Once you have found a lawyer who will assist you in your truck accident injury claim, you will have a consultation scheduled to discuss your case. Meeting with an attorney can be intimidating if you have no experience with the law, so here are a few tips to help you know what to expect.
1. The Attorney Will Explain Your Legal Rights
The attorney will first interpret the law for you as well as any guidelines that pertain to your specific claim. Remember, most clients have never spoken to an attorney before, so a quality litigator will be patient and take the time to explain everything fully. If you have questions that are not answered, take the time to ask.
The attorney will prepare you for what may be asked in court and anything you should or should not disclose to various parties. With this information in hand, accident victims can make informed decisions and know how to proceed accordingly. The attorney may also discuss potential damages with you, including compensation for medical bills, car body work, pain and suffering, and anything else applicable.
Since commercial truck accidents can be so much more difficult than a car accident, an attorney might also take the time to explain to you the complexities including:
- The federal regulations that large commercial vehicles operate under
- The role a trucking company plays in collision cases
- The differences between your personal car insurance versus a truck company’s insurance
Lastly, the attorney will prepare you for any opposition you may face in court. Should the case indeed go to litigation, chances are the truck company won’t go down without a fight. Their lawyers might try to minimize your injuries, blame the accident purely on driver error, or credit the accident to inclement weather. It’s important to have a legal representative on your side that will brief you on these possibilities so you have a clear expectation as to what you might experience in court.
2. The Attorney Will Ask You Questions About the Accident and Your Injuries
With a legal claim, it’s all about the details. You will be asked many questions about the accident. Questions might include information about your vehicle, the accident itself, and what specific effects it has had upon your life. The attorney may also ask if you have spoken to any insurance representatives or anyone else about the accident. This can be a bit nerve-wracking, but try your best to remember everything you can. Some people find it helpful to write down everything they remember about the incident ahead of time and then bring that list into the consultation.
If you didn’t visit a doctor immediately following your accident, it’s important to do so as soon as possible. Even if significant time has passed, or if you feel fine, you should still be examined by a medical professional. Bring any medical paperwork you receive to your consultation, as the attorney will be interested in any injuries you have incurred.
3. You’ll Discuss Fees and Complete Paperwork
Once everything has been explained to you and you’ve committed to working with the selected attorney, fees and paperwork will be presented to you. Be prepared to fill out a lot of paperwork—it may appear excessive and perhaps redundant, but it’s important to take your time to fill everything out carefully and accurately. Your lawyer might also request a medical release so they can research your case and have access to medical records.
During the review of paperwork, you will be informed of all fees. Some attorneys won ’t charge until your case is won, while others charge an hourly rate. Be sure to ask any payment questions you have before you sign anything committing you to fees and payment schedules.
Have You Been Injured In A Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident you need to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Fairfax, Virginia personal injury law office at 703.277.2811 to schedule your free consultation. We help clients throughout Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia and look forward to helping you.
Related Links:
- Mistakes to Avoid at the Scene of a Northern Virginia Truck Crash
- Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries
- Dangerous Trucks Are Everywhere