What to Look For in a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, you need to make sure you choose a lawyer who can help you recover. Truck accident cases are complicated, and recovering fair compensation requires not only an in-depth understanding of the law but also extensive familiarity with the procedures, tactics, and strategies involved.

How do you make the right choice? Here are some of the key traits you should look for in a truck accident attorney:

1. Focus on Serious Accident Cases

The majority of truck accident claims center on serious and catastrophic injuries. As such, you need an attorney who has the experience, knowledge, and resources to navigate the challenges of these cases.

Catastrophic injuries can have long-term effects on your health, your ability to work, and your quality of life. An experienced lawyer will know how to quantify the expenses associated with these injuries as well as the non-economic losses you sustain.

2. Experience Handling Serious Truck Accidents

In addition to choosing a lawyer who focuses on serious accident cases, you will want to choose a lawyer who has particular experience handling commercial truck accidents specifically. Truck accident cases are unique in many respects, and relevant experience is crucial for making sure you have the best chance to recover maximum compensation.

3. Free Consultations

Any truck accident lawyer you choose should provide free consultations. Not only should your consultation be free, but it should also come with no pressure and no obligation. You should feel like you have the time you need to ask all of your questions, and you should not feel pressured to hire the lawyer if you decide you want to speak with someone else.

4. Contingency Fee Representation

Tractor trailer truck accidents and other personal injury claims are typically handled on a contingency-fee basis. This means that:

• You should not have to pay a retainer fee
• You should not receive monthly legal bills
• The law firm should advance the costs of pursuing your case
• You should not have to pay anything unless and until you receive just compensation

Charging an upfront fee or requesting a retainer may signal that the attorney you consult is inexperienced in personal injury law. Not only does this have an adverse effect on your finances, but it also means that the lawyer may be unable to recover the compensation you deserve after a truck accident.

5. Local Availability 

When you have a truck accident case, it is very important to choose a lawyer who is located in your area. This means having an office location (if not multiple office locations) nearby, and it means being able to come to you at your home or in the hospital if you are unable to travel.

Local lawyers know the areas where accidents occur, as well as the applicable laws and the courts where cases are heard. They are also known by the parties commonly involved in accident claims – namely the insurance companies. Attorneys and law firms with a history of success often build a formidable reputation in the community that enables them to achieve higher settlements for their clients.

6. Responsiveness 

If you need help after a serious or fatal truck accident, you cannot afford to wait. As a result, you should choose a lawyer who is responsive to your questions and concerns. This starts with the initial consultation.

Whether you call, fill out a contact form, or use online chat, the person on the other end should take your concerns seriously and strive to meet with you as soon as possible. A lackadaisical attitude is generally a sign to look elsewhere.

7. Makes You Feel Comfortable

A trait that often goes overlooked when looking for a truck accident lawyer is the ability to make you feel at ease. You will be working closely with your lawyer throughout your case, and the outcome of your case could very well impact the rest of your life. With this in mind, you should feel completely comfortable talking to your lawyer and you should feel confident that he or she can help you recover just compensation.

8. Access to a Team of Skilled Professionals 

Pursuing a truck accident claim successfully requires a team of skilled professionals. When choosing a lawyer in the aftermath of a truck accident, you want to choose a lawyer who works with other attorneys, case managers, investigators, and experts who can all help prove your right to a financial recovery.

9. Honesty About Your Expectations

Given the time and effort involved in pursuing a truck accident case, it is important to make sure you have reasonable expectations. An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to provide an honest assessment of your potential recovery while clearly explaining everything else you need to know.

10. Commitment to Your Best Interests

Finally, when it comes to what to look for in a truck accident lawyer, one of the most important traits is a commitment to the optimal outcome in your case. You need to know that your lawyer is prepared to do what it takes to win, and that he or she is willing to fight to make sure you receive the results you deserve, including medical expenses.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Truck accidents can be devastating for victims and their loved ones. Given the serious physical, emotional, psychological, and financial toll, it is of the utmost importance to hire a knowledgeable lawyer to act on your behalf.

For more than 25 years, Kogan & DiSalvo has been representing clients in a wide range of accident and injury cases. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements while providing hands-on legal guidance and support.

Please call Kogan & DiSalvo at (561) 375-9500 today for a free case evaluation. Our truck accident lawyer serves clients in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, Stuart, Delray Beach, Vero Beach, Tampa, Palm Bay, and other nearby areas of Florida.