In the event that you are the victim of a Texas trucking accident, you’re going to be bombarded by a myriad of concerns. Your medical bills are going to pile up, your boss will want to know when (or if) you'll return to work, and insurance companies will be calling for statements. And that’s all on top of simply dealing with the physical pain and emotional trauma of such an event.
Hiring and working with a team of attorneys is, therefore, vital to protecting your rights, finances, and overall well-being. Picking the right Texas truck wreck lawyers can mean a world of difference in your case, but it’s just as crucial to know how to find the best representation.
On that note, below are a handful of key questions to ask when choosing between lawyers after a Texas truck crash.
What to Ask Texas Truck Wreck Lawyers
The following questions will help you on your quest to hire the right group of Texas truck wreck attorneys:
Ask About Their Truck Accident Experience
You don’t just want to ask how long someone has been a lawyer. After all, some may have worked for 20 years but only handled a few truck cases, while others may work exclusively with truck accidents but still be new to the field.
But even beyond that, you must recognize that truck wrecks are different from car accidents; they involve special federal rules, large companies as defendants, and complex evidence. The best lawyers will tell you how many truck cases they've worked on and how those cases played out.
Ask How They Collect Important Evidence
Many lawyers may say that they will "investigate thoroughly," but it’s up to you to ask for details. In truck crash cases, important evidence includes:
- Data from the truck's black box
- Training records
- Work hour logs
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Truck repair records
- Information about how the truck was loaded
- Company safety rules
Reliable Texas truck wreck lawyers will also discuss the ways in which they will ensure these forms of evidence are saved right away before they can be lost or destroyed.
Ask Who They Can Hold Responsible
In truck accident cases, many parties could be held responsible, including the truck driver, trucking company, manufacturer, repair and maintenance shops, loading companies, and even the government. Lawyers who only talk about suing the driver might be overlooking other sources of compensation for your case.
What Money You Might Recover
Be wary of lawyers who promise millions without looking closely at your situation. The most reputable teams will explain the different types of money you might receive, such as:
- Funds for current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Repair or replacement vehicle costs
- Payment for pain and suffering
- Compensation for lifestyle changes brought about by permanent injuries
They should also be honest about any problems with your case, making sure to explain how Texas laws regarding shared fault might reduce your payment.
Ask How They Deal With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies have teams of investigators and lawyers who start working against you immediately following a crash, which means you need specific answers about when your lawyer will demand payment, whether they’ll bring in medical experts to prove your injuries, how they respond when companies offer too little, and how they choose whether to go to court.
Question Their Willingness to Go to Court
Many lawyers call themselves "trial lawyers" but hardly ever go to court. Your case doesn't have to go to trial, but you need a truck wreck attorney whom the defense knows will go to court if required; that will make a major difference in how they negotiate.
Ask How They Charge for Their Work
Most Texas truck wreck lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid by way of a percentage of the money they win for you instead of charging by the hour.
Still, you should ask about any other case costs. Find out who must pay for expert witnesses, acquiring medical records, and court filings, as well as whether you’ll need to pay these expenses if you lose your case.
Ask Who Will Keep You Updated
At some firms, you’ll meet with an experienced lawyer only to then be paired with less experienced counsel after that. The top lawyers will explicitly tell you how they'll keep you informed, how often they'll update you, which person you'll talk to most of the time, and how quickly they'll answer your questions.
FAQ
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, you usually have two years from your accident date to file a lawsuit. However, if your case involves a government vehicle (like a city truck), you might have only six months.
Should I Talk to the Trucking Company's Insurance Adjuster?
Insurance adjusters use what you say to pay you less money. They may sound friendly, but they're trained to get statements that hurt your case, so it’s best not to talk to them.
What if the Truck Driver Who Hit Me Was From Another State?
Your lawyer might need to work with laws from multiple states, especially if the trucking company is based somewhere else, but being struck by an out-of-state driver does not prevent you from getting compensation.
The Right Lawyers for Your Truck Accident Case
The questions above will help you find Texas truck wreck lawyers who have the experience, resources, and dedication to handle your case well. If you've been hurt in a truck accident, don't wait to get legal help. Call Ramsey Law Group today for a free consultation to talk about your case and how we can help.