What Should You Ask A Truck Accident Lawyer At The First Meeting?

If you sustain injuries or damage from a truck accident, or if a loved one ends up dead, as a result of another’s negligence or careless acts on the road, you are bound to have lots of questions regarding what to do next. The good news is that you aren’t alone. Many victims have found themselves in the same situation as you.

To help clear some of the uncertainties, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions surrounding truck accidents. If your concern or issue isn’t addressed below, feel free to talk to top accident lawyers like this 18-wheeler accident lawyer near you. Greg Baumgartner, one of the leading truck accident lawyers in Houston recommends these questions for the first meeting, to help victims get the most from their initial consultation:

Have you handled cases similar to mine in the past?

It’s one thing for a lawyer to be specialized, and another for them to have the necessary experience to handle a case of your nature. That’s why it is crucial to determine whether they have represented clients with similar needs as yours in the past or not. For instance, if your case involves multivehicle, it’s critical that the lawyer has handled a claim involving multivehicle. The same applies to single vehicle accident cases and so on. The fact that they have gone through the case in on different occasions means they are aware of what’s needed to pursue the case and also what the defendant is likely to do to challenge it.

What’s your payment plan?

 It is vital to understand right off the bat how much a lawyer will charge for the case. Some attorneys will craft the contract in a manner that lets them increase the fee as the case progresses – and this may be as much as 50%. Knowing this beforehand will help you decide whether such a lawyer is ideal for you or not.

Are you going to handle my case?

This question may sound a little bit out of the line, but you will be surprised to learn that the market is full of broker lawyers – who, once you hire them, call other lawyers and share the fee. While there is nothing wrong with this, it’s important to know who will handle your case.

Will you bring other professionals on board when the need arises?

Depending on the nature of your accident, you may need accident reconstructionists, commercial drivers, economists, expert witnesses, numerous medical practitioners, life care planners and crash data retrieval professionals to help build your case. An experienced truck accident lawyer should be able to provide a good indication of the kind of expert that would be necessary for the claim.

How will you get me compensation?

A majority of Seattle truck accident attorneys will get you a financial statement by filing a claim with the insurance provider of the trucking company. They will negotiate with the insurance company and often recover a settlement for your injuries – out of court. However, if all else fails, they will take the case to court and argue before the judge. So, it is essential for your lawyer to be courtroom-ready – preferably with experience.