TOP QUESTIONS TO ASK A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAW FIRM
When you are involved in a truck accident in Colorado Springs, you will wonder what questions you should ask your truck accident lawyer so you know what your options are moving forward. Our truck accident lawyers offer a free consultation so you can ask as many questions as you want. Truck accident cases are very complex, far more than your typical car accident case. As the truck accident victim, you deserve answers and we agree.
It’s pretty natural to experience various emotions after an accident. Fear, agony, bewilderment, and rage are all present. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. But how can you ensure that these rights are protected? How can you confirm that you have what you need to look for yourself and your expenses?
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to proper and fair compensation. When a considerable car is involved in a collision, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Do you want to make sure you pick the best lawyer possible to assist you in winning this case? Begin with the following inquiries:
WHAT ARE THE SORTS OF SITUATIONS THAT YOUR COMPANY SPECIALIZES IN?
“What’s your focus?” is the first question you should ask your attorney before discussing your case or your injuries. Grandpa Hal could have 20 years of legal expertise, but if he’s never handled a truck accident case, he’s probably not the best candidate. You don’t want a regular personal injury lawyer who doesn’t handle truck accident lawsuits on a regular basis. You deserve better expertise handling your truck accident case.
Stick with a truck accident lawyer when it comes to truck accidents. Even better, it would help if you chose a lawyer who specializes in car accidents with commercial trucks.
What is the significance of this? Because it is said that practice makes perfect. They know what to look for in a case, what form of evidence is crucial, and which applicable laws and regulations will help you win your case since they have a lot of expertise. Furthermore, there’s a strong possibility they’ve dealt with the insurance provider you’ll be dealing with. This is a significant benefit.
WHAT DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES?
The majority of lawyers practice on a contingency basis. This implies they’ll get a portion of your eventual settlement or judgment as payment. This may vary significantly depending on the attorney, so be careful to inquire.
“You don’t pay until you win,” most lawyers will now tell you. However, this does not cover any general charges that the lawyer may incur throughout the case in many situations.
This includes the following:
- Fees for filing documents
- Postage and copying charges
- Travel expenses
- Costs of accounting
- Fees for expert witnesses
Knowing what to anticipate ahead of time is always a brilliant idea. Some lawyers charge a fee for the first consultation, while most do not.
DO I HAVE A VALID CLAIM?
Are you concerned that you won’t get a linear response to this question? Don’t be that way. Keep in mind that most lawyers only get paid if their client wins. They do not want to take on a case that will not provide a favorable result.
Your attorney will consider many factors in determining if you have a chance, and they should have a decent notion by the conclusion of the first meeting. They don’t want to squander your or their time!
The following are some of the things that might come into play:
THE TIME SINCE THE ACCIDENT
Victims in Colorado have two years from the accident date to file a truck accident lawsuit with the court. You only have one year in Colorado. Beyond this stage, there are relatively few scenarios where you may bring a case.
THE SEVERITY OF YOUR INJURIES
The goal of a truck accident lawsuit is to collect damages caused by the collision. If you have no losses or just have minor cracks, your attorney may advise you to deal with the insurance company directly.
Clients often inquire, “How much is my case worth?” on a similar topic. This is an excellent question, but the solution isn’t always straightforward. Several factors, including determining the worth of your case
- The number of people that are involved.
- The policy limitations of the opposing party
- Both parties’ willingness to negotiate
- The extent of your losses and injuries
While this is an excellent topic to ask, any attorney who tells you a specific financial sum should be avoided. No magic formula can tell us how much the insurance company will provide. Almost every situation necessitates some kind of negotiation.
CAN I BE COMPENSATED FOR MY LOSSES?
Though it’s difficult to estimate the value of a case, some elements are common in most truck accident situations. Economic damages (those that result in a direct debit from your bank account and maybe shown through bills, receipts, and other documents) are usually paid dollar for dollar. Calculating the worth of your case becomes more complicated when it comes to non-economic damages like emotional distress and lost quality of life.
As a result, here are some things to anticipate from your case:
Economic Damages:
MEDICAL EXPENSES
This category covers doctor visits, hospital stays, imaging, medicine, rehabilitation, and medical gadgets, as well as any other treatment your doctor considers necessary for your recovery.
The objective is to recoup 100 percent of these expenses once again. Your attorney would most likely seek a lump sum settlement for future medical bills in the case of a catastrophic injury.
EARNINGS LOST
When you skip work, you lose money. You can’t pay your bills if you can’t earn money. You should never have to be concerned about money or feel obligated to return to work too soon.
Never put your health and rehabilitation in jeopardy. Some truck accident damage lawsuits, like medical expenditures, may include potential lost income.
RESIDENTIAL MODIFICATIONS
Injuries such as spinal cord traumas, fractured bones, and traumatic brain injuries may make moving about your house complex. Changes such as wheelchair ramps, railings, and stairlifts may aid in this situation. Don’t pay for these expenses out of your wallet. To find solutions, speak with your lawyer.
Economic and non-economic losses
A variety knows these forms of damages of names. Non-economic losses, sometimes known as “soft damages,” may be grouped as “pain and suffering.” The following are examples of possible damages:
Mental and emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or sleep disturbances.
Loss of pleasure of life: Being unable to engage in an activity that you enjoyed before the injury may be devastating. This loss should be compensated in a truck accident lawsuit.
A lack of companionship: Humans are social creatures. Our ties are essential to us. What happens if you can’t communicate with the person you love or if a catastrophic injury alters the relationship’s dynamic? You are entitled to compensation for your mental distress.
Wrongful death: Hundreds of people are killed in truck accidents every year. Money won’t be able to bring a loved one back, but it may assist you in meeting the costs associated with the accident.
WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY INJURIES AND LOSSES RESULTING FROM THEM?
The last person who should be responsible for your expenditures after a car accident is you. Trucks may do much more damage than a smaller cars because of their sheer size. This often leads to much more severe injuries and more significant medical expenditures.
The law protects you in an accident that isn’t entirely your fault.
In most truck accident cases, the truck driver is the principal defendant. Your lawyer will sue their insurance company for damages. However, in rare situations, your injuries may surpass the insurance limitations. As a result, the driver’s employer is often included as a co-defendant in the lawsuit.
Other parties that might be held financially liable include:
A THIRD-PARTY DRIVER
Did another careless motorist have a role in the collision? Did they, for example, swerve in front of an 18-wheeler?
A CAR OR COMPONENTS MANUFACTURER
Car flaws create an alarming number of accidents. A driver might lose control of his car if their tires or brakes are defective. The car components manufacturer may be held wholly or partially responsible for the accident if this occurs.
THE STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Although these situations are uncommon, they might occur when poorly maintained or hazardous streets contribute to an accident. Yes, you can sue the government (but you’ll need legal help).
A truck accident lawyer’s job is to assist you in recovering damages from all parties liable. Obtain a free case review immediately to get assistance evaluating culpability in your truck accident.
WILL YOU REPRESENT ME IN COURT?
You’ve had your first consultation and are ready to go further. You and the attorney “clicked,” and you’re feeling fantastic. Then, BANG, you’re at your first meeting. It’s a complete bait and switch.
The attorney you meet with during the first appointment may not necessarily be the one who takes on your case at more prominent companies. However, some lawyers may not always tell you this upfront.
This is crucial information, exceptionally if you choose an attorney based on your relationship with them and how much you trust them. If your case is handled by someone else, request a meeting with that person before signing any agreements.
DO YOU HAVE THE RESOURCES TO HANDLE MY CASE?
You want to deal with an attorney who is easy to reach and has the energy to commit to your case, not one who is difficult to achieve.
The worth of your case is directly proportional to how much your attorney spends on you. Don’t be hesitant to inquire about possible candidates’ caseloads and how accessible they will be to you throughout the case. Move on if you don’t feel at ease with the attorney or if you don’t believe he or she is honest.
Are you prepared to take my case to court if I’m not satisfied with the insurance company’s offer?
Let’s be clear about something: insurance companies just have one priority, not you. Nothing is more important to insurance businesses than money. So here’s how it usually goes down:
The insurance provider provides you with a ridiculously cheap quote. The price of the offer increases marginally. “This is our last offer,” the insurance firm says.
You have two alternatives when you reach stage three: call their bluff or accept the ultimate offer. A qualified lawyer should be able to tell you whether the final proposal is reasonable or whether you should seek more.
Whether you’re not pleased, you’ll want to know if your lawyer will take your case to court. It may come as a surprise, but some lawyers choose not to appear in court or are just uncomfortable doing so. In such a case, inquire about the attorney’s trial experience. Proceed with care if the response is very little or none.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET A CALL FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY?
Once you have hired an attorney, insurance companies should not approach you. However, in other situations, the insurance company may be unaware of your attorney’s presence, or even worse, may not care.
Make a strategy for what you’ll do if the insurance company contacts you or sends you a letter. If you get a phone call, advise them to contact your attorney as soon as possible. All queries and communications should be sent to your attorney, and if you get a letter, convey it to your attorney as quickly as possible.
WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO NEXT?
It’s a good idea to determine the amount of engagement you’ll have in your case before you hire an attorney. Some lawyers may want you to collect all of your records and perform a lot of the legwork on their behalf. Others may only contact you if they need your signature.
In general, you may anticipate performing the following:
- Send your attorney images of the accident and any pertinent proof through email.
- Complete and sign medical release documents
- Provide all parties with insurance information.
- Have a copy of your police report made available to you.
- Gather receipts for medical appointments, over-the-counter items, or car maintenance and send them to us.
- Make sure you depart with a list of things to do once you leave and a decent sense of what you’ll be doing next.
WHEN PICKING A TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY, DON’T TAKE SHORTCUTS
Unfortunately, Colorado remains one of the states with the highest number of truck accidents. Over the previous two decades, we’ve helped hundreds of truck accident victims recover from these tragic crashes from our Colorado Springs headquarters, and we’re now ready to extend that expertise to clients throughout the nation.
We understand that a truck accident may have a significant effect on your life as well as the lives of those around you. We also realize that a qualified attorney can assist you in easing your load and obtaining what you are entitled to. Allow yourself to be the beneficiary of our successive major triumph. Warrior Truck Accident Lawyers can help you right now.