The ever-growing list of crashes involving trucks on Houston highways is evidence of the steep increase in freight traffic on Houston streets. I-45 is jam-packed with 18-wheelers. Oil and gas industry vehicles never stop moving in and out of the area. People tend to get seriously injured when big rigs like that collide with one another.
Victims of a truck accident often have to deal with a number of issues at once: mounting medical bills, silence from insurance companies, a nonexistent incoming paycheck, and an utter lack of guidance. Not every attorney is equipped to challenge trucking companies. Such cases require specific expertise and investment. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers ready to fight. You need someone who can match their power.
So here’s a simple step-by-step guide to finding the right truck accident lawyer in Houston for your case.
Step 1: Search for Authentic Trucking Case Experience
Many lawyers say they handle truck cases. But not all personal injury attorneys in Houston actually know trucking law. That’s because truck crashes are different from car accidents.
These cases are governed by more rules. The FMCSA has even stricter rules for truck drivers. For a truck driver, there are driving hour limits and logbooks, which lawyers have to understand. They also have to know how to get black box data from trucks. A proper understanding of these matters is necessary, as a large number of Houston truck crashes occur due to the violation of these rules.
Driver fatigue is a common cause of a truck crash due to a driver working an excessive number of hours. A driver lacking proper focus is another common cause of a crash, and that happens when the driver is in a rush to meet silly delivery deadlines. The driver is blatantly pressured by their company to bend the rules.
That explains why you should inquire about actual truck case outcomes from your attorneys and not simply rely on what they say.
Step 2: Look Into Their Reputation and Feedback
Google reviews are difficult to gauge. Corporations might shell out to get positive reviews. Equally, rivals might put in negative reviews.
Search for reviews with genuine information, such as:
- The lawyer’s speed in responding
- If they genuinely cared about the client
- Specific outcomes in trucking cases
Verify these sources to get accurate information:
- Google Business Profile
- Avvo lawyer ratings
- State Bar records
- Martindale-Hubbell ratings
Feel free to request references. Competent lawyers won’t hesitate to provide details of previous clients.
Step 3: Check Their Resources and Investigation Power
Promptly, large trucking firms dispatch staff to accident sites. They attempt to bury any clues that could aid your claim.
Strong firm resources are necessary for a lawyer. ELDs on trucks store pertinent data, but this information is often lost quickly. Your lawyer must be capable of swift evidence preservation. Inquire from prospective attorneys whether they “have access to trucking experts and accident reconstruction specialists.”
Step 4: Make Sure They’re Ready for Court
Lawyers sometimes rush to settle, often out of a reluctance to face trial. Houston juries give large awards in serious truck cases. But you only get those big awards if your lawyer will actually go to trial. Look into the lawyer’s trial history. Don’t focus your inquiry or research on claims settled. Investigate how many truck cases the lawyer has tried. Look into what verdicts the lawyer has actually won.
Insurance companies know and track which firms go to trial. They provide higher offers to lawyers who are not scared of the courtrooms.
Step 5: Evaluate Their Communication Method
It is frustrating to be ignored by your attorney, especially when you are injured and have mounting medical expenses. Updates are essential in such situations.
Bring up the following queries in your first session:
- Who is in charge of my case?
- How frequently do you plan to update me?
- Do you have staff who speak Spanish?
In Houston, a substantial number of residents have Spanish as their primary language. Your attorney should be able to communicate effectively with you.
If your injuries are critical, finding the right attorney for your paralysis case needs to be equally thoughtful.
Step 6: Understand the Fee Structure
Most personal injury lawyers in houston work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only receive payment if your case is successful. However, the fine print can vary considerably.
Here’s what you need to clarify:
- What percentage do you take before trial?
- What percentage do you take if the case goes to trial?
- Who pays for expert testimonies and other case-related expenses?
- What happens to the costs if we lose the case?
Some attorneys shock their clients with large deductions from their settlements. Competent lawyers set the expectations early and transparently share all costs. They provide a clear and detailed breakdown of the expenses.
Selecting The Appropriate Attorneys For Your Future
The best truck accident lawyers in Houston understand how to blend deep experience, ample resources, and concise communication. They are prepared for trial and ensure transparency on fees.
Say no to insurance firms attempting to coerce you into early settlements. You are up against a vast legal team from the trucking firm. You have the right to be equally well represented.
Why The DJF Law Firm Stands Out
The DJF Law Firm understands the intricacies of local trucking law and offers a free initial consultation. They are familiar with Houston’s courts and attend to client concerns promptly. If you or someone you love has been in a truck accident, reach out to The DJF Law Firm today. Don’t wait because there are strict time limits and crucial proof to obtain; you should not put this off.
