How to compare truck accident lawyers

If a truck accident has left you injured, you are likely inundated with options for law firms. You can compare truck accident lawyers through careful research and a few direct interviews. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our Joliet truck accident lawyer is ready to speak with you about your situation and answer your questions honestly and transparently.

Car mirror with truck in view - How to compare truck accident lawyers in Joliet

What should you look for when comparing truck accident lawyers?

Not all trucking accident attorneys are created equal. A personal injury attorney willing to handle a truck accident case is not the same as a firm like Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, which has experienced truck accident lawyers.

Truck accident cases can quickly become very complex, and an attorney who is not familiar with these accidents may miss out on protecting key evidence in your case.

Truck-specific experience and knowledge of trucking regulations

Unlike many car accidents, a truck crash often involves multiple parties and disputes over liability and insurance coverage.

These parties may include the trucking company, driver, or truck owner. Truck drivers are also subject to other regulations, such as Hours of Service guidelines, which are overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Understanding truck-specific violations and how they may affect your case can be integral to a successful lawsuit.

A real trial and verdict record

Many accident cases will settle without going to court. Ideally, we can negotiate a fair settlement amount quickly without forcing you to undergo a trial. However, if this is not possible for whatever reason, it is helpful to know if the firm you choose is able and willing to go to trial for you. You can ask them directly about their trial record and case results, or you can often find this information on the firm’s website.

Resources to handle complex, catastrophic cases

Truck accidents can be very costly in terms of damage and the value of a lawsuit. The vehicle’s greater mass means even low-impact accidents can cause extensive property damage and significant injuries to vehicle occupants. When the damages are serious like this, insurance companies will often push back more than they would otherwise, in an attempt to reduce payouts.

If this happens, it can help to have a lawyer who has access to the necessary resources. This may include accident reconstruction experts and other expert witnesses who can speak to what happened.

What questions should you ask before hiring a truck accident lawyer?

Once you have established that your attorney has experience in handling truck accidents and taking cases to trial when necessary, there are several other things that can be helpful to know before making a final decision.

What are your expectations for communication?

Setting early expectations regarding communication can avoid frustration and anxiety in the middle of your case. Ask them how often they communicate with their clients. Can you expect a weekly or monthly e-mail regardless of whether your case has changed? Or should you just know that the attorney or paralegal will contact you with updates as they happen? How quickly can you expect them to respond? Is phone or e-mail the best way to contact them?

Can you provide me with references from other clients?

Many firms will offer testimonials on their website, but it can be good to speak with previous clients to get a better idea of what it was like working on the case.

Do you have experience with my type of injuries?

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic and life-changing injuries. While the attorney may have worked on truck cases, it can be helpful to know if they have direct experience with your injuries. For example, injuries like traumatic brain injuries will benefit from someone who is familiar with the specific terminology and treatment needs.

These injuries can often require extensive and ongoing medical care. When truck accident lawyers understand your type of injury, it can help them connect you with specialists and account for future medical bills while negotiating your compensation.

What can I expect from the process?

Truck accident cases can be complicated and unpredictable. This question gives you the opportunity to see how your potential attorney will communicate with you. Do they really take the time to help you understand? Do they answer your questions with patience?

Additionally, it can be a red flag if they make promises or give you very specific numbers about the value of your claim without thoroughly reviewing your costs and the situation. It is reasonable to help you understand the damages you may be able to claim, such as lost wages or medical costs, but the ultimate amount you recover is difficult to predict in the beginning.

How do truck accident lawyers charge for their services?

In most cases, truck accident lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis. Generally speaking, this means they will recover their legal fees as a percentage of your settlement or verdict amount. This should be reviewed before you sign any contract, and you may want to discuss how they handle incidentals, such as fees for records requests.

See how Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates measures up

At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we are dedicated to providing a positive client experience. We encourage our clients to be well-informed when they choose us to help them pursue compensation, and we are ready to answer any questions you have about your situation. You can contact us today online or by calling (800) 985-1819 to schedule a free case consultation.