If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you are not alone. Heavy commercial trucks account for more than 13% of fatal crashes, and the majority of those fatalities are occupants of vehicles other than trucks. Suppose you’ve been involved in a truck accident. In that case, it’s imperative that you seek out representation so you can have a professional on your side as you seek compensation for your suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.

Googling ‘truck accident attorney near me’ is a good way to get a working list of local lawyers. Once you’ve narrowed down the list, ask several for a free consultation and ask them the following five questions.

1. How Do You Charge For Your Services?

The majority of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis—meaning they do not get paid for their services until your claim settles. You will not have to pay an upfront or out-of-pocket fee with attorneys who work on this type of basis, though some charge small fees for services like procuring experts to testify should your case go to trial. Always ask prospective attorneys how they charge, what percentage of the payout they take, and if they charge any extra fees. You may also want to ask what happens if you lose the case, as some attorneys will then charge you for case-related costs like filing fees and clerical activities. 

2. Have You Handled Cases Like Mine?

Most personal injury attorneys handle a variety of cases, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and slip-and-falls, in addition to truck accidents. That’s why it’s important to ask whether or not they have handled cases like yours in the past. If so, ask how many they have handled and what percentage of those cases were successfully settled out of court. 

3. What Do You Think of My Case?

During your consultation, your attorney should do a thorough review of your case. Ask them what they think of it, including any difficulties they see with it, how they will attempt to settle it, and if they think they can get you the compensation you need. A lawyer should be honest if they don’t believe they can win or settle your case so you can consider other options. They should also be able to tell you what they’ll need from you to help them gather evidence and ultimately get you the settlement you deserve.

4. How and How Often Will You Communicate With Me?

Communication during your case is key, especially considering your case may take six months or more to settle. Ask the attorney if they prefer email, text, phone, or in-person communication and how often you can expect to hear from them during your case. You may also want to ask how long it typically takes them to respond if you reach out with a question. 

5. How Many Clients Are You Currently Working With?

If an attorney is overwhelmed with cases, he or she will not be able to give you the time and attention you need. Ask them how many active cases they are working and what their bandwidth is for representing you. You can also ask if they will be handling all the details and tasks in your case or if they will delegate some of those duties to a junior partner, paralegal, or another professional within the firm. 

Finding the Right Truck Accident Attorney Near Me 

In addition to asking these five questions, you can also read online reviews, do further research on the attorneys’ websites, and ask around to see if anyone you know has used the services of the lawyer you’re considering. All of this will help you make a solid choice when it comes to selecting a truck accident attorney near me.