Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. With the complexities that come with truck accident claims, having an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side is crucial to ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. However, with so many lawyers to choose from, how do you find the right one for your case? Here are some essential questions you should ask your truck accident lawyer to ensure they are the best fit for you.
- What is Your Experience with Truck Accident Cases?
Truck accident cases are far more complex than regular car accident cases, as they often involve federal regulations, multiple parties, different insurance issues, more complex injuries, and many injured parties. It is important to hire a lawyer who has experience handling truck accident cases and is familiar with the specific laws and regulations that apply to these types of accidents. The best way to tell that an attorney is experienced in handling tough truck crash cases is if they have received Board Certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. At MartinWren, P.C., our managing attorney Robert “Bob” Byrne Jr. is the first and only attorney in Virginia who has obtained board certification in Truck Accident Law.
- Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine?
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Ask the lawyer if they have handled cases similar to yours and what the outcome was. Ask if all of their cases settle or if any of them went to verdict. If they have tried a case to verdict, find out when it was and whether it was in a truck crash case. This will give you an idea of their success rate, whether they are equipped to handle the specific challenges that may arise in your case, and whether they have the resources needed to handle a large case like yours. Our first has taken trucking cases to trial and obtained three of the fourteen largest verdicts in Virginia in 2023, two of which were for trucking cases.
- What is Your Fee Structure?
Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Make sure to ask about their fee structure and any other costs that may be associated with your case. We work on a contingency basis and we will advance all costs. You will owe nothing unless we recover money for you.
- How Will You Investigate My Case?
An experienced truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather all the necessary evidence to support your claim. Ask the lawyer how they will investigate your case and what steps they will take to ensure you have a strong claim. Our firm works with experienced investigators and accident reconstructionists to inspect the scene, inspect the vehicles involved, download any black box data that exists, and download any telematics data and video from the truck that caused the crash.
- What is the Potential Value of My Claim?
While it may be difficult to determine the exact value of your claim, your lawyer should be able to provide you with a rough estimate based on their experience with similar cases. We can offer ballpark figures at most, and that is typically done in ranges. But we can let you know if you have a case that you should be willing to fight for because it has the potential to bring a large financial recovery.
- What is the Process for Filing a Claim?
Your lawyer should be able to walk you through the process of filing a claim, including what documents you will need and what steps will be taken to build your case. We routinely file lawsuits in trucking cases to hold the trucking company and their driver responsible.
- How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Case?
The length of time it takes to resolve a truck accident case can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the willingness of the other party to settle, and your expectations for what you would like to recover. Your lawyer should be able to provide you with a rough timeline based on their experience with similar cases.
- What are My Legal Options?
Your lawyer should be able to explain all of your legal options and help you make an informed decision about how to proceed with your case. We can help with that every step of the way.
- How Will You Communicate with Me?
Clear and regular communication is key to a successful lawyer-client relationship. Ask the lawyer how they will keep you updated on the progress of your case and how you can reach them if you have any questions or concerns. We have a case management system that allows us to communicate with clients by texts and emails within the system, and we are always available to discuss the case by phone or in person with our clients.
- What are the Possible Outcomes of My Case?
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
While no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome, they should be able to outline the possible scenarios that may occur, such as settling out of court or going to trial. It is important to understand that trucking companies and their insurers will be very aggressive in fighting your case. While they might be willing to agree to a quick settlement for a small amount of money, you will need to be prepared for a fight if you seek to get the most amount possible in your case. And that is oftentimes the result our clients seek due to how devastating the crash was to virtually every aspect of their lives. When that is the case, we will be prepared to take your case to trial and seek relief from a jury.
When searching for a Charlottesville, VA truck accident lawyer, be sure to ask these questions to ensure you find a lawyer who is experienced, knowledgeable, and committed to fighting for your rights.
At MartinWren, P.C., we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the legal process after a truck accident. We are here to help guide you through every step of the way and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Let us be your advocate and fight for your rights. Contact our experienced Virginia truck accident lawyer Robert E. Byrne, Jr. today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you.
Bob Byrne is the only attorney in Virginia who is Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Bob’s certification shows his dedication and depth in handling truck accident cases. He has handled virtually all kinds of claims involving heavy commercial motor vehicle collisions.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form