There’s no denying that truck accidents are more complicated than passenger vehicle crashes. Commercial trucks and 18-wheelers are huge in size and weight, and even a minor blip can have serious consequences. Also, it is not always easy to establish fault and liability. Multiple parties could be at fault in commercial truck accidents – the truck driver, trucking company, repair service, manufacturer, or even the loading company. In Manchester, VT, you can find many law firms, such as Sabbeth Law, that work for injured victims. Before you hire a truck accident lawyer, here are some questions to ask.
- Do I have a valid claim?
That’s easily the first question any injured victim can ask. Just because you were injured in a truck accident doesn’t mean you have a strong case. In some cases, it might be wise to file a claim with your insurer. Let an attorney evaluate your circumstances and offer insight on what to expect from the case.
- How frequently do you deal with truck accident cases?
Like we mentioned, truck accidents are inherently complex, and therefore, you need an attorney who has experience with similar cases. Ask the attorney as to how frequently they deal with such accident claims. You can also enquire about their work profile in general, some of their landmark cases, and their biggest settlements. If an attorney has been working for a while, they should offer client references on request.
- What is my claim worth?
If an attorney decides to take your truck accident case, they will thoroughly investigate the possible cause and other factors. They can also consider your losses and injuries to determine the worth of your claim. Truck accidents often cause brain, head, neck, and spinal cord injuries, taking months to heal. If you were paralyzed, or your injuries are likely to impact your ability to find gainful employment, your compensation should be considerably higher.
- How much do you charge for such cases?
Most personal injury attorneys in VT work on a contingency fee for truck accident cases. This means that the lawyer only gets paid if and when they win a financial settlement. The contingency fee may vary between lawyers, depending on experience and expertise, and in some cases, the extensive work involved can add to the cost. In general, truck accident lawyers charge around 20-40% of the final settlement.
Hire an attorney soon after your truck accident in VT.