Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer in Tampa Bay

No one wants to be involved in an auto accident, but some accidents are worse than others. If you are part of a commercial truck accident, there is a chance that your recovery costs will be higher than those of victims of smaller auto accidents. Finding the right attorney is a wise first move. When you first look for someone to work on your case, you may have questions to ask before hiring a truck accident lawyer in Tampa Bay.

This is totally normal. It is a good idea to ask as many questions as possible before hiring an attorney. Choosing legal representation is a major decision, and you want to ensure you make the right choice. That is why Paul Figueroa Law is here to help.

One of the biggest challenges that truck accident lawyers face is proving negligence in an accident. According to the law, truck drivers have an even higher duty of care when it comes to driving on the roads than everyday non-commercial drivers. Because of this, you can expect your attorney to look closely at all parties’ actions when gathering evidence.

How Paul Figueroa Law Can Help

Big truck accidents happen every day. At Paul Figueroa Law, we have the skills and experience to help you work on your Tampa Bay truck accident claim. Work can be done before you set foot in the Hillsborough County Civil Clerk’s office.

In 2023, there were 341 deaths related to large truck crashes across the state. If you are facing truck-related injuries, you are not alone. Roads like I-275 and I-95 see many large trucks, increasing the risk for drivers.

When you hire a truck accident lawyer, we can handle the paperwork and legal questions for you. With our years of experience, we can come up with a legal strategy to protect your rights and ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

What Are the Top Truck Accident Questions?

Before hiring an attorney to work on your truck accident case, ask about things like:

• Their specific experience with complex trucking cases
• Who handles your case
• Their communication style
• Fee structure expectations
• Investigation plans,
• Overall strategy
• Track record with insurance companies.

This can ensure a potential attorney for your case has the resources you need. In addition, you should ask about a truck accident attorney’s reputation among peers and clients. Reputation speaks volumes about a lawyer’s professionalism and dedication to client advocacy.

Review Their Background

Before you hire a truck accident lawyer, one of the most important things you can ask about is what kind of experience they have in the relevant area of law. Some questions to ask a potential attorney you may want to hire include:

• Trucking law. Do you have specific experience with complex federal and state regulations?
• Case volume. How many truck accident cases have you handled, and what percentage of your practice is trucking-related?
• Success rate. What is your success rate in similar truck accident cases?
• Trial experience. Have you taken cases to trial against large trucking companies?

Understanding the experience behind an attorney’s practice can help you make a better decision when you are trying to decide who to hire to work on your truck accident case. Asking questions like these can be helpful for narrowing down your options.

Case Handling and Communication

Another top priority for questions to ask your potential attorney is a firm’s case handling and communication skills. These are questions regarding responsibility, updates, gathering evidence, and determining who is at fault in a case. Some questions to consider include:

• Main collaborators. Who will be the main point of contact, and will a junior associate or paralegal handle most of the work?
• Communication. How often will I receive updates?
• Investigation. What is your plan for gathering evidence?
• Liability. How do you determine all liable parties?

No two attorneys are the same, so it is important to ask questions about case handling and communication before you make the decision to hire someone. Using these questions as guidance can be helpful when you first discuss your case.

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a truck accident lawyer because these cases involve complex federal and state trucking laws, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurers. When you work with our legal team at Paul Figueroa Law, we can help you file your Tampa Bay truck accident claim and prioritize your needs. Having our truck accident attorney on your side can set your mind at ease.

FAQs

Q: How Do I Choose the Right Truck Accident Lawyer?

A: To choose the right truck accident lawyer to work on your truck accident case, look for attorneys with experience, a proven track record, and strong communication and client reviews. Choosing the right lawyer will ultimately depend on your unique situation and individual circumstances. Also consider factors such as costs and legal fees.

Q: When Can I File a Claim Against a Trucking Company After an Accident?

A: You can file a claim against a trucking company after an accident if their negligence, or the driver’s negligence, caused your injuries. This often stemmed from poor training, maintenance, and fatigued or distracted driving. The time limit for these cases, also known as a statute of limitations, is usually around two years from the crash date. It also requires proof of fault for damages such as medical bills and pain.

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Average truck accident settlements range in value, but they all typically cost more than most car accident claims. You may be able to recover damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and emotional distress. No two truck accident cases are the same, and discussing your situation with an attorney can provide guidance.

Q: What Should I Not Tell an Attorney?

A: You should not tell an attorney about plans to commit a future crime or fraud. This information is not protected by attorney-client privilege, and they may be ethically required to report it. You also should avoid making unhelpful comments that could damage your case or the professional relationship. In general, you should always try to keep an open line of communication with your attorney.

Secure a Fair Settlement Today

If you need to file a Tampa Bay truck accident claim, Paul Figueroa Law is here to help. Our experienced legal team is the right choice for a truck accident lawyer. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.