7 Questions to Ask Your Potential Truck Accident Lawyer

Over 4,700 people died in large truck crashes in 2021. That’s a huge number considering how few people, comparatively, drive those trucks. 

Have you been involved in a truck crash? You need a truck accident lawyer.

Hiring an attorney isn’t easy, however, especially if you’ve never done it before. We’re here to help. Read on to learn our top tips for finding a lawyer who’s right for you. 

1. What Is Your Experience With Truck Accident Cases? 

When you’re looking for the best attorney for the job, you want to find one who has experience in the field with cases like yours. 

This isn’t to say that other attorneys aren’t capable of handling your case. A standard car accident lawyer may have no problem handling a truck accident case, but you want to find an attorney who understands the complexities of your situation.

A good truck accident lawyer will understand the specific laws pertaining to truck accidents. They have the knowledge, skills, and experience required to easily handle the case and you’ll have the best chance of a successful outcome. 

2. What Is Your Preferred Communication Method and Style?

All attorneys have different preferred methods of communication. Some attorneys will prefer emails, others like phone calls, and some only discuss cases in person.

This matters. You need an attorney that can communicate with you on your schedule. If you’re not available for calls or in-person meetings all the time, you want an attorney who can handle emails.

You also need to consider their communication style. Do you “vibe” well with the attorney, or is it clear that there would be some type of conflict between you while you work together? 

You’re entering into a working relationship with the attorney, and in any relationship, communication is crucial. Make sure that it works for you. 

3. What Problems Do You Forsee With My Case? 

There is no such thing as a perfect case. Even if you were 100% in the right and the other party is, without a doubt, at fault, it’s possible that you won’t win. Any good lawyer will tell you this. 

It’s a good idea to ask the lawyer what problems they foresee with your case. This can help you prepare and it can open up some difficult conversations.

By asking this question, it can also help you dig up any evidence you may not have otherwise thought of. You may find yourself looking for video footage taken by local businesses near the accident or even witness testimonies. 

An honest lawyer will be happy to talk about any roadblocks they expect. 

4. What Fees Can I Expect? 

Let’s face it: hiring a local attorney is expensive. It’s worth the high cost and legal help is invaluable, but you still need to know how much you’re going to be spending before you make a commitment. You should have this conversation during your initial consultation. 

Some lawyers work on contingency. This means that you do not pay them unless they win the case for you. This is a good option for people who don’t have enough money to pay upfront.

Other lawyers require payment no matter what happens. 

Some lawyers charge for visits and court time, while others charge for things like messages and phone calls as well. There is no right or wrong fee structure for an attorney, but you should know about the fees before you get started.

Ask about any “extra” fees as well. You need to plan your spending.

5. Do You Have References or Testimonials? 

How do you know that your lawyer is reliable? 

Many lawyers are happy to share testimonials and references from previous happy clients. They may even connect you with those clients (who consent to have their contact information shared) so you can get the inside scoop from someone who has used the lawyer’s services in the past. 

This can be incredibly helpful. You want to know that other people have had positive experiences with your attorney, and online reviews aren’t always sufficient for that. 

6. Are You Willing to Go to Court? 

Not all lawyers who handle car accident or truck accident cases are experienced in the courtroom.

The majority of car and truck accident cases settle. Many settlements, however, are not fair to the injured party. Insurance companies pay as little as possible to get out of the case, and they assume that plaintiffs will accept that.

You don’t have to accept a low settlement. However, if you choose to reject a settlement, your lawyer has to be willing to go to court and advocate for you. 

Make sure they’re willing to do that.

7. What Is the Expected Outcome?

Lawyers aren’t fortune tellers, but any good lawyer should be able to give you an idea of how the case is going to go.  

You want your lawyer to be confident, but not cocky. They shouldn’t be “positive” that the case will go well (as there are no “sure things” in law), but they should feel like the odds are in your favor and they should be able to tell you why they feel that way. 

If they’re not confident, they should be upfront about that so you can decide what your next steps should be. 

Hiring an Attorney Can Be Confusing!

If you’re hiring an attorney for the first time, you might feel stressed out! This guide can help you find the perfect truck accident attorney for your case. You deserve to work with a lawyer you can trust.

Good luck!

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