After a collision with a semi truck, many accident victims don’t realize the challenges that await them. Of course, physical, emotional, and psychological trauma all take an enormous toll – on one’s well-being and one’s finances – but the legal dimensions of a truck accident are often overwhelming.
The insurance companies will do everything they can to pay as little as possible in a truck accident claim. Their agents may present themselves as helpful and sympathetic, but it is important to remember that they are looking out for their employer, not for you.
The only way to make sure that your rights are protected is to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer. When you hire legal representation, your attorney puts your best interest first.
Lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. It is important to find an attorney or law firm with proven results and experience, as well as someone who aligns with your goals and needs. To see how Colombo Law measures up to your expectations, please call (614) 362-7000 today. Your initial consultation with our Columbus truck accident lawyers is free, 100% confidential, and comes with no obligation.
How to Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash with a semi truck, the choices you have to make are overwhelming. Decisions about medical care, returning to work, and making other adjustments to the “new normal” after an accident can all be difficult.
Finding a lawyer who can capably handle your truck accident claim should not be one of these difficulties. Although it is in your best interest to do some research to find the right attorney, there are a few qualities to look for that can make the decision much easier:
1. Experience
Put simply, you do not want to be the first truck accident case a lawyer tries. Claims involving 18-wheelers are much different from other types of personal injury litigation. Trucking accident cases are more complicated, the injuries involved tend to be more severe, and the monetary damages are often much higher.
The following questions can help you determine the lawyer’s level of experience with truck accident claims:
- How many years have you been trying truck accident cases?
- What percentage of your practice is dedicated to truck accident litigation?
- How many clients have you successfully represented in truck accident cases?
- Have you represented clients in cases like mine?
- How many of your cases do you settle vs. how many go to trial?
- Will you take my case to trial if the situation demands it?
- Have you tried cases before against the motor carrier in my claim?
Each lawyer you talk to should be open and honest about their experience with truck accident claims. If you get insightful, detailed answers to these questions, you should feel confident in their ability to represent you.
2. Results
Another way to gauge the experience of a lawyer or law firm in truck accident matters is the number and amount of verdicts and settlements they have achieved. Successful monetary recoveries indicate that the attorney or firm has prevailed on behalf of multiple clients in the past.
Most law firms will have a mix of settlements and verdicts. If you only see settlements, be sure to confirm that the firm is willing and able to go to court if necessary.
Some cases are resolved successfully before they go to trial. Experienced attorneys are shrewd negotiators, and it is possible to attain just compensation for clients through settlements.
However, given the amount of money at stake in truck accident lawsuits and the deeply entrenched interests of the defendants in these cases, an acceptable settlement offer won’t always be forthcoming. Therefore, it is important to hire an experienced trial lawyer who won’t hesitate to take your case before a judge or jury if that is the optimal way to achieve a favorable outcome.
Remember: Prior outcomes do not ensure the same result in your case. It is important to consult an experienced lawyer to find out what your case may be worth and discuss options for attaining just compensation.
3. Reputation
In this era of online shopping, looking up reviews is easy. Like you would with any product or business before buying, it is important to see what satisfied clients of the law firm you’re considering have to say about their experience.
The firm may have testimonials on the website, or you can see reviews on Google and other online platforms. When reading the reviews, look for the following:
- All of the reviews are genuine and come from actual clients of the firm
- The reviews highlight details that are important to you, such as satisfaction with monetary recovery, the quality of service, etc.
- The lawyer or law firm has taken the time to provide thoughtful responses to reviews – both positive and negative
- The reviews are current and posted consistently over time
4. Fee Arrangement
Lawyers who practice different areas of law employ different fee schedules. In the vast majority of cases, injury and accident attorneys will offer a contingency fee agreement.
By trying cases on contingency, the lawyer or law firm takes on all of the risk. The client pays nothing unless a recovery is secured in their case. In the event of a favorable outcome, the client pays their attorney a percentage of the recovered sum.
The purpose of free consultations and contingency fee agreements is to provide injury victims with the means to pursue compensation without having to make upfront financial outlays. When considering which truck accident lawyer to hire, attorneys who charge an upfront fee or propose to bill you at an hourly rate likely have limited experience in injury and accident cases.
5. Availability
The lawyer you choose for your truck accident claim should be more than a talented litigator. People skills are just as important, especially when you’re dealing with the stress and uncertainty following a crash with a big rig.
When interviewing potential attorneys, ask the following questions:
- How soon do you typically return calls and emails?
- When are the attorneys and staff available to answer questions?
- How many cases does your firm typically handle at once?
- Who are the team members who will be working on my case?
- How often will I hear from you with updates on my case?
- Will I be included in conversations concerning the strategy in my case?
Responsiveness, compassion, and open communication are all important qualities to look for in a truck accident lawyer. Starting with your free consultation, they should ask thoughtful questions and strive to include you in decisions affecting your case.
Find Out What Our Truck Accident Lawyers Can Do for You
Colombo Law has extensive experience in complex trucking accident claims. We always put our clients first, prioritizing your needs, your goals, and your rights. Our lawyers have achieved millions of dollars in recovery for clients, and we have earned a reputation in Columbus and throughout Ohio for both aggressive litigation and compassionate legal service.
Find out if our firm is right for you by calling (614) 362-7000 or contacting us online. Your initial consultation is free, and you don’t pay us anything unless we win for you.
