In 2021, approximately 155,000 people in the US were injured in semi and other large truck accidents. Semi-accidents can leave victims struggling with painful and debilitating injuries.
If you were harmed in a large truck accident, it is recommended that you consult a semi-truck accident lawyer who can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
A truck accident lawyer is a type of personal injury lawyer who handles truck accident cases. They represent clients who have been injured by the negligence of someone else in semi-truck accidents.
Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Specialize in Personal Injury Law
Different types of lawyers handle various types of cases. There are criminal lawyers, family law attorneys, corporate lawyers, real estate lawyers, and many others. What type of lawyer can help you after a large truck accident?
If you are pursuing compensation for truck accident injuries caused by someone else’s actions, then you need to contact personal injury lawyers since they work in tort law. Tort law, also referred to as personal injury law, encompasses cases where a person is injured due to another party’s negligence.
Personal injury law is in place to enable injured parties to pursue compensation for damages from the parties who caused them harm – in other words, making it possible for the victim to be made “whole again.” Thus, your personal injury lawyer will work to make sure you are compensated for all damages you suffered in the semi-truck accident.
What to Look for When Hiring a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
How can you find a semi-truck accident lawyer to handle your case? And how can you ensure that the attorney you hire is right for you and your specific situation?
Most personal injury lawyers offer potential clients a free case review. This gives you a chance to meet the lawyer, ask any questions you have, and find out whether he or she is the right fit for you and your semi-truck accident case.
Being a successful semi-truck accident attorney requires a unique set of skills. Consider some important characteristics to look for and take into consideration when choosing a semi-truck accident attorney.
Knowledge of trucking laws and regulations
You need a personal injury lawyer who has a deep understanding of the federal and state laws that (1) govern the trucking industry and (2) are applicable to your case.
For instance, your semi-truck accident attorney should have a solid knowledge of regulations related to the following:
- Truck maintenance
- Driver qualifications
- Hours of service
- Cargo loading
Knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) trucking regulations and state laws equips your semi-truck accident lawyer to spot any violations committed by the trucking company and establish liability.
Analytical and investigative skills
Truck accident cases are not always easy to resolve. They often involve complex scenarios and multiple parties.
Your semi-truck accident attorney should have the analytical skills needed to:
- Evaluate the evidence
- Reconstruct the truck accident
- Identifying contributing factors
- Determine the cause of the accident
A skilled semi-truck accident lawyer will be able to conduct a thorough investigation, collect relevant documents, and gather critical evidence. This may include retrieving and examining the Event Data Recorder (EDR) information from the semi-truck. The EDR may have preserved evidence crucial to your case.
Negotiation skills
Most truck accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. You need to hire a semi-truck attorney with the strong negotiation skills to effectively advocate for your legal rights.
A skilled negotiator should be persuasive, assertive, and capable of presenting a compelling argument.
Compatible with you
Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries and emotional trauma. But it can be comforting to have a lawyer who understands the toll it is taking on you.
While your semi-truck accident attorney does not need to become your new best friend, you do want to choose someone whom you feel comfortable communicating with. The time following a truck accident can be stressful, and it may put your mind at ease to hire a lawyer who is helpful, understanding, supportive, and surely on your side.
A compassionate semi-truck accident lawyer should be an empathetic listener and provide reliable guidance throughout the claims process.
Experienced in litigation
Even though many truck accident cases are settled without going to trial, you should prepare yourself for every possible avenue of resolving your case. To do this, search for a lawyer who is a board-certified trial attorney.
There are benefits to having a lawyer on your side who has certificates in personal injury law and litigation.
For one, insurance companies are more likely to offer you a fair settlement if they know you have hired a semi-truck lawyer who is not afraid to go to trial. Also, if your case does end up going to trial, you need a lawyer representing you who has the skills needed to present a strong argument before a judge and jury.
Questions to Ask Truck Accident Lawyers During Your Initial Consultation
One of the most important decisions you can make after a truck accident is selecting the right lawyer to represent you. When it comes to taking on large trucking companies and their insurance companies, your choice of a legal representative matters.
The following are some questions you may want to ask any truck accident attorneys you are considering hiring:
- How many truck accident cases have you handled?
- What were the outcomes of those cases?
- How many of those cases were settled as opposed to going to trial?
- Have you handled a case similar to mine?
- What is your strategy for winning my case?
- Do you see any potential problems with my case?
- What do you think my case is worth?
- How long will it take to settle my case?
- How are you compensated for handling my case?
- Are you a member of any professional legal organizations? Which ones?
- How often will you update me on my case?
- Will I be working with you or someone else in the office?
Schedule a Free Case Review With One of Our Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Today
The compassionate legal team at Judd Shaw Injury Law understands the devastating impact truck accidents can have on victims and their families. When we take on your case, our truck accident attorneys will be committed to helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our law firm offers free consultations and no-obligation visits to discuss your truck accident case. What’s more, we take all cases on contingency. This means you do not pay us any upfront costs or fees.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we work for you – not the insurance company. Let us offer you legal support and help you seek the compensation you need. Call us today at 1-866-909-6894 or complete the online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.
Content edited by personal injury attorney Judd Shaw. From the beginning, Judd established a set of Core Values laying out the pursuit for excellence in client service. He is a regular host of the Working The Wow podcast, with the belief that providing an exceptional client experience is just as important as delivering a quality service or product. You can find us in Red Bank and Tom‘s River, New Jersey.