Large truck wrecks can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical debts, and a growing pile of missed paychecks. Fortunately, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses by filing either a first- or third-party personal injury claim.

Taking on the claims process alone can be a daunting prospect. Negotiations can quickly become complex and frustrating, skilled insurance adjusters or defense attorneys can work to diminish the value of your claim, and gathering the necessary proof to establish your claim may be harder than you think.

Hiring a skilled personal injury attorney can help level the playing field, making sure you have someone in your corner who knows what it takes to achieve the desired result. But how do you know which lawyer is the right one to handle your case?

In this article, we walk you through a few questions you should ask before making this important decision:

1. Do You Have Experience Handling Truck Accident Claims?

Claims involving commercial vehicles and tractor trailers are governed by unique state and federal statutes and laws.  Effectively handling litigation involving truck accidents requires experience and a firm understanding of the nuanced statutory provisions, industry customs, regulations, and standards which govern the ownership and operation of commercial vehicles.  For example, many truck drivers must abide by federally mandated Hours of Service rules, maintenance standards, recordkeeping requirements, and insurance provisions which are not applicable to ordinary drivers.  As such, you should look for an attorney with at least some experience in this area as they will be more likely to have the knowledge necessary to help you secure a favorable outcome.

2. Will I Have a Direct Line to My Legal Team?

Unfortunately, injuries resulting from crashes involving commercial vehicles and tractor trailers are rarely minor.  To present a catastrophic injury of any kind, an attorney must spend significant time with his or her client and learn how a client’s injuries have impacted his or her day-to-day life.  This includes how an injury may have impaired the ability to work, engage in physical activities, or care for oneself.  As such, you will want an attorney who is easy to reach and can spend the necessary time with you to learn about all aspects of your injury and its impact on your life. If an attorney is willing to share their direct line with you, this is usually a good sign that they will be available and communicative going forward. While many lawyers promise open communication, there are some who fail to provide prompt answers throughout proceedings, leaving their clients feeling confused and uncertain. You can also check testimonials from past clients to gauge whether a particular attorney is responsive or not.

3. How Long Will My Claim Take?

While it is not possible to predict exactly when a claim or lawsuit will conclude, your attorney should be able to provide you with a general timeframe for the claims process. Asking this question will also give you a window into the types of challenges you might face as your case unfolds.  There are a myriad of factors that can affect how long a claim takes to resolve, ranging from the jurisdiction where your claim is filed, the number of prospective defendants, difficulty gathering necessary evidence, and whether there are many doctors who will need to be deposed to establish your claim.

4. Are You Willing to Go to Trial?

Most personal injury claims are settled out of court, but that does not mean yours will not need to go to trial. If the defendant or insurer is unwilling to agree to a reasonable settlement amount, you might be left with no alternative but to file a lawsuit and proceed to trial. If an attorney is unable or unwilling to take a case to trial, an insurance company may be emboldened and only offer a modest amount to resolve your claim. The best way to ensure that you recover a fair and adequate amount for your injuries without going to trial is to hire a highly competent trial attorney who insurance companies know will take a case to trial if necessary.

Speak to a Miami Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you or someone close to you was injured in a large truck accident, hiring an attorney could be one of the best decisions you make for your case. In the aftermath of a wreck, a skilled personal injury lawyer can not only provide tenacious representation throughout proceedings, but can also help guide you through the days ahead, providing much-needed support and advice at every stage.

At Viñas & DeLuca, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping truck accident victims seek justice and the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Florida truck accident attorneys, dial (305) 372-3650 or click through to our contact page HERE.