Following a truck accident, it’s expected to be confused, scared, and unsure of what to do next. For most people, this includes a series of phone calls. Call 911. Call the police to receive a police report. Call your family. But what should you do next? We recommend you don’t forget to make one more important call and reach out to an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer.
Truck accident lawyers can help address most legal issues related to truck accidents. You may sometimes be entitled to substantial compensation or other legal remedies. In this blog, we take a closer look at the important questions you should ask your truck accident lawyer. Before committing to a firm, you want to make sure they have the knowledge, compassion, and experience to help you win your case. It’s also important to find a truck accident lawyer who, if necessary, isn’t afraid to take your case to court.
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Top Questions to Ask Your Truck Accident Lawyer Before Hiring Them
Finding the right truck accident lawyer makes a huge difference in the outcome of your case. These personal injury claims are complex and require a lawyer with specific knowledge, experience, and resources. Before hiring an attorney, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they’re fully capable of representing your best interests. The following questions will help you evaluate whether a lawyer has the skills, experience, and approach you need to confidently move forward with your claim.
DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH TRUCK ACCIDENTS?
Before selecting a Denver personal injury attorney, you need to make sure they have ample experience with these types of accidents. Do your homework to see what types of cases the firm usually represents (not to mention how successful they are). An experienced truck accident law firm will have years of experience and should be able to easily discuss their qualifications with you before ever asking you for a commitment. Transparency is a key quality you should be looking for in a personal injury attorney you can trust.
HOW WOULD YOU ASSESS MY TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE?
You should ask your Denver truck accident attorney to briefly assess your case. While a complete assessment will take time, they should be able to provide a quick review that answers some of these questions: what kind of financial reward could I receive? How often do you settle or take these kinds of cases to court? How long would this type of case normally take? Is arbitration an option? This type of initial education is an important step for developing a strong relationship with your attorney.
HOW WILL YOU MANAGE MY TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE?
Depending on your case, it could end up taking weeks, months, or possibly even years to reach a settlement. It’s important to know how your truck accident lawyer will manage your case over time. Will they be handling your case personally or will another attorney manage it? Who will be your primary point of contact? You should also discuss how they handle progress reports and updates, which become especially critical for longer cases. Ensuring regular contact is important for any attorney-client relationship.
WILL YOU REPRESENT ME IN COURT?
In many cases, an experienced truck accident attorney will be able to settle your case out of court. Most trucking companies will prefer to offer an out of court settlement to avoid a lengthy court battle, but this isn’t always the case. If the trucking company refuses to offer you fair compensation, you’ll need a personal injury attorney who has experience in litigation and isn’t afraid to face these trucking companies in court.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU HAVE FOR INVESTIGATING TRUCK ACCIDENTS?
Truck accident cases often require in-depth investigations involving accident reconstruction experts, trucking industry specialists, and access to driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and black box data. You should ask the lawyer if they have established relationships with these types of experts and whether they have the resources needed to build a strong case.
WHAT IS YOUR FEE STRUCTURE?
The majority of personal injury law firms take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get compensated if you win. It’s crucial to make clear how much of your settlement they will keep as well as whether any other expenses (such expert witness or court filing fees) will be covered by your settlement or charged separately.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH CLIENTS?
Clear and regular communication is key during a personal injury case, especially one as complicated as a truck accident claim. Ask how often you should expect emails and calls regarding updates, who will be providing them, and how you will communicate. Setting expectations early can help avoid frustration later.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU SEE IN MY TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE?
Every case has potential challenges, and a good attorney will be honest about them upfront. Ask them what issues they foresee — whether it’s proving liability, dealing with multiple defendants, or negotiating with difficult insurance companies. A lawyer who can clearly explain potential hurdles shows that they have the experience to anticipate problems and develop strategies to address them.
HOW LONG WILL MY TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE TAKE?
While no lawyer can guarantee exact timelines, an experienced attorney should be able to provide a general estimate based on similar cases they’ve handled. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the insurance company to settle, and whether litigation becomes necessary can all impact how long your case will take to resolve.
WHAT IS THE SETTLEMENT I COULD OBTAIN IN MY TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE?
The value of a truck accident settlement can vary widely depending on the specifics of the case. Factors like the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impacts all play a major role in determining the final amount. While some truck accident settlements may be worth tens of thousands of dollars, others involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions. An experienced truck accident attorney will evaluate all aspects of your case to give you a more realistic estimate based on past outcomes and the evidence available.
The result of your case might be greatly impacted by your choice of truck accident attorney. Asking the proper questions and carefully weighing the responses can help you hire a lawyer with the resources, experience, and commitment necessary to fight for the money you are due. Don’t be afraid to call Paul for a free consultation if you need reliable legal advice after being in a truck accident in Denver; the proper lawyer can give you the confidence you need to proceed.
MOST COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS
Each large truck accident is unique; however, there are some common factors that lead to the majority of these collisions. Here is a quick review of some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
1. Driver fatigue
Driver fatigue is the most common cause of truck accidents. Truckers work notoriously long hours traveling over long distances, which is the perfect recipe for developing fatigue behind the wheel. In fact, most truckers are on the road for about 70 hours per week. Fatigue can dramatically slow a driver’s reaction time and decision-making ability.
2. Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication is dangerous for any vehicle. But this is especially hazardous when you factor in the sheer size of a large truck. Regrettably, driving under the influence is a common cause of truck accidents. Some drivers take stimulants to stay awake on the road; however, these drugs still impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
3. Speeding
Timing is everything for truck drivers. Since they’re required to meet certain quotas and hit a certain number of miles each day, many may be tempted to overtake small vehicles and speed down the highway. This reckless behavior is a leading cause of truck accidents.
4. Distracted driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents across the country. Whether texting while driving, talking on the phone, eating a meal, or simply daydreaming, distracted driving can quickly lead to a collision when you take your full attention away from the road.
5. Poor maintenance
Truckers and trucking companies are required to maintain their trucks and meet specific safety regulations. However, this doesn’t always happen. Whether looking to save on time or costs, proper maintenance may be overlooked or not completed to meet regulations. Even the simplest malfunction (like a flat tire) can have major repercussions while speeding down a highway with a full load.
Some truck accidents are inevitable, but by taking preemptive actions to prevent these risk factors, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a truck accident.
TRUCK ACCIDENT STATISTICS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Despite professional training and safety precautions, truck accidents remain an issue on highways across the country. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), over 4,000 people died in large truck crashes in 2018. It’s never possible to fully account for the actions of other drivers, which means you should always remain focused and aware while behind the wheel.
To gain better insight into the prominence of these types of crashes, here are some important statistics on truck accidents in 2018:
- 96 percent of vehicle occupants killed in collisions between large trucks and cars were occupants of the car.
- 11 percent of all motor vehicle deaths were from large truck accidents.
- 74 percent of large truck accident deaths involved tractor-trailers.
- Roughly a third of large truck accident deaths occurred on major highways.
Clearly, truck accidents are something that we all need to take seriously.
CONCLUSION – WHAT TO ASK A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER
Selecting the right truck accident attorney is an important decision. You want to ensure you choose someone with knowledge, dedication, and experience to defend your legal rights successfully. You also want a truck accident lawyer who will be compassionate and stick by your side every step of the way.
The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm has years of experience in a variety of personal injury cases, including truck accidents. We know the ins and outs of dealing with trucking companies and insurance companies, ensuring you’ll receive the complete financial compensation that you’re entitled to. If necessary, we never shy away from defending your case in court. Additionally, our firm operates strictly on contingency fees, which means that we only get paid if you win.
Contact our experts at the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action for your unique truck accident case. With a simple phone call or email, let us help you begin your journey on the road to recovery.
