What To Look For When Choosing A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
When semi-truck accidents happen, injuries are often severe and devastating. Have you been injured or lost a loved one in an accident? You might be wondering what to look for when choosing a semi-truck accident lawyer.
Selecting the right lawyer is a critical first step in your personal injury claim. It is important to find an attorney who cares about you and will devote the time and attention to your case that you deserve. Additionally, there are several other things you should look for when choosing a legal representative.
Semi-Truck Accident Experience Matters
Representing clients in semi-truck accident cases is not like other types of personal injury claims because semi-truck ownership and operation are subject to unique federal and state laws. It is critical to hire an attorney who knows and understands trucking rules and regulations and how they apply in your case.
In addition to knowing the applicable laws, a truck accident attorney must also know what evidence to look for and how to preserve it for trial. For example, your attorney will need to act quickly to secure the truck’s black box data, which can provide critical insight into how and why the accident occurred.
Knowing the laws, how they apply, and how to secure important evidence takes experience. Even if you were partially at fault for your accident, an experienced semi-truck accident attorney knows that you might still be entitled to compensation under Louisiana’s comparative fault laws if the defendant was in violation of trucking regulations at the time of the accident.
When looking for an attorney to represent your claim, you should seek out law firms that are dedicated to representing injured clients and their families. You should also ask how many truck accident cases they have handled.
Someone Who Shares Your Goals
Talking to potential attorneys about their expectations and goals for your case is a good idea. Most injured plaintiffs want to secure maximum compensation and see that defendants are held accountable for their misconduct.
If an attorney promises to help you get a fast personal injury settlement, you might not share the same goals. Some attorneys rarely or never go to trial because they want to settle their cases as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, quick settlements might benefit defendants and their insurance companies, but they often leave injured plaintiffs under-compensated. If you settle for an amount that does not cover your past, ongoing, and future accident-related losses, you might be left paying out of pocket for medical bills and lost wages.
Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Willing To Go To Trial
Most truck accident cases settle before trial, but insurance companies often low-ball settlement offers when they know the plaintiff’s attorney is not an experienced litigator. Trials are expensive and time-consuming for defendants and their insurance companies.
They will generally offer more money to avoid the time and expense of trial. You need an attorney who will continually prepare your case for trial and be willing to go to court if the defense refuses to agree to a settlement amount that fully and fairly compensates you.
Personal Injury Attorneys With Contacts And Resources
Proving cause and liability in your semi-truck accident case can be challenging, especially if there are multiple vehicles involved in the accident or other complicating factors exist. Insurance companies often deny liability and make these cases more difficult because they want to avoid paying large claims.
It is important to have a truck attorney that has the resources and expert contacts to manage your case. Someone who has handled semi-truck accident cases for many years in Louisiana will have fostered relationships with experts who can help to strengthen your case.
For example, you may need an expert to reconstruct your accident to prove the cause and contributing factors. Plaintiffs often need medical experts to testify about the extent of their injuries and how they will continue to be impacted by them in the future.
Schedule A Consultation With A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident, schedule a consultation with a semi-truck accident lawyer today. Contact The Law Offices of Chip Forstall, and a member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience representing injured clients and their families. We know that the aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be devastating, and we will work to pursue the justice and compensation that you deserve.
