Tips to Find the Right 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Trucking accidents are more common than people believe; in fact, every 16 minutes, there is a truck accident in the country. An 18 wheeler, named after its general configuration, commonly carries goods over long distances. Most places in the country do not have a pre-decided settlement amount for trucking accidents, and the laws regarding these cases may vary from one state to another. This makes it important to hire an expert in such instances.
Why hire a trucking accident lawyer?
18-wheeler wreck lawyers are professionally trained to handle crash cases involving large or heavy-load trucks. They determine which state laws will be applicable to one’s case and how much it is worth.
- Trucking accidents can be complicated
These accidents are not the same as car crashes, and the cases may be complicated. A full-load 18-wheeler truck, for example, can be over 80,000 pounds and can be prone to more damage on the road. In addition, these large vehicles have several blind spots. So, determining the value of a trucking accident requires consideration of many aspects of the crash. Experts are well equipped to handle these cases and their complexities and can ensure maximum claim. - Companies may deny responsibility
Some trucking companies deny responsibility for accidents to avoid bearing costs associated with the crashes , which can result in severe losses.
Multiple parties—the trucking company, owners of delivery trucks, and third-party contractors—are involved in a trucking business. All of their damages may form a part of the claim, making it a time-consuming case. Lawyers of 18-wheeler accidents can help simplify the process. Missing out on anyone involved in the picture may lead to a financial loss later.
Tips to find a top 18-wheeler accident lawyer
While it’s advisable to get a law firm or lawyer involved in such cases, hiring the right one is equally important.
See if they have a client-based approach
Some law firms may push for a discounted settlement to avoid the hassle of a lengthy trial. Remember that quick, basic settlements from the insurance company without a thorough analysis of the accident require the least amount of work and resources. But this can cause a major financial loss. So, opt for a law firm that is willing to get into the details of the case and work mainly for the client’s benefit.
Check the lawyer’s resources
When looking for a lawyer for 18-wheeler accidents, prefer those willing to take other experts on board , such as biomechanical professionals, to build a strong claim and prove certain complicated injuries that the insurance company may not agree to pay for due to lack of evidence. Getting expert help also means the lawyer utilizes their current resources for the right purpose. Look for a lawyer who is capable of traveling the mile and works with a good investigation team.
Analyze their experience
A lawyer or law firm specializing in 18-wheeler trucking accidents is one’s best bet. Check their past work, previous cases and their results, and client testimonials. While studying their profile and work, see if they’ve been successful in getting claims for both economical and non-economic damages of their clients . Usually, factors that influence settlements include injury and recovery time and economic damages like lost wages, lowered future earning capability, and property damage. But, there are also non-economic damages, such as pain, emotional distress, and lowered quality of life. While these losses cannot be quantified, compensation is available for them. In some cases, one may also get comparative negligence wherein the driver gets compensated more if their fault in the accident is less than 50%. See if these factors have formed part of the claim requests and if the lawyer has a proven track record of success in similar cases.
Understand their fee structure
Many law firms do not charge consultation fees, and some firms do not even take a fee until they win the case. These factors can be beneficial since legal battles are usually an expensive affair. So, one should thoroughly research and choose a law firm that aligns with their needs and works on a contingency fee model instead of an upfront payment. Top lawyers usually work on a contingency fee model, wherein they do not charge hourly fees but take a pay cut out of the settlement charges. Having said that, one should remember that there are some out-of-pocket costs, such as court filing fees or copying costs. Go for a lawyer or a law firm that details their fee structure and maintains transparency in how they get paid.
Ensure transparent communication and regular updates
Opt for a law firm that takes care of the routine parts of the case, like handling papers, and also keeps one updated about the progress at every step. Good communication also means that the lawyer simplifies the case so it’s easier for one to understand.
Consider compatibility and trust
One should work with a trusted lawyer at all costs since they will access all personal records and information. So, choose one of the best 18-wheeler accident lawyers to whom one is comfortable disclosing such personal details.
Some popular lawyers and law firms in the country that defend 18-wheeler trucking accidents include Ronald J. Resmini, Munley Law, Patrick Daniel Law, GED Lawyers, and Fasig Brooks Law Offices.
