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Choosing the best Houston truck accident lawyer is a personal decision and one that should not be made lightly.
The best semi truck accident attorney for your personal injury case is going to be the one who listens and understands your case.
They will offer insight and guidance and make you feel supported at every turn. If you are not sure how to find the right truck accident lawyer for you, here are some things to consider.
After a truck crash, you want to specifically look for and choose a truck accident lawyer with experience in trucking accidents and motor vehicle accidents.
Many personal injury law firms say they can handle truck accident claims even if they have little experience with commercial vehicles.
There is usually a lot of money at stake in truck accident cases, since these crashes can cause serious and even catastrophic injuries.
Because there is so much on the line, injury victims need to find an experienced lawyer with trial experience for your case. But where do you start?
A Google search for “truck accident lawyer” will return hundreds of thousands of results of potential lawyers. Additionally, your family and friends may try to refer a good lawyer they know personally.
How do you sort through all of your options and choose the truck accident lawyers who will do the best job for you? Protect your rights by taking the following steps after a truck crash.
Step 1 - Do Your Research
To identify the right truck accident attorney, try to answer the following three questions.
Question 1 - What does a truck accident case entail?
Research why you need a truck accident lawyer to start with. If you have asthma, you wouldn’t call a podiatrist, and if you have a leaky sink, you wouldn’t call an electrician. If you have a question about divorce, you wouldn’t call a criminal defense or personal injury attorney.
So, after a truck accident, why would you look to anyone except a skilled truck accident attorney?
First, a truck accident case involves identifying the cause of the crash and the parties responsible for it. Because commercial trucks are highly complex machines and the trucking industry must comply with complicated regulations and requirements, your case will require unique knowledge of the commercial trucking industry.
In addition, if you suffered a disabling injury, your case will involve more complex legal issues than if you suffered a relatively minor injury. You need a lawyer with experience handling catastrophic injury cases.
Question 2 - What qualities should you look for in a lawyer?
Even among skilled truck attorneys, you want to choose a personal injury lawyer who will work best with your needs and personality. Some factors may set certain lawyers apart:
- Experience - After years of experience, a lawyer will have more inside knowledge about insurance companies, trucking companies, courts, and more.
- Availability - Having someone available to answer your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week can indicate a law firm’s dedication to its clients. Also, if you are in the hospital, is an attorney willing to visit you there since you can’t come into the office?
- Disciplinary record - Lawyers with ethics complaints against them may miss deadlines, refuse to keep you informed, or engage in unethical behavior that could hurt your claim.
Question 3 - What is the law firm’s reputation?
Reading reviews, testimonials, and case results can give you a good idea of a firm’s reputation. The respect of peers and a winning track record for former clients can indicate a firm that will also do a good job for you.
You can find all of this information online, so there is no excuse not to research a law firm’s reputation before hiring it!
Step 2 - Screen the Lawyers on Your Short List
After performing the above research, develop a short list of top candidates. However, you still have some work to do, as you should contact each law firm and discuss your specific situation with a member of their teams. Prepare a list of questions, which may include:
- How many truck accident cases have you handled? What were the results?
- Have you handled a claim with my type of injury before?
- Do you think I have a valid truck accident claim?
- Will you assign my case to one attorney?
- Does your office return emails or phone calls in a quick manner?
- What are the deadlines for me to take legal action?
- How long does a truck accident case like mine take to finish?
- How much will I have to pay and when?
After you provide detailed information about your truck accident, the law firm’s team should thoroughly answer your questions.
In addition, use this opportunity to get a feel for the law firms and which ones match what you’re looking for.
Different people will match well with different law firms—and remember that this is a personal choice. Was the team member too fast-paced for you? Did the team take the time to answer every question in a way you understood?
Also, truck accident lawyers should handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you should pay absolutely nothing unless your lawyer obtains a settlement or award for you. This fee arrangement helps everyone involved get the best possible results in your truck accident claim.
Step 3 - Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer for You and Move Forward
Once you think you have found a good law firm based on your initial consultation and the truck accident lawyer’s experience, reputation, and credentials, don’t hesitate to move forward and hire that attorney.
Sometimes, you may feel mostly good about a firm but may have lingering questions or concerns. Never hesitate to follow up and ask to speak to the attorney, or a supervisor, if possible.
If you feel strongly about a firm, call again for free to see if you can get satisfying answers to all or your questions.
Once you decide on the best truck accident lawyer for you, review the contract the attorney provides. Ask any questions you need to since you should never sign an agreement that you don’t completely understand.
Once everything makes sense and reflects your conversations, go ahead and sign the contract. Then, let the truck accident lawyer take it from there, so you don’t have to stress about your legal case and can focus on your injuries and healing.
What Can a Truck Accident Attorney Do for Me?
A truck accident attorney can provide valuable assistance and support if you've been involved in a truck accident. Here are some of the key ways a truck accident attorney can help you:
Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A truck accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering and preserving evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, electronic data from the truck's black box, and any available surveillance footage.
Determining Liability: An attorney can determine liability by assessing the actions of all parties involved, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, and other potentially liable parties.
Identifying Violations of Regulations: A lawyer can evaluate whether any violations of state or federal trucking regulations occurred. Trucking companies and drivers must adhere to specific rules and regulations, and violations can be crucial in establishing liability.
Handling Insurance Companies: A truck accident attorney can communicate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Trucking companies typically have powerful insurance companies and legal teams, and having an attorney can help level the playing field.
Calculating Damages: A lawyer can assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to the accident.
Negotiating Settlements: Attorneys are skilled negotiators who can advocate for your rights and work toward securing the compensation you deserve. They can negotiate with the at-fault party's insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit for you and sue for damages you incurred because of the truck accident. They will guide you through the legal process and represent your interests in court.
Handling Complex Legal Procedures: A truck accident lawyer can help you navigate complex legal procedures, statutes of limitations, and court requirements. Truck accident cases can involve intricate legal issues, and having an experienced attorney ensures that your case is handled correctly.
Expert Witnesses: An attorney can engage expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction experts or medical experts, to provide testimony in support of your case.
Dealing with Multiple Parties: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, maintenance providers, and manufacturers. An attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and pursue claims against them as needed.
Protecting Your Rights: A lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. An attorney can advise you on the best course of action, help you avoid common pitfalls, and protect your interests.
Trial Representation: A lawyer can represent you at trial if a settlement cannot be reached and the case goes to court. They can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make legal arguments on your behalf.
Engaging the services of an experienced truck accident lawyer is crucial to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Truck accidents often involve complex legal and logistical issues, and having a knowledgeable legal advocate can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Consult an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
After a frightening truck accident, you may not know your rights, or how much your injuries will cost you. Don’t wait to contact the best truck accident lawyer and learn about your legal options.
Never delay in seeking help, but don’t feel rushed—make a decision based on your research, your conversations with a law firm, and how you feel about the connection.
You should feel confident in your choice of a truck accident lawyer and believe that attorney will stand up for you during the entire legal process.
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See what past clients have to say:
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"As a relatively new resident of Houston, I did not know of an attorney to contact for a personal injury suit. I randomly went through the yellow pages contacting two attorneys that had rejected my case prior to me contacting Stewart Guss. Stewart took my case on and settled for far more than I had anticipated. The silver lining of this is that I will now have enough money to go back to school for retraining, so I will be able to reenter the workforce in a new capacity. The paralegal, Angela, was kind and supportive throughout the process. If I did not understand the legal jargon, I did not hesitate to ask, and was never once made to feel that I was incompetent. Thank you Stewart and Angela for giving me a new lease on live." - Sally T.