Seeking out one of the many Truck Accident law firms to represent you is probably the best thing that you can do to increase your chance of a successful claim in your favor. Additionally, their specialization in commercial vehicle accidents can help you not only win, but maximize the amount of compensation you can receive from your claim.

If you’ve been in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, you may think hiring any lawyer is enough to ensure your claim is successful. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. If you really want to get the compensation you deserve from your wreck, it’s absolutely crucial you hire a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents and who’s handled hundreds of cases.

In this article we’ll cover many frequently asked questions as well as the benefits of hiring an experienced low firm. First of all, here is what to look for when searching Truck Accident Law firms before you hire.

Truck Accident Law Firms – What to Look For Before Hiring

1. Look for truck accident law firms with experience.

First and foremost, you want a law firm that has extensive experience in handling truck accident cases. They should have managed hundreds of cases, have years of practice under their belts, and know the ins and outs of the transportation industry laws and regulations like the back of their hand. This will best ensure your claim goes quickly, smoothly, and efficiently and also that you receive the maximum compensation possible. In addition to having experience in truck accident cases, you also want to be sure they have experience both in settling cases out of court and in a trial setting. You never know what your claim may require, so you need to be sure you have the utmost experience and knowledge on your side.

2. Keep an eye out for board certification.

If you really want to sort the good truck accident law firms from the bad, be on the lookout for lawyers who are board certified. Board certification shows that the attorney has a high level of knowledge, expertise, and dedication to their specific field. They’re committed to serving their community, they’re highly regarded by their peers, and they’re dedicated to continuing their education. Only a select few lawyers in the state have this level of recognition. In the case of a truck accident, you’ll want an attorney who is board certified in personal injury law. With them on your side, you’ll have the greatest chances of success in your claim.

3. Steer clear of firms without testimonials or reviews.

A lack of client testimonials or reviews is one of the biggest red flags you can come across when searching for truck accident law firms. Client reviews and testimonials show that a firm is vouched for: that their past clients and customers have been satisfied with their work and seen real, viable results. If a firm you’re considering doesn’t have any testimonials or reviews from past clients on their website or marketing material, it may be time to start looking at other options.

4. Seek out firms with local connections and knowledge.

You want to be able to get your case wrapped up quickly, so you can pay your medical bills, repair costs, and more. There’s no better way to do that to make sure your attorney has the right resources and connections to pull from. They should have relationships with local experts, in case you need a medical expert witness or other type of testimony, and they should be well-acquainted with the process of requesting police reports, trucking logs, and other pieces of evidence in your area. Additionally, they should know the local legal scene and be familiar with area judges, attorneys, and courts. All of this can help your case be more successful and profitable overall.

How You Benefit from a Truck Accident Law Firm

Choosing an attorney with specialization in commercial truck accidents can give you a huge advantage in your claim. They’ll bring with them an arsenal of knowledge, skills, and strategies that can help you build a strong case and, in the end, get the compensation you deserve. Specifically, if you hire an attorney experienced in trucking accidents, you’ll get to enjoy these benefits:

A. They’ll know the pitfalls to avoid.

There are a number of common mistakes that can be hugely detrimental to your claim. From errors in recorded statements to slip-ups at the scene of the accident, your lawyer will know exactly what pitfalls to avoid and how to avoid them. Additionally, they’ll even know how to prevent the trucking company from destroying records or log books – which could prove crucial in winning your claim.

B. They’ll know what evidence is necessary.

If you have looked into truck accident attorneys that have been around the block a few times, they’ll know exactly what evidence is necessary to prove your innocence and pin the blame on the other driver, the trucking company, or another party involved in your wreck. Whether it’s accident scene photos, eyewitness statements, truck maintenance logs, or expert testimony, they’ll know what to gather, how to get it, and how best to present it for your benefit.

C. They know the applicable regulations.

The laws and regulations surrounding trucks, buses, and 18 wheelers are different from those that pertain to traditional vehicles. Drivers are held to different standards, and licensing is particularly stringent. Your lawyer will know exactly which laws and regulations pertain to your case, and they’ll be able to determine if the driver or trucking company involved in your accident was abiding by those rules. If they weren’t, they’ll make sure you’re compensated for it, and they’ll gather the evidence necessary to prove it.

D. They can maximize your compensation.

An attorney who specializes in truck accidents will not just help you win your case, but they will help to maximize the amount of compensation you get out of it. With their past experiences and know-how, they’ll be able to spot prime opportunities for seeking additional compensation, and they’ll make sure you get it.

E. They can help you fight fire with fire.

Ultimately, when a trucking company is involved, failing to get your own legal help could lead to you footing the bill for an accident you didn’t’ cause. Most of the time, trucking companies will do all they can to avoid paying for accidents. That includes keeping experienced, high-dollar attorneys on the payroll. Unfortunately, these attorneys can be extremely cunning, often turning the tables and pinning the blame on the victim. You can help prevent this from happening to you by hiring your own attorney.

Texas Commercial Vehicle Accident Fatalities

Texas had the unfortunate distinction of leading the U.S. in commercial vehicle accident fatalities in 2019. There were 613 fatalities in crashes involving commercial vehicles that year according to the Texas Department of Transportation. These statistics are largely due to the number of heavily trafficked areas in Texas as well as the large number of trucking accidents in the west Texas oilfields.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I absolutely need a lawyer?

You don’t have to hire a lawyer, but you really should. In the event of a truck accident, there are typically big corporations, lawyers and insurance companies involved. Those parties may try to pin the blame on you, in order to avoid paying anything they owe. In the end, it can mean a significant financial loss – even if you’re the victim. By hiring a lawyer to represent you, you stand a fighting chance of getting the money you deserve. You should call some of the truck accident law firms in your area.

2. How does a truck accident differ from a car accident?

Truck accidents are very different from car accidents. Car accidents are typically handled through the drivers and their respective insurance companies, which is usually a quick and easy process. A truck accident, on the other hand, can involve employers, corporations, lawyers, insurance adjusters, worker’s comp people and all kinds of other parties. It can make getting compensation much more difficult, and can cause the entire situation to be all the more complicated and difficult to traverse. Additionally, truck accidents typically cause much more damage than ones involving cars, simply due to the weight and size of the trucks.

3. What should I do after I’ve been hit by a truck?

First, you should call the police. A police report is one of the biggest pieces of evidence you can have in a truck accident case, and it can help you get the compensation you’ll need later on. Then, you should call one of your city’s truck accident law firms and enlist the help of an experienced attorney. They can guide you throughout the rest of the process.

4. Who can I sue in a truck accident?

Truck accidents can be very complex, especially if you opt to take legal action. The driver may be one of the parties to blame, but there could also be any number of other parties at fault as well. This could include the driver’s employer (the trucking company), the truck’s manufacturer, the auto shop that serviced the vehicle, the employee that loaded it and many, many more.

5. The driver’s insurance company wants a recorded statement.

Should I give one? You should never give a recorded statement without first talking to a lawyer. A lawyer will be able to guide you, so that you don’t implicate yourself in your statement. Without good legal advice, you could end up admitting fault during your statement, which may result in you being held liable for the accident – and all the expenses that come with it.

6. Will I be compensated?

A truck accident can lead to serious repercussions, including physical, emotional, financial and work-related damages. If you’re the victim, you’re entitled to compensation. Common damages sought by truck accident victims include medical bills, car damage, pain, suffering, permanent disability, lost wages and income, decreased quality of life and much more. For more see 5 Tips for Getting the Most from Your Big Truck Accident Settlement.

7. Could I be held responsible?

Even if you weren’t at fault in the accident, there’s still a chance that you could be to blame, at least partially. If you admit fault or made some error on your part, insurance companies may refuse to pay, and you could be stuck covering the expenses yourself. Additionally, if you’re found to have only a percentage of fault, it could decrease the amount of compensation you can seek from the other driver. Be sure you know what NOT to do after an accident.

Were you the victim of a truck accident? Make sure you don’t get stuck paying the bill for it. Contact the Law Offices of Pat Maloney, one of San Antonio’s premier truck accident law firms, today for help.

The post Truck Accident Law Firms – What You Need to Know appeared first on Pat Maloney.