Guide To Choosing The Best Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck accident scene

Are you or your loved ones involved in a truck accident? If yes, then it is important to seek the assistance of a truck accident lawyer to help you get the most out of the trial since various parties can be held responsible for the driver’s negligence. Also, if you own a truck or a trucking company, it is essential to get an experienced trucking accident attorney to represent you very well during the trial to get you the best possible settlement.


Truck accidents are dangerous and can result in severe injuries and fatalities, which can be traumatic for both victims and their loved ones. In 2020 alone, there were about 4,843 large trucks involved in fatal accidents in the United States, which is a 33% increase since 2011.


Over 13 million trucks are operating across the U.S., many with overworked drivers. Statistics over the years show that 80% of these large truck accidents are associated with human errors. Since trucks weigh 20-30 times more than a typical vehicle, accidents involving these large vehicles can lead to fatalities or permanent injuries.


What does a truck accident lawyer do?


A truck accident lawyer is a lawyer that specializes in handling the settlement or trial of cases that involve accident with one or more commercially operated truck. Their job is to collect evidence, talk to witnesses, identify the liable parties, and then negotiate with the insurance company for settlement. There are different types of trucks, including:

 

Semi trucks

Delivery trucks

Cargo trucks

Big rigs

Tractor-trailer trucks

Transport trucks

Other types of trucks


However, the lawyer will take the case to trial on your behalf when negotiations fail.


Who can be held responsible for a truck accident


So who is liable in a truck accident? Unlike vehicle-to-vehicle crash cases, truck accident cases tend to be different and complex. While you may think that the truck driver is the only party at fault, there may be more than one party involved. 


There are several parties you and your truck accident attorney might hold responsible. These include:


1. The Truck Driver: This is the first person that comes to mind since the truck driver was the person driving the truck when the accident occurred.


2. The Trucking Company: The trucking company could be held liable since they are responsible for the supervision of their drivers, background checks, scheduling of rest periods, and more.


3. Third-party Brokers: It is common for transportation companies to hire a third-party broker that connects them to drivers and trucks to transport their cargo. For such trucks, your truck accident attorney will investigate if the company did a background check on the driver, the control they had over the driver’s schedules, and other safety regulations.


4. Truck Manufacturers: Was the accident caused by a mechanical failure or some issue related to one of the truck's parts? If yes, then the company that makes that part will also bear some responsibility. But then, the truck company or driver could instead be held for the faulty part if they failed to routinely check the truck and get it repaired.


Finding the Best Truck Accident Lawyers


There are many lawyers out there and it can be difficult finding the right one. You hear terms like “personal injury attorney”, “trucking attorney” and many other terms thrown around when in need of help. Finding one who has the right experience and right background in trucking is very important. 


Let’s look at the things you should consider when looking for the best lawyers for truck accidents.

 

1. Experience: You need an attorney with extensive experience in trucking litigation to represent you in a truck accident case. The lawyer should have experience in handling truck accident cases, including trying cases and negotiating settlements as well. 


Is the lawyer willing to put in the required amount of time and effort in the case? Is the lawyer willing to bear the maximum amount of burden that might come along with the case? These are the things you should look out for. Experience matters, don’t look at the qualifications of the attorney alone since you don’t want someone will treat your case as a learning experience.


2. Specialization: A car accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer won’t give you a satisfactory result. You need to hire an attorney that specializes in truck accident law because they will be more knowledgeable about truck laws and safety regulations, which might even be a key factor in determining the outcome of the case. Mind you, truck accidents are much more dangerous than regular car accidents, and so are the rules and regulations of trucks different from other motor vehicles. 

 

As explained before, there are several parties involved in a truck accident including the truck driver, trucking company, third-party brokers, and manufacturers. So you need a truck accident lawyer who is experienced in this area.

 

3. Reputation and Trustworthiness: Other than the lawyer's experience and specialization, you have to research and know if they are reliable, have a good reputation and are trustworthy. Check what other people have to say about them, and also review their previous cases to see their success rate. 

 

You don’t need an attorney that has a bad track record of losing cases.

 

4. References: Don’t be in a rush to sign any paperwork. Ensure to get references from past clients of the attorney you intend to hire so that you can understand the type of person you are about to deal with. 

 

For truck company owners, there are many lawyers for truck accidents out there. Make sure you ask other people in the trucking business of their experience and opinion about the attorney. Feedback from past clients will give you more ideas about the attorney. 

 

5. Negotiation Skills: How good is your attorney’s negotiation skills? Well, you should be able to get a hint of the negotiation skills of a lawyer by the way they talk.  

 

When you walk into a courtroom, you need a truck accident attorney that will be able to convince the judge or negotiate a good settlement for you.

 

6. Communication: A good attorney should be able to answer all your questions effectively. How are their communication skills? If they can’t convince you of your own case then how will they do that in court?

 

You should avoid hiring a lawyer that acts like they know better than you. Communication should be open. Your points, too, count, no matter how small. Communication lines like messages, calls, and emails should be open and promptly returned when you communicate. 

 

7. Transparency: Transparency is one vital skill every truck accident lawyer should have, but sadly not everyone has it. 
 
The attorney you are about to hire should provide you with all the necessary information that you need. This includes the rules and regulations of the state, fee structure, contingency fees, and any out-of-pocket costs that might come up later so that you will be fully prepaid. All these will aid you in making informed decisions smoothly.

8. Fee Structure: This is one of the most important things you must discuss before hiring an attorney. How does the attorney expect compensation for their services, and how long do they think the case will last? These are the questions you should ask before putting to pen any agreement.


However, I would suggest a lawyer that operates on a contingency fee basis for the best result. In other words, this means that your lawyer will get a certain percentage of the total amount that you will receive in the trial. There are two benefits when you go with this system: The first is that your lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure you get the best settlement since his cut depends on the outcome.


Secondly, you don’t owe the attorney anything if the case goes the other way and you don’t win. 


However, have it in mind that you will be required to pay court filing and witness fees. These are mandatory, not minding if you win or lose the case.


Truck Accident Lawyers Near Me:


An accident with a truck of any form often results in great bodily harm and even wrongful death, and that is why you have to be adequately compensated in the best form available. However, choosing the right truck accident law firm can be very challenging and complex. But not to worry, we have compiled some of the most skilled, qualified, experienced and best truck accident lawyers to give you the right legal representation for your case.

 

Baumgartner Law Firm:


With over 30 years of experience, the Baumgartner Law Firm has some of the best lawyers for truck accidents in the United States. The firm’s founder, Greg Baumgartner, has a whole lot of experience and knowledge in personal injury law.


The firm’s attorneys do work tirelessly to ensure that their clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses. Not only that, Baumgartner Law Firm attorneys are known for their compassionate and client-focused approach along with their good track record of winning high-value settlements and verdicts. 


So if you are looking for a good trucking company attorney or truck accident lawyers who will fight for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable, the Baumgartner Law Firm should be number one on your list.


Kline & Specter:


These guys have been around with over 30 years of experience in personal injury law. Kline & Specter’s attorneys have a reputation for being aggressive and tenacious in the courtroom and have successfully represented numerous clients in different truck accident cases.


Kline & Specter’s lawyers have a track record of success in complex litigation and have won numerous high-value client settlements and verdicts. The attorneys in this law firm understand the complexities of truck accident cases and have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal system effectively.

So if you are looking for a firm that works closely with their clients to understand their needs and then develop a personalised strategy to achieve the best possible result for the case, Kline & Specter is one of the best few out there.


Morgan & Morgan:


Morgan & Morgan is one of the biggest law firms with offices in many states across the United States. So how good is Morgan and  Morgan? Morgan & Morgan lawyers have a track record of success in winning substantial verdicts and settlements for their clients.


Not only do they have a wealth of experience in handling truck accidents, they are also known for their aggressive approach to litigation.


The firm’s attorneys have a deep understanding of the legal system which guarantees prospective clients gets top-notch legal representation in the court house. Morgan and Morgan law firm is an excellent choice if you are looking for a law firm that can provide you with the resources and expertise needed to win your case.


Fried Rogers Goldberg LLC:

 

Fried Rogers Goldberg LLC is a law firm that specializes in truck accident cases. The firm’s truck accidents lawyers have extensive experience in handling truck accident cases and as well, a track record of winning high-value settlements and verdicts.


Fried Rogers Goldberg LLC attorneys have a deep understanding of the trucking industry and are willing to go to trial to hold trucking companies and their drivers accountable for their actions. Fried Rogers Goldberg LLC can’t miss your list if you want a good result or settlement for your case.

 

Wilshere Law Firm:


With over 10 years of experience in handling truck accident cases, the Wilshere Law Firm is a well-respected personal injury law that has a client-focused approach. Their past record shows the firm has a huge track record of winning substantial verdicts and settlements for their clients.


The Wilshere Law Firm’s attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that their clients receive the compensation they deserve for injuries, lost wages, and medical treatments, and other forms of harm done.


Conclusion:


The list of law firms in this article has some of the best truck accident lawyers in the United States with a proven track record of winning high-value settlements and verdicts for their clients. Feel free to contact any of these lawyers to discuss the case and let them help you get the compensation you deserve.


Frequently Asked Questions:


1. Can you sue a Trucking Company?


There are many scenarios where a trucking company may be held accountable for the action of their employees while on the job. A trucking company may be held liable for the driver’s negligence when the driver causes an accident. 


Also, the company too can be held for being negligent too since they are the ones responsible for the backgrouncd check and supervision of the driver, inspection and maintenance of their truck fleets, and more. So get in touch with a good lawyer on how to sue a trucking company which has infringe upon your rights.


2. When Should I Consult a big truck wreck lawyer?

 

Though the statute of limitations in most states is between two to three years from the date of the accident, it is highly recommended to contact a trucking accident attorney immediately after the occurrence of an accident. When delayed, key pieces of evidence regarding the vehicle safety standards and driver logs can be destroyed or tampered with by the other party.


3. Should I get a lawyer for an accident that was my fault?


The simple answer is yes. It’s best to get a good trucking lawyer and seek to get a settlement or judgement from your insurance company. However, you can get a highly reputable trucking attorney to advocate on your behalf if you feel that your insurance company is not handling the case as they should.


4. How long does a truck accident lawsuit take?


For most cases, truck accident settlements and verdicts can take up to 6 months, though it is hard to give the exact time frame without knowing the details of the accident. This process takes quite some time; the right documents have to be compiled, which is time-consuming, and then we have the attorneys trying to reach a settlement with the insurance company (insurance companies are intentionally slow during the negotiation process).


If negotiations fail and the matter goes to court, parties will be served, and court dates will be obtained and then re-adjoined. All these processes take time. In some cases, the claims are settled within a few months, while in others, it can take years to reach a verdict.

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