Truck accident claims are complicated. Most truck accidents are quite severe, and they can lead to severe injuries or even death. The eventualities can be so overwhelming that you might not know what to do or who to approach.
For starters, you will need a good truck accident attorney to protect your rights. So, before you hire any lawyer, there are some critical questions you should ask. Let us look at some of them.
What experience do you have in auto accidents?
The one mistake most people commit is hiring a lawyer because they are less expensive and available. According to a Jackson truck accident lawyer, the experience is a factor that matters a lot in personal injury cases. They recommend that you work with an attorney with a track record in auto accidents to improve your odds of getting compensation and protecting yourself. It would help if you did some research on the lawyer or the law firm you wish to work with. For example, find out the following:
-How many cases of such nature have they handled?
-Do they settle or fight for their clients? —Can they negotiate well?
-What is their trial experience?
-Are they certified?
All these questions will help you know who you are working with and help you find the right lawyer.
How much will I be charged?
This question is very important before signing a deal with an attorney. You need to ask the lawyer how much they charge lest you find yourself in financial struggles during the claim process or after you receive compensation. Ever heard of the term contingency fee agreement? Always ask the lawyer or the law firm if they have this provision. It is basically a no-win-no-fee policy basis that only allows your lawyer to request payment once they have collected your compensation. If you think about it, this provision enables your lawyer to work hard on your case, plus you don’t have to strain yourself financially.
How long do you think it will take to resolve the case
Since the lawyer has handled similar cases, they should be able to give you a rough estimate of how long such cases take. However, keep in mind that each case is different and different factors come to play. However, asking this question will help you determine how serious the lawyer is, and it will also help you organize your life.
How frequently can we get in touch?
As we noted earlier, navigating through the numerous processes involved in a truck accident claim can be quite hectic. Juggling the legal, medical, and financial aspects of your case can take a toll on you. Imagine not having a dedicated lawyer to walk you through? The claim process can only be made easier if you have open communication with your lawyer.
Before working with a lawyer, ask about the mode and the frequency of communication. If they allow a phone call once a week or a meeting twice a month, then you might want to run. A good attorney must allow open, clear, and frequent communication to provide you the chance to follow up and even provide critical pieces of information to strengthen your case.
What approach will you use for my case?
Any good lawyer will always put the needs of clients first. You can tell if your lawyer values your opinion from your first meeting. For instance, after listening to your needs, they should be able to go through all the strategies applicable to your case detailing the pros and cons of each. Inquiring on the strategy will ensure that the expectations you have on the case come to play.
What is the compensation value for my case?
Well, they say no amount of compensation can pay for damages caused by accident. However, this should not mean that you should not receive compensation for physical injuries, emotional and mental turmoil, lost wages, and all other related costs. You can ask your lawyer to give you a rough idea of what is to be expected in terms of compensation.
In essence, the best way to uncover the actual value of your case is to have a conversation with an experienced truck accident attorney who can inculcate all factors to help determine how much you will receive. While success might not be guaranteed all the time, questions on the value will help you gauge if your lawyer is capable of ensuring success.
Asking the right questions before settling for a lawyer increases your chances of finding the right legal representation. Remember, working with a skilled attorney is key to protecting your rights after a truck accident.
