5 Questions To Ask A Truck Accident Lawyer In Fort Worth
As the 13th largest city in the US, Fort Worth, TX, has many residents. With such a high population, the roads are always congested with traffic. Unfortunately, this means that there are a lot of accidents, including many involving trucks. Fort Worth accounted for almost four percent of the total traffic accidents for cities and towns in Texas during 2018.
If you have been hurt in a truck accident, it is essential to speak with a qualified truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can understand your legal rights and options and may be able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
This article will discuss five questions you should ask an 18-wheeler lawyer in Fort Worth before deciding whether or not to hire them.
Table of Contents
How Many Experiences Do You Have with Truck Accident Cases?
You want to make sure that your lawyer has significant experience handling truck accident cases in Fort Worth. This type of accident is different from a car accident, and you need someone who knows the ins and outs of these types of cases.
Ask your attorney how many accident cases they have handled in the past and the outcomes of those cases.
It is an essential question because you want to ensure that your lawyer has the experience necessary to handle your case. For example, an 18-wheeler accident involves different laws and regulations than a car accident. It includes:
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
- The Department of Transportation regulations
- State trucking laws
You want to make sure that your lawyer is familiar with these laws and regulations.
Truck accidents are also more complicated than car accidents because multiple parties are often involved. The driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, and the cargo loader can all be held liable in a truck accident.
You need an 18-wheeler lawyer in Fort Worth who knows how to navigate these complicated cases and has experience dealing with the various parties involved.
What Are Your Charges?
The average lawyer’s salary is $58,072 per year in Fort Worth, TX. The charges will include:
- An initial consultation fee
- An hourly rate for legal services
- A contingency fee (a percentage of the total award or settlement)
Ensure to ask your lawyer about their charges and how they will be calculated. You should also find out whether there are any other costs associated with your case.
Some lawyers may charge a flat rate, while others may charge an hourly rate. Contingency fees are usually only charged if you win your case.
Some lawyers will charge a retainer fee. It is a fee paid upfront and allows the lawyer to begin working on your case immediately. The lawyer will then deduct their charges from the retainer fee as they work on your case.
Hourly rates can range from $100 to $650 per hour, depending on the lawyer’s experience in Fort Worth. Contingency fees are typically 33% to 40% of the total award or settlement.
It would be practical to ask about other costs associated with your cases, such as expert witness fees, court filing fees, and deposition fees.
Do You Hold a License, And What Are Your Qualifications?
It’s essential to ask your potential truck accident lawyer about their qualifications. Many lawyers will have a license, but not all licenses are the same. Some licenses may only allow a lawyer to practice in certain states or regions.
Others may be more limited still. It’s essential to make sure that your potential lawyer is licensed to practice law in your state. For example, in Fort Worth, Texas, you want to ensure that your lawyer is licensed to practice law in Texas.
It’s good to ask about their qualifications. Many lawyers will have gone to law school and passed the bar exam, but not all lawyers are created equal. Some may have more experience than others.
What Is Your Strategy and Approach?
Each case is unique, so that each truck accident lawyer will have their strategy and approach. You want to ask about this to know what to expect.
Some questions you can ask include:
- How can you handle a case like mine?
- What is the strategy for winning my case?
- What are the potential risks and rewards associated with my case?
- What are the next steps you recommend I take?
You want to be comfortable with your lawyer’s strategy and approach before moving forward.
What Documents and Paperwork Will You Need?
Some of the items you’ll need to provide them with include:
- A copy of the police report
- A copy of your insurance policy
- Photos of the damage to your vehicle
- Bills and receipts for any repairs or medical treatment you’ve received
- Witness statements
Conclusion
An 18-wheeler lawyer in Fort Worth should have the experience and resources to investigate your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and take the case to trial if necessary.
