What is a Truck Collision Attorney?
A Truck Collision Attorney is a legal professional specializing in cases involving accidents between commercial trucks (such as semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and delivery trucks) and other vehicles or pedestrians. These attorneys help victims secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Truck accident cases are often more complex than regular car accidents due to factors like federal trucking regulations, corporate liability, and the severity of damages involved.
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How to Find the Best Truck Collision Attorney in the USA
- Look for Specialization in Truck Accidents
- Choose an attorney with experience in handling truck accident cases, as they require in-depth knowledge of FMCSA regulations, trucking company liabilities, and insurance policies.
- Check Their Experience and Track Record
- Look for lawyers with a successful history of settlements and verdicts in truck accident cases. Review their case results to see if they have handled claims similar to yours.
- Verify Their Reputation
- Read online reviews, testimonials, and peer ratings on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google Reviews to ensure the attorney has a good reputation.
- Assess Their Resources and Legal Team
- Truck accident claims often involve accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators. Choose a lawyer with access to such resources.
- Consider Their Trial Experience
- Some cases require litigation. Hiring a lawyer who has courtroom experience and a strong reputation for taking cases to trial can be beneficial.
- Look for a Free Consultation
- Most truck accident attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case and determine if they are a good fit.
- Check Their Fee Structure
- Many truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case. Confirm their percentage before signing any agreements.
- Seek Local Expertise
- Trucking laws vary by state. Hiring an attorney who practices in the state where the accident occurred ensures they are familiar with local laws and courts.
Is there any alternative to Truck Collision Attorney?
Yes, there are a few alternatives to hiring a Truck Collision Attorney, depending on the severity of the accident, your legal needs, and the complexity of your case. Here are some alternatives:
1. Negotiating Directly with the Insurance Company
- If the accident resulted in minor damages and no serious injuries, you may try negotiating directly with the trucking company’s or driver’s insurance provider.
- However, insurance companies often offer low settlements, so it’s crucial to understand your rights and the true value of your claim before accepting an offer.
2. Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
- If you cannot find a specialized truck accident attorney, a personal injury lawyer with experience in motor vehicle accidents can help.
- They can handle negotiations, file claims, and represent you in court if needed.
3. Consulting a General Litigation Attorney
- If your case is more about legal disputes rather than injury compensation (e.g., contract issues with a trucking company), a general litigation attorney might be an alternative.
- They can help with legal procedures but may not have in-depth trucking industry knowledge.
4. Using Legal Aid or Pro Bono Services
- If you cannot afford an attorney, some legal aid organizations or law firms offer pro bono (free) services for accident victims, especially if the accident led to severe injuries or wrongful death.
5. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Mediation or arbitration can be used to settle disputes without going to court.
- Some trucking companies and insurers prefer ADR as it can be faster and less expensive than a lawsuit.
6. Self-Representation (Pro Se Litigation)
- You can represent yourself in court, but this is not recommended unless you have a legal background.
- Truck accident cases involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance defense teams, making self-representation risky.
Cost of Hiring a Truck Collision Attorney
The cost of hiring a Truck Collision Attorney in the USA depends on factors like the lawyer’s experience, location, case complexity, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront, and they take a percentage of the settlement or court award. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
1. Contingency Fee (Most Common) 💰
- Typical range: 25% to 40% of the final settlement or verdict.
- Average: 33% (one-third) of the compensation if settled before trial.
- Higher fees (35% – 40%) may apply if the case goes to trial due to increased work and expenses.
Example:
- If you win a $500,000 settlement, and your lawyer charges 33%, they will receive $165,000, leaving you with $335,000.
- If the case goes to trial and the fee increases to 40%, the lawyer would take $200,000, leaving you with $300,000.
2. Hourly Fees (Less Common) ⏳
- Some attorneys charge hourly if they do not take cases on contingency.
- Rates typically range between $200 – $500 per hour, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
- This can get expensive if the case is prolonged.
3. Retainer Fees (Rare in Truck Cases) 📝
- Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer deposit, especially for complex cases.
- Retainers can range from $2,000 to $10,000+, billed against hourly work.
4. Additional Costs (May Be Deducted from Settlement) 💵
- Court filing fees: $100 – $500
- Expert witness fees: $2,000 – $5,000+
- Investigation costs: $1,000 – $3,000
- Medical record retrieval: $50 – $200
- Deposition costs: $500 – $1,500 per deposition
In most cases, these costs are advanced by the lawyer and reimbursed from your settlement. However, always check the fee agreement to see if you’ll owe anything if you lose the case.
Top 5 Names in Truck Collision Attorney and how to contact them?
Certainly! Here are five prominent truck collision attorneys in the USA, along with their contact information:
- Morgan & Morgan
- Overview: As the largest personal injury law firm in America, Morgan & Morgan has recovered over $25 billion for clients. They specialize in various personal injury cases, including truck accidents.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (877) 667-4265
- Website: https://www.forthepeople.com/practice-areas/auto-accident-attorneys/trucking-accident-attorneys/
- Penn Kestner & McEwen
- Overview: Specializing in truck accident cases, this firm has a nationwide presence and a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to helping victims of trucking accidents.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (651) 224-3833
- Website: https://www.thetruckinglawyers.com/
- Fried Goldberg LLC
- Overview: Based in Atlanta, Fried Goldberg LLC focuses more than 95% of their practice on handling accidents involving commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (404) 591-1800
- Website: https://www.friedgoldberg.com/truck-accidents/
- The Truck Accident Law Firm
- Overview: With over 100 years of combined experience, this firm is dedicated to assisting victims of truck and commercial motor vehicle crashes, ensuring they receive full compensation.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (888) 511-8782
- Website: https://truckcrashlaw.com/
- Munley Law
- Overview: With 65 years of experience, Munley Law’s trucking law team includes attorneys who are board certified in truck accident law and have secured billions in settlements and verdicts for clients.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (855) 866-5529
- Website: https://munley.com/truck-accident-lawyer/
When selecting a truck collision attorney, consider factors such as their experience, track record, resources, and reputation. It’s advisable to schedule consultations with multiple attorneys to determine the best fit for your specific case.
How to take best Advantage from a Truck Collision Attorney?
To get the best advantage from a truck collision attorney, follow these key strategies:
1. Hire a Specialized Truck Accident Lawyer
- Look for an attorney experienced in truck accident cases rather than a general personal injury lawyer.
- Ensure they understand federal trucking regulations and have a strong track record in trucking litigation.
2. Gather Evidence Immediately
- Act fast: Collect photos, videos, and witness information.
- Request the truck’s black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.
- Police reports and medical records are crucial.
3. Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Alone
- Insurance companies try to minimize payouts.
- Let your attorney handle all communication and negotiations.
4. Maximize Your Compensation
- Ensure your claim includes:
- Medical expenses (current & future)
- Lost wages & earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage & vehicle repairs
5. Understand Contingency Fees
- Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency basis (no upfront fees).
- Ensure you understand the percentage they take from your settlement.
6. Be Honest & Provide Full Details
- Share all details with your attorney, even minor ones.
- Hiding information can weaken your case.
7. Consider Going to Trial if Needed
- If the settlement offer is too low, let your attorney take the case to court.
- A strong attorney will be prepared for litigation if necessary.
8. Stay Updated & Follow Legal Advice
- Maintain regular communication with your attorney.
- Follow their advice to avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.
Least Popular 5 Names in Truck Collision Attorney
Identifying the “least popular” truck collision attorneys is challenging, as popularity metrics are not commonly available. However, there are numerous qualified attorneys who may not have widespread recognition but possess significant expertise in truck accident litigation. Here are five such attorneys:
- Robert “Sean” McEvoy
- Firm: Truck Wreck Justice, PLLC
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Contact: (770) 891-3661
- Website: truckwreckjustice.com
- Ryan Skiver
- Firm: The Skiver Law Firm
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Contact: (480) 626-1667
- Website: skiverlawfirm.com
- Kevin D. Swenson
- Firm: Swenson & Shelley Law
- Location: St. George, UT
- Contact: (435) 228-7647
- Website: swensonshelley.com
- Danny R. Ellis
- Firm: Truck Wreck Justice, PLLC
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Contact: (423) 865-2020
- Website: truckwreckjustice.com
- Sach Oliver
- Firm: Oliver Law Firm
- Location: Rogers, AR
- Contact: (479) 202-5200
- Website: oliverlawfirm.com
These attorneys are recognized by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) and have demonstrated expertise in handling truck accident cases. When selecting legal representation, it’s essential to consider factors such as experience, track record, and client testimonials to ensure the attorney aligns with your specific needs.