If you’ve recently been injured in an accident involving a large commercial vehicle, you might have a long and complex legal process ahead of you — one full of big decisions that you’re better off not making all by yourself.
Deciding which attorney to hire is never an easy task for anyone. There are many, many lawyers in the state of West Virginia, and Google gives you more options than you could ever realistically wade through. Hiring a lawyer is only the first step in this process, and even that can seem overwhelming. We understand.
If you’re not sure how to choose a truck accident lawyer, here are five things to look for:
Experience in Handling WV Truck Accident Claims
Commercial truck accidents aren’t the same as conventional car crashes. They tend to involve more significant damages and might be subject to a complex interplay of federal regulations and state laws, some of which are specific to truck drivers and the companies that employ them.
Navigating these claims can be challenging, and there is simply no substitute for experience.
When deciding how to choose a truck accident lawyer, we encourage you to ask about the attorney’s experience specifically in the area of commercial truck accidents.
Even law firms that have a long track record with other kinds of traffic accidents may not have a great deal of experience when it comes to handling commercial truck accident claims. Ask to learn more about each lawyer’s background in this complex area of law.
Resources for Standing Up to a Big Insurance Company
Because truck accidents tend to involve complex legal, medical, and evidentiary issues — and because the insurance companies on the other side work so hard to defend themselves — these claims can take a long time to resolve.
The first thing to look for when choosing a truck accident lawyer in West Virginia is whether they are willing to work on a contingency fee basis, which means they won’t charge you anything upfront. You only pay if your claim is successful, and even then, the law firm’s fee is only a portion of the overall recovery.
Most personal injury law firms do offer contingency representation for truck accident victims.
While this arrangement allows victims and their families to hire a lawyer regardless of their financial ability, it also means that the law firm is advancing the costs of investigation, negotiation, and litigation — and that process can sometimes go on for years.
Therefore, it’s important that your law firm has enough financial resources to pursue your claim in the long term. A firm that can barely afford to finance a claim may not be able to capably stand in the position of long-term strength and leverage that you deserve.
When contemplating how to choose a truck accident lawyer, it’s okay to ask the law firm directly about their financial resources, as well as any investigative resources they might have (e.g. legal research tools, relationships with relevant experts, etc.).
Easy Communication for You as the Client
Throughout the life of your claim, you might have questions for your lawyer, or new concerns that seemingly bubble up out of nowhere. When those things happen, it’s imperative that you be able to talk to your attorney — directly and sooner rather than later.
Just as importantly, your claim is just that: your claim. You have a right to know what’s happening… and to make decisions about your legal options for yourself.
When choosing a truck accident lawyer in West Virginia, we encourage you to ask about the lawyer’s approach to communication and to get a sense of their respect for you as a potential client.
The right attorney will give you their time and attention. Communicating with your legal representative should never feel like a hassle or hurdle.
Willingness to Fight for Your Best Outcome
Insurance companies are eager to dispose of claims quickly, but they also want to avoid big payouts. If they can “buy their way out” with a low settlement offer, they are likely to do so.
But the fast-and-easy way doesn’t always represent your best interests. Sure, an early settlement might allow the law firm to collect a fee with a quick turnaround, but does it represent your best strategic path forward? The answer to that question will depend on the facts and circumstances, but it’s critical that you’re working with a law firm that is willing to fight for your best possible outcome.
At Colombo Law, we have been able to resolve the majority of our clients’ cases through settlement agreements, but we still prepare every claim for the possibility of trial. In other words, we are ready and willing to take trucking companies and their insurance carriers to court if that’s what it takes. The insurance companies realize that, which can often make a difference in their approach to negotiations.
We believe our client-first attitude can make a meaningful difference for the people we represent.
A Record of Success
When considering how to choose a truck accident lawyer, it’s important to look at the law firm’s track record.
While no attorney can promise you a specific outcome — and while past results are never a guarantee about how your individual claim might unfold — it is fair for you to inquire (in general terms) about the law firm’s history with settlements and/or verdicts in cases similar to yours.
Likewise, we encourage you to look for testimonials from truck accident victims and family members who have hired that same attorney in the past.
You deserve to feel confident and at ease in your lawyer’s willingness and ability to handle your claim with competence and zeal.
Schedule a Cost-Free, No-Obligation Legal Consultation Today
Want to learn more about how to choose a truck accident lawyer or the qualities that are most likely to make a difference for you? We invite you to contact our office and schedule a free, confidential consultation with our Morgantown truck accident attorneys.
We fight to maximize compensation. Let us fight for you. Colombo Law proudly serves truck accident victims and their families throughout West Virginia, not only in Morgantown but also in Bridgeport, Buckhannon, Clarksburg, Elkins, Fairmont, Parkersburg, and Weston.
Here is our promise to you:
- A free case evaluation with absolutely no obligation to hire us
- Honest guidance and advice
- No attorney fees unless and until we recover damages for you
- Our time, passion, respect, and attention to your needs
A strict legal time limit (i.e. statute of limitation) applies to most West Virginia truck accident claims, so please don’t delay. Contact Colombo Law and schedule a free case review right away. Just dial 304-599-4229 (888-860-1414 outside of Morgantown) or contact us online.
