A truck accident lawyer specializes in tort law. That is, a section of law that encompasses civil wrongs where one party’s actions cause harm or injury to another, leading to legal liability. In severe truck accidents caused by negligence, intentional harm, and strict liability, these lawyers aim to provide compensation to injured parties.
The trucking industry is regulated by both state and federal laws. The two major federal agencies that regulate the trucking industry are the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
You can find most of these regulations in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Of course for PA, on a state level, PennDOT regulates trucking laws.
These regulations are the guiding compass your lawyer will use to determine the scope of liability from your accident by checking if any regulations were violated before a trucker hit the road.
For instance, in Savannah, Georgia, a trucking company was once sued for $80 million in a single lawsuit because of a violation of regulations after requiring a driver to wait 10 hours at a terminal and failing to verify if he was in an alert condition.
There was a clear violation of law and act of negligence on the part of the company, hence the enormous payout and clear cut champion of the verdict was the client.
Not every case will be such a home run, but it is the duty and mission for accident lawyers to clearly establish fault when reconstructing an accident and assessing the facts at hand, building a strong case for you and closing in on the compensation you deserve.
The numbers support having counsel. Those who are represented by a lawyer receive settlements 3.5 times higher than those who represent themselves, and have nearly a 20% higher case success rate.
For convenience and expertise in tort law, there’s no questioning the benefit of having accident lawyers represent you to maximize your claim for compensation and ease the burden of recovery. The experts say it, and the numbers support it.
The End Game: What to Expect from a Truck Accident Lawyer
So now that you know the clear benefits of having representation, how should you expert the case to go down? Several key components can come into play. Here’s what you can generally expect regarding case length, communication, and other key considerations:
Case Length. The duration of a personal injury case can vary most commonly between 6 to 11 months. It can be longer or shorter depending significantly on factors like the complexity of the case, the extent of the injuries for the parties involved, and the length of investigations, negotiations, and court proceedings.
While some cases may be resolved within a few months through settlements, others might take a year or more, especially if litigation is required.
Communication. A reputable lawyer should maintain open and clear communication. They’ll provide updates on case progress, respond to your inquiries promptly, and explain legal jargon in a way you can understand.
Initial Consultation. Expect a free initial consultation, during which you can discuss the details of your case and assess the lawyer’s suitability for your needs. This is an opportunity to ask questions, understand their approach, and determine if you feel comfortable working together.
Support and Empathy. Accidents are an emotionally taxing experience. A compassionate lawyer understands the emotional toll of your situation. They’ll provide not only legal support but also empathetic guidance, ensuring you feel heard and understood throughout the process.
Transparency. A trustworthy lawyer is transparent about the strengths and challenges of your case, setting realistic expectations and helping you make informed decisions. Do keep in mind, of course, that every case is unique, and individuals vary, but these are the key attributes to expect from the professionals.
Any attorneys from the many reputable law offices in Philadelphia will demonstrate communication, trust, and a solid attorney-client relationship that are vital for a successful outcome and a smoother journey through the legal process.
The Necessity Factor: Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
Having counsel that’s well-versed in tort law will help guarantee a fair and honest settlement is reached between you and the party responsible for your injury.
They’ll understand the precedents set from previous suits under similar circumstances to your case, as well as knowledge of any trucking regulars and PA road laws that may have prohibited certain actions leading up to the accident.
This is how lawyers will determine liability in a truck accident and whether or not your opposing party will need to pay up. This expertise is invaluable.
They’ll also clarify for you any of the legal jargon or paperwork you may be subject to over the course of a case, and, if they’re transparent enough, will inform you of any incurring costs and updates as the case progresses and give you a timeline of how everything should go.
A truck accident lawyer is absolutely necessary, your chances of completing a suit and getting a fair amount of compensation will be impeded by not having legal help by your side.
Evaluating the Costs: What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Typically Charge?
The nice thing you’ll learn about filing accident claims is that your lawyer will typically not require any upfront payments. Even the first consultation is free. Contrary to how most client-lawyer relationships go, accident lawyers will not require a retainer, but a contingency fee.
Meaning you’ll only pay the lawyer after the outcome of the case. In a victory, whether in court or a settlement agreed outside of court, your lawyer will take a percentage of the winnings in exchange for winning your case.
You can also be responsible for any expenses that come out of your case, like witness fees and information fees, that could potentially stack up the more complicated and drawn-out your case becomes.
Every case, though, is different, and it is hard to determine an average for how much your compensation will be, how much your lawyer’s percentage will be, and what case expenses will be incurred.
Luckily, you’ll have an idea of most of these answers from the first consultation you share with your lawyer, and most of the terms dictating how much money you’ll see and what rights you have will be disclosed in the agreement you sign with your lawyer upfront.
You shouldn’t be blindsided at any point of the process, and a reputable lawyer will be transparent with you through and through.