going to the attorney’s office where you can meet the attorney and legal staff who will be handling your case, or through a virtual meeting. This will give you a chance to talk to the lawyer and see how you feel about them and whether you think this is the right lawyer and law firm for you and your case.

Failing to Prepare For Free Consultations

Another mistake some people make is failing to adequately prepare for a no-cost consultations. These meetings are only as effective as you make them, and a lack of preparation can lead to missed details, unclear communication of the incident, and an inability to ask pertinent questions. Preparing a list of specific questions about the lawyer’s experience, strategy, and fee structure can help you assess their suitability for your case.

Waiting Too Long to Find Legal Representation

Waiting too long to seek legal representation following a truck accident is a critical mistake. It’s essential to understand that with every day that passes, crucial evidence may be lost or destroyed, the accident scene can change, vehicles are repaired, electronic data can disappear, and witness memories fade.

The trucking companies and their insurance carriers will aggressively investigate what happened, gather their evidence, and immediately begin to put together their defense. Which is why it is so important for you to find the right lawyer for you and your case as soon as possible.

In addition, there is a legal time limit, known as a statute of limitations, for making your claim and filing a lawsuit. If this deadline is missed, you will lose your right to make a claim for your injuries and damages. While this is a highly stressful time with a lot going on, it’s always in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.

Trying to Handle Your Claim on Your Own

Attempting to handle your own claim with an insurance carrier or trucking company is a huge mistake. Truck accident cases are complex and depending on the facts of the case, critical evidence must be obtained as soon as possible, often including photos and measurements from the crash scene, vehicle inspections, downloading electronic data from event data recorders (EDRs), obtaining witness statements, and potentially more.

Why Should You Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

choosing a truck accident lawyer

Hiring a truck accident lawyer is crucial when you’re involved in a collision with a commercial truck, as these cases are more complex than a crash between cars. Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries and at times, fatalities due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.

An experienced truck accident lawyer will know what to do as soon as they are hired, including preserving and gathering critical evidence, retaining appropriate experts, and giving you and your family the counsel and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Additionally, trucking companies and their insurance carriers will get to work right away – from the moment they are notified of the crash – gathering evidence and putting together their defenses in order to minimize the crash, your injuries, your damages, and ultimately any money they have to pay to you. Which is why it is so important to hire the right truck accident lawyer as soon as possible so that you and your rights are protected.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t try to handle it alone.

Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is crucial to have the right legal representation to navigate the complexities of your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Truck accidents have devastating impacts on the lives of the people involved, which is why it is so important to have an experienced truck accident attorney on your side.

The Callahan Law Firm is committed to providing you with experienced, compassionate, and effective legal assistance. We’re here to listen to you and do everything we can to help. Contact The Callahan Law Firm today for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer.

FAQs

What are the most common causes of truck accidents?

Truck accidents happen for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is driver fatigue, which is a significant issue in the trucking industry as drivers often face long hours on the road leading to exhaustion, falling asleep, inattention and reduced reaction times. Additionally, poor maintenance and inadequate pre-trip truck inspections can result in brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, lost wheels, lost loads, or worse. In addition, truck driver errors, such as speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, unsafe backing, or driving under the influence, are also prevalent factors.

Poor weather conditions, like rain, snow, or fog, can reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of accidents. When these hazardous conditions exist, truck drivers are required to use “extreme caution” when driving, and slow down or pull over.

The trucking company is already offering me a settlement. Why do I need an attorney?

If you’ve been offered a settlement by a trucking company or its insurance carrier and you are not represented by an experienced truck accident lawyer, you are already being taken advantage of. Chances are that you have already provided a recorded statement, answering questions that were asked by an insurance adjuster trained to ask questions and get answers that help them and hurt you.

Talk to an attorney. Initial consultations by a truck accident lawyer should be free. Get guidance and find out what the lawyer can do for you and how they can help protect your rights.

In addition, it’s important to know that initial settlement offers are low, purposefully undervalue your claim, and will likely not come close to fairly paying your damages and losses. Without legal representation, a person will most likely hurt their claim because of any statement they provided to the insurance company, and then accept an offer that falls short of what they are entitled to under the law.

How much in contingency fees do lawyers charge for handling vehicle accident cases in Texas?

An experienced Texas truck accident attorney will work on a contingency fee basis. In Texas, the standard contingency fee is 33% of the total recovery if a case is resolved before a lawsuit is filed, and 40% of the total recovery if the case is resolved after a lawsuit is filed. In addition, case expenses must be reimbursed. In sum, there is a lot of work that goes into competently and effectively handling an injury case. And if for some reason the case is lost, the attorney is paid nothing.

The advantage of a contingency fee structure is that the client does not need to pay upfront the attorneys’ fees or case expenses. And most people cannot afford to pay fees and expenses upfront. As a result, the contingency fee arrangement gives people the power to hire an experienced attorney who knows what they are doing. It gives people a chance at real justice. Otherwise, only the big companies and their insurance carriers would be able to hire experienced, competent lawyers.

What damages can I sue for in a truck accident lawsuit?

In a truck accident lawsuit, you can seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, loss of consortium, and potentially more. It’s essential to consult with an experienced Texas truck accident lawyer to discuss the specific facts of your case and the damages that can be pursued.