Been hit by an 18-wheeler? Wondering what a truck accident lawyer actually does?

A truck accident lawyer handles everything from investigating your crash to negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for maximum compensation in court. Unlike regular car accident cases, truck accidents involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive corporate legal teams.

This guide walks you through every single step a truck accident lawyer takes to win your case and get you the money you deserve.

Quick Answer: A truck accident lawyer investigates your accident, gathers evidence like black box data and driver logs, identifies all liable parties (driver, trucking company, manufacturers), calculates your full damages, handles all insurance negotiations, and takes your case to trial if needed—all while you focus on recovery.

Why Truck Accidents Are Different (And Why You Need a Specialized Lawyer)

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, here’s why truck accident cases require specialized legal help:

Truck Accidents vs Car Accidents:

Factor	Car Accident	Truck Accident
Average Settlement	$20,000-$50,000	$100,000-$5,000,000+
Liable Parties	Usually 1-2 drivers	Driver, company, manufacturer, loader, maintenance
Regulations	State traffic laws	Federal FMCSA regulations + state laws
Evidence	Police report, photos	Black box data, logbooks, maintenance records, hours of service
Insurance	$50,000-$250,000	$750,000-$5,000,000+
Legal Opposition	Insurance adjuster	Corporate legal teams, defense attorneys

Bottom Line: Trucking companies have lawyers on speed dial the moment an accident happens. You need someone in your corner who knows their tactics. /Truck Accident Lawyer

Step-by-Step: What Your Truck Accident Lawyer Does

Step 1: Free Initial Consultation (Within 24-48 Hours)

What Happens: Your lawyer meets with you (in-person, phone, or video) to understand your case and evaluate if they can help. Truck Accident Lawyer

What They Do:

• Listen to your accident story
• Review any documents you have (police report, medical records, photos)
• Ask detailed questions about the crash
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Outline the potential value of your case
• Discuss their fee structure (usually contingency—no win, no fee)/Truck Accident Lawyer

What You Should Bring:

• Police accident report
• Medical records and bills
• Photos of the accident scene and injuries
• Insurance information
• Any communication with insurance companies
• Names and contact info of witnesses

Red Flag: If a lawyer pressures you to sign immediately or guarantees a specific settlement amount, walk away. Legitimate lawyers give honest assessments, not false promises.

Timeline: 30-90 minutes

Cost to You: $0 (Free consultation)

Step 2: Case Acceptance and Attorney-Client Agreement

What Happens: If your lawyer believes you have a strong case, they’ll offer to represent you.

What They Do:

• Sign a contingency fee agreement (typically 33-40% of settlement)
• Explain exactly what they’ll do and what you need to do
• Answer all your questions about the legal process
• Give you their contact information for questions
• Set expectations for communication and timeline.
• Truck Accident Lawyer

What the Contract Includes:

• Fee percentage (only paid if you win)
• Costs and expenses (investigation, expert witnesses, filing fees)
• Your responsibilities as a client
• How decisions will be made
• What happens if you switch lawyers

Important: You can fire your lawyer at any time, but they may be entitled to compensation for work already completed. Truck Accident Lawyer

Timeline: 1-2 hours

Cost to You: $0 upfront

Step 3: Immediate Case Preservation (First 72 Hours)

What Happens: Your lawyer moves FAST to preserve critical evidence before it disappears.

What They Do:

Send Spoliation Letters:

• To the trucking company demanding they preserve:
  • Black box data (Electronic Control Module)
  • Driver logs and hours of service records
  • Truck maintenance and inspection records
  • Driver’s employment file and training records
  • GPS and telematics data
  • Dashcam and surveillance footage
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Cell phone records

Why This Matters: Trucking companies are legally required to preserve evidence once they receive this letter. Without it, crucial evidence can be “accidentally” destroyed or deleted. “Truck Accident Lawyer”

Secure Physical Evidence:

• The damaged truck (before it’s repaired or scrapped)
• Cargo and loading equipment
• Tire and brake components
• Any mechanical parts that failed

Document the Scene:

• Hire accident reconstruction experts
• Take detailed photos and videos
• Measure skid marks, debris patterns
• Document road conditions, weather, visibility
• Review traffic camera footage from nearby businesses or government agencies

Timeline: Immediate (24-72 hours is critical)

Why It’s Urgent: Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Surveillance footage is often deleted within 7-30 days. The truck might be repaired or sold immediately.

Step 4: Comprehensive Investigation (Weeks 1-4)

What Happens: Your lawyer launches a full investigation to build an airtight case.

What They Investigate:

The Truck Driver:

• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) status
• Driving record and violation history
• Hours of service compliance (were they exhausted?)
• Drug and alcohol testing results
• Cell phone records (were they texting and driving?)
• Training and qualification records
• Past accident history

The Trucking Company:

• Safety rating and inspection history
• Hiring practices (did they do background checks?)
• Training programs (or lack thereof)
• Pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines
• Maintenance records and schedules
• Fleet safety policies
• History of FMCSA violations
• Previous accidents and lawsuits

The Truck Itself:

• Maintenance and repair history
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, annual DOT inspections)
• Black box data showing speed, braking, and other data
• Weight and cargo loading (was it overloaded?)
• Equipment failures (brakes, tires, steering)
• Manufacturer defects or recalls

The Accident Scene:

• Road design and conditions
• Weather and visibility factors
• Traffic signals and signage
• Witness statements and testimonies
• Surveillance footage from nearby cameras
• Accident reconstruction analysis

Federal Regulation Violations: Your lawyer checks if the trucking company violated any of these:

• Hours of Service regulations (driving too long)
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements
• Vehicle maintenance standards
• Cargo securement rules
• Weight limits and restrictions
• Driver qualification standards

Who They Work With:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Medical experts
• Economic experts (to calculate lost earnings)
• Vocational experts (if you can’t return to work)
• Trucking industry experts
• Private investigators

Timeline: 2-8 weeks

Cost: Covered by your lawyer (paid from settlement)

Step 5: Identify ALL Liable Parties (Week 2-6).

What Happens: Your lawyer identifies every person and company who shares blame—this is crucial for maximum compensation.

Potentially Liable Parties:

1. The Truck Driver

• For negligent driving (speeding, distraction, fatigue)
• For violating traffic laws
• For failing to maintain control

2. The Trucking Company

• For negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• For inadequate training
• For pressuring drivers to violate hours of service rules
• For poor maintenance practices
• For inadequate supervision
• Under “vicarious liability” (responsible for employee actions)

3. Truck Owner (if different from trucking company)

• For failing to maintain the vehicle
• For renting to unqualified drivers

4. Cargo Loading Company

• For improper loading or securing
• For overloading the trailer
• For unbalanced weight distribution

5. Truck/Parts Manufacturer

• For defective brakes, tires, steering systems
• For design flaws
• For failure to warn about known defects

6. Maintenance Company

• For inadequate repairs
• For using substandard parts
• For failing to identify safety issues

7. Government Entities

• For dangerous road design
• For poor road maintenance
• For inadequate signage or signals

Why This Matters: The more liable parties your lawyer identifies, the more insurance policies are available to compensate you. A truck driver might have $1 million in coverage, but the trucking company might have $5 million.

Real Example: Driver had $1M policy. Company had $5M policy. Manufacturer had $10M policy. Total available: $16M instead of just $1M.

Timeline: 2-6 weeks

Step 6: Calculate Your Full Damages (Week 3-8)

What Happens: Your lawyer calculates every dollar you’re owed—past, present, and future.

Economic Damages (Money You’ve Lost):

Medical Expenses:

• Emergency room and ambulance
• Hospital stays and surgeries
• Doctor visits and specialists
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment (wheelchair, crutches)
• Home modifications (ramps, grab bars)
• Future medical care (this is huge)

Lost Wages:

• Time missed from work
• Lost overtime and bonuses
• Lost benefits (health insurance, retirement)
• Future lost earning capacity (if you can’t return to your job)

Property Damage:

• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Personal items damaged in crash
• Rental car expenses

Other Economic Losses:

• Transportation to medical appointments
• Home care and assistance
• Childcare costs while you recover

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium (impact on marriage)
• Disability and reduced quality of life

How They Calculate Non-Economic Damages: Most lawyers use a multiplier method:

• Minor injuries: Medical bills × 1.5-3
• Moderate injuries: Medical bills × 3-5
• Severe/permanent injuries: Medical bills × 5-10+

Example: $200,000 in medical bills × 5 (severe injury) = $1,000,000 in pain and suffering

Punitive Damages (Punishment Money): In cases of extreme negligence (drunk driving, knowingly faulty brakes), courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant.

Who Helps Calculate This:

• Medical experts project future care needs
• Economic experts calculate lost earning capacity
• Life care planners estimate lifetime costs
• Vocational experts assess work limitations

Timeline: 3-8 weeks (ongoing as treatment continues)

Step 7: Handle Insurance Companies (Ongoing)

What Happens: Your lawyer deals with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to.

What They Do:

Take Over All Communication:

• You refer all calls to your lawyer
• They respond to written requests
• They attend recorded statements (and prep you first)
• They handle property damage claims

Protect You From Insurance Tactics:

Common insurance company tricks:

1. Quick Settlement Offers: Lowball offers before you know the full extent of injuries
2. Recorded Statements: Trying to get you to say something they can use against you
3. Delaying Tactics: Hoping you’ll get desperate and accept less
4. Downplaying Injuries: Claiming your injuries aren’t that serious
5. Blame Shifting: Trying to say you’re partially at fault
6. Surveillance: Hiring investigators to catch you doing activities they say you can’t do
7. Social Media Monitoring: Watching your Facebook/Instagram for anything contradicting your injury claims

Your Lawyer’s Response:

• Refuses to let you give statements without preparation
• Documents every delay and bad faith tactic
• Counters every lowball offer with evidence
• Files bad faith insurance lawsuits when necessary

What You Should Do:

• Don’t post on social media (anything can be taken out of context)
• Don’t give recorded statements without your lawyer
• Don’t sign any documents without lawyer review
• Don’t accept any settlement offers directly
• Follow your treatment plan consistently

Timeline: Ongoing throughout the case

Step 8: Send Demand Letter (Month 3-12)

What Happens: Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (or close to it), your lawyer sends a formal demand letter to the insurance company.

What’s in the Demand Letter:

1. Client Information:

• Your background and life before the accident
• Your work history and family situation

2. Accident Details:

• Detailed narrative of how the accident happened
• Evidence proving the truck driver/company was at fault

3. Injuries and Treatment:

• Complete medical history since the accident
• All treatments, surgeries, and therapies
• Prognosis and future medical needs
• Impact on your daily life and activities

4. Liability Evidence:

• Police report
• Witness statements
• Expert reports
• Photos and videos
• Federal regulation violations
• Black box data

5. Damages Calculation:

• Medical bills: $XXX,XXX
• Lost wages: $XX,XXX
• Future medical care: $XXX,XXX
• Future lost earnings: $XXX,XXX
• Pain and suffering: $X,XXX,XXX
• Total demand: $XX,XXX,XXX

6. Settlement Deadline:

• Typically 30 days to respond
• Warning that a lawsuit will be filed if no fair offer

Length: Usually 20-50+ pages with hundreds of pages of supporting documents

Purpose: This shows the insurance company you’re serious and have a strong case. It’s often the last chance to settle before filing a lawsuit.

Timeline: 3-12 months after accident (depends on injury severity)

Step 9: Negotiate Settlement (Month 4-18)

What Happens: Your lawyer negotiates back and forth with the insurance company to get you maximum compensation.

The Negotiation Process:

Round 1: Insurance Response

• Insurance company reviews demand letter
• Usually comes back with a much lower counteroffer
• Often includes reasons why they think the case is weak

Round 2-10: Back and Forth

• Your lawyer counters with additional evidence
• Insurance gradually increases their offer
• Your lawyer gradually reduces demand (strategically)
• Multiple phone calls, emails, and letters

What Your Lawyer Is Doing:

• Playing hardball (credibly threatening trial)
• Highlighting weaknesses in their defense
• Bringing in expert opinions
• Documenting bad faith tactics
• Keeping you updated on all offers
• Advising you on what to accept or reject

Settlement Range Examples:

Injury Severity	Typical Settlement Range
Minor (soft tissue, full recovery)	$50,000-$150,000
Moderate (broken bones, weeks-months recovery)	$150,000-$500,000
Serious (surgery, permanent limitations)	$500,000-$2,000,000
Catastrophic (paralysis, brain injury, death)	$2,000,000-$10,000,000+

Important Decision Point: Your lawyer will present every settlement offer and give you their professional opinion, but YOU make the final decision on whether to accept or reject.

Red Flag: If your lawyer pressures you to accept a settlement you’re uncomfortable with, that’s a problem. Good lawyers advocate for your best interest, not their quick payout.

Timeline: Can take 2-12+ months of negotiations

Success Rate: About 95% of truck accident cases settle without trial.

Step 10: File Lawsuit (If Necessary)

What Happens: If settlement negotiations fail or the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, your lawyer files a formal lawsuit in court.

What They Do:

Prepare the Complaint:

• Legal document outlining your case
• Lists all defendants (liable parties)
• States the facts of the accident
• Identifies legal violations
• Demands specific compensation

File with the Court:

• Submit complaint to appropriate court
• Pay filing fees (your lawyer advances this)
• Obtain case number and court date

Serve the Defendants:

• Legally notify all defendants of the lawsuit
• Provide copies of the complaint
• Defendants have 20-30 days to respond

The Defendants’ Response:

• Usually file an “Answer” denying liability
• May file motions to dismiss (rarely granted)
• Assign defense lawyers to the case

Important: Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean you’re going to trial. It actually increases settlement pressure. Many cases settle after lawsuit is filed but before trial.

Timeline: Can file anytime before statute of limitations expires (varies by state: 1-6 years)

What Changes: The case becomes more formal and expensive for both sides, which often motivates settlement.

Step 11: Discovery Phase (6-18 Months)

What Happens: Both sides exchange evidence and information in a formal legal process.

What Your Lawyer Does:

Interrogatories (Written Questions):

• Your lawyer sends detailed questions to defendants
• Defendants must answer under oath
• Questions about the driver, truck, company policies, etc.

Requests for Production (Documents):

• Your lawyer demands specific documents:
  • All driver logs and records
  • Truck maintenance files
  • Company policies and procedures
  • Previous accident reports
  • Training manuals
  • Hiring records
  • Financial records (for punitive damages)

Depositions (Sworn Testimony): Your lawyer takes depositions of:

• The truck driver
• Company safety officers
• Maintenance supervisors
• Witnesses
• Other relevant parties

You’ll also be deposed:

• Defense lawyers will question you under oath
• Your lawyer prepares you extensively beforehand
• Usually lasts 2-6 hours
• Can be intimidating but crucial

Deposition Prep (What Your Lawyer Tells You):

• Tell the truth always
• Answer only what’s asked (don’t volunteer extra info)
• Say “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember” if true
• Take breaks if you need them
• Stay calm even if the defense lawyer is aggressive

Expert Witness Reports:

• Your lawyer’s experts submit detailed reports
• Accident reconstruction, medical prognosis, economic damages
• Defense submits their expert reports too

What Defense Is Doing:

• Looking for inconsistencies in your story
• Trying to prove you’re partially at fault
• Minimizing your injuries
• Challenging your damages calculation

Timeline: 6-18 months (can be longer in complex cases)

Cost: This is the most expensive phase (expert witnesses, court reporters, etc.). Your lawyer advances these costs.

Step 12: Mediation or Settlement Conference (Optional)

What Happens: Before trial, many courts require or encourage mediation—a formal settlement negotiation with a neutral mediator.

What Your Lawyer Does:

Pre-Mediation:

• Prepares a detailed mediation brief
• Summarizes evidence and legal arguments
• Calculates settlement range
• Preps you for the mediation day

During Mediation:

• Each side presents their case to the mediator
• Mediator shuttles between rooms with offers
• Your lawyer advocates aggressively for you
• Can last 4-12+ hours

How It Works:

• You and your lawyer in one room
• Defendants and their lawyers in another room
• Mediator goes back and forth with offers
• Mediator doesn’t decide—they facilitate settlement

Mediation Statistics:

• 70-80% of cases settle at mediation
• Even if no settlement, it often leads to settlement soon after

What Happens If You Settle:

• Settlement agreement signed that day
• Case dismissed
• You receive money within 30-60 days
• Case is over

What If You Don’t Settle:

• Case proceeds to trial
• Trial date is set
• Both sides continue trial preparation

Your Role: You must be present and have authority to settle. Your lawyer will advise you, but you make the final call.

Timeline: Usually scheduled 2-4 months before trial date

Cost to You: $0 (mediator fees paid from settlement if successful)

Step 13: Trial Preparation (2-6 Months Before Trial)

What Happens: If the case hasn’t settled, your lawyer prepares intensively for trial.

What They Do:

Prepare Trial Strategy:

• Decide which evidence to present
• Determine order of witnesses
• Develop opening and closing statements
• Create demonstrative exhibits (charts, diagrams, animations)
• Anticipate defense arguments

Prepare Witnesses:

• You’ll have multiple prep sessions
• Practice testimony and cross-examination
• Review all evidence and documents
• Work on presentation and demeanor

Expert Witnesses:

• Finalize expert testimony
• Create visual aids for jury
• Prepare for cross-examination by defense

Motion Practice:

• File motions to exclude certain evidence
• Respond to defense motions
• Pre-trial hearings on legal issues

Jury Selection Strategy:

• Decide ideal juror profile
• Prepare voir dire questions
• Research potential jurors (social media, public records)

Create Trial Exhibits:

• Blown-up photos of injuries and accident scene
• Medical illustrations of injuries
• Day-in-the-life videos showing your limitations
• Computer animations of accident reconstruction
• Timeline demonstratives
• Damages calculation charts

Mock Trial (Sometimes):

• Hire focus groups to hear your case
• Test arguments and evidence
• Gauge potential jury reaction
• Adjust strategy based on feedback

What You Need to Do:

• Be available for prep sessions
• Review all your testimony
• Stay off social media completely
• Continue medical treatment as prescribed
• Keep a daily journal of pain and limitations

Timeline: Intensive preparation 2-6 months before trial

Stress Level: High, but your lawyer guides you through everything

Step 14: The Trial (1-4 Weeks)

What Happens: Your case is heard before a judge and jury who will decide fault and damages.

Day 1: Jury Selection (Voir Dire)

• Lawyers question potential jurors
• Each side eliminates certain jurors
• Final jury selected (usually 12 jurors + alternates)
• Can take hours to several days

Day 2-3: Opening Statements

• Your lawyer presents the case overview
• Defense presents their version
• Sets the stage for evidence

Days 3-15: Plaintiff’s Case (Your Side)

Your lawyer presents evidence in this order:

Liability Evidence:

• Police officers testify about accident scene
• Witnesses describe what they saw
• Accident reconstruction expert explains how it happened
• Trucking industry expert testifies about regulation violations
• Black box data analyst presents electronic evidence

Damages Evidence:

• Your treating doctors testify about injuries
• You testify about the accident and how it changed your life
• Family members testify about impact on your life
• Economic expert calculates lost earnings
• Life care planner projects future medical needs

Each Witness:

1. Your lawyer asks questions (direct examination)
2. Defense lawyer cross-examines
3. Your lawyer can redirect if needed

Visual Evidence Presented:

• Photos of accident scene
• Photos of your injuries (can be graphic)
• Medical records and scans
• Day-in-the-life video
• Computer animation of accident

Days 16-20: Defense Case

Defense presents their evidence:

• Their accident reconstruction expert
• Their medical experts (trying to minimize injuries)
• Trucking company employees defending their practices
• Surveillance footage of you (if they have any)

Your lawyer cross-examines all defense witnesses

Days 21-22: Closing Arguments

• Your lawyer summarizes evidence and asks for specific dollar amount
• Defense argues you’re not owed anything or much less
• Your lawyer gets final word (rebuttal)

Day 23: Jury Instructions

• Judge explains the law to jury
• Jury goes to deliberate

Days 23-?: Jury Deliberation

• Jury discusses case in private
• Can take hours to days (sometimes weeks)
• They must decide:
  1. Who was at fault and by what percentage?
  2. What damages should be awarded?

Verdict:

• Jury returns with decision
• Reads verdict in open court
• If you win: Judge enters judgment
• If you lose: Your lawyer may appeal

What You Experience:

• Emotional and exhausting
• You must attend every day and testify
• Your lawyer is with you the entire time
• Seeing the defendants in person can be difficult
• Jury’s reaction is unpredictable

Timeline: 1-4 weeks depending on complexity

Success Rate: If your case made it to trial, your lawyer believes you’ll win. Most truck accident cases that go to trial result in plaintiff victories, often with larger awards than settlement offers.

Step 15: Post-Trial and Collecting Your Money :Truck Accident Lawyer

What Happens: After a verdict or settlement, your lawyer ensures you actually get paid.

If You Won at Trial:

Judgment Entry:

• Court enters official judgment
• Defendants have 30 days to appeal or pay

Appeals (If Defendants Appeal):

• Defendants may challenge verdict
• Your lawyer defends the verdict in appeals court
• Can add 1-3 years to the process
• Most appeals are unsuccessful

If No Appeal:

• Judgment becomes final
• Defendants must pay within 30-60 days

If You Settled:

Settlement Agreement:

• Both sides sign binding agreement
• Releases defendants from further liability
• Specifies payment amount and timeline

Collecting the Money:

Insurance Pays:

• Check sent to your lawyer’s trust account
• Usually within 30-60 days

Your Lawyer Disburses Funds:

Deductions from Settlement/Judgment:

1. Medical liens (hospitals, health insurance that paid your bills)
2. Medicare/Medicaid liens (if applicable)
3. Attorney fees (33-40% of recovery)
4. Case costs (expert witnesses, court fees, investigation costs)
5. Your net recovery (what you take home)

Example Breakdown:

• Total settlement: $1,000,000
• Medical liens: -$150,000
• Attorney fees (33%): -$330,000
• Case costs: -$50,000
• Your net recovery: $470,000

Your Lawyer Provides:

• Detailed accounting of all deductions
• Checks for all parties
• Closes out the case
• Provides final documents for your records

Structured Settlements: For very large awards, you might choose a structured settlement:

• Payments over time instead of lump sum
• Tax advantages
• Protection from spending it all at once
• Guaranteed income stream

Timeline for Payment: 30-90 days after settlement/verdict

Step 16: Post-Settlement Support

What Happens: Good lawyers don’t disappear after the check clears.

What They Help With:

Tax Issues:

• Most injury settlements are tax-free
• Punitive damages are taxable
• Lost wage portions may be taxable
• Connect you with tax professionals if needed

Financial Planning:

• Referrals to financial advisors
• Guidance on managing large settlements
• Special needs trusts (if applicable)

Medicare/Medicaid Issues:

• Resolve any remaining government liens
• Set up Medicare Set-Aside accounts if needed
• Protect eligibility for future benefits

Future Claims:

• Explain what rights you’ve released
• Clarify what you can/can’t claim in future
• Keep your file for several years

Timeline: Available as needed after case closes . Truck Accident Lawyer

How Long Does This Entire Process Take?

Quick Settlement (Best Case):

• 3-6 months
• Minor injuries, clear liability
• Insurance makes fair offer quickly
• You accept and move on

Average Timeline:

• 12-18 months
• Moderate injuries, some liability dispute
• Lengthy negotiations but settles before trial
• Most cases fall here

Complex Cases:

• 2-5+ years
• Severe injuries, multiple defendants
• Goes through full litigation and trial
• Appeals can add 1-3 years

Factors That Speed Up Your Case: ✅ Clear liability (obvious who’s at fault) ✅ Strong evidence preserved early ✅ Finished medical treatment ✅ Cooperative insurance company ✅ Reasonable settlement demands

Factors That Slow Down Your Case: ❌ Disputed liability (they deny fault) ❌ Ongoing medical treatment ❌ Multiple defendants fighting each other ❌ Bad faith insurance tactics ❌ Complex legal or technical issues

How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

Fee Structure: Contingency Fee (No Win, No Fee)

Standard Rates:

• 33-40% of your settlement if it settles before trial
• 40% if it goes to trial
• Plus case costs (expert witnesses, filing fees, investigation)

What This Means:

• $0 upfront out of your pocket
• $0 if you don’t win
• Only pay if they get you money

Example:

• Settlement: $500,000
• Lawyer fee (33%): $165,000
• Case costs: $25,000
• You receive: $310,000

Case Costs Typically Include:

• Police and medical records ($500-$2,000)
• Expert witness fees ($5,000-$50,000+)
• Court filing fees ($300-$500)
• Deposition costs ($2,000-$10,000)
• Investigation expenses ($1,000-$10,000)
• Trial exhibits and technology ($5,000-$20,000)

Who Pays Costs:

• Lawyer advances costs during the case
• Costs deducted from settlement at the end
• If you lose, depends on your agreement (many lawyers absorb costs)

Red Flags: ❌ Lawyer asks for money upfront ❌ Fees higher than 40% ❌ Unclear cost agreement ❌ Hidden fees in fine print

What YOU Need to Do as the Client .Truck Accident Lawyer

Your lawyer does 95% of the work, but you have important responsibilities:

1. Show Up

• Attend medical appointments (follow treatment plan)
• Attend depositions and hearings
• Attend mediation and trial

2. Communicate

• Respond to your lawyer’s calls/emails promptly
• Tell them about any new symptoms or treatments
• Report any contact from insurance companies
• Update them on job status and income changes

3. Document

• Keep a pain journal
• Save all medical bills and receipts
• Take photos of ongoing injuries
• Keep records of missed work

4. Follow Instructions

• Don’t talk to insurance companies without permission
• Don’t post on social media
• Don’t sign anything without lawyer review
• Don’t exaggerate or minimize injuries

5. Be Patient

• Good cases take time
• Trust the process
• Don’t pressure for quick settlement

6. Be Honest

• Tell your lawyer everything (good and bad)
• Past injuries, prior accidents
• Pre-existing conditions
• Criminal history
• Lawyer-client privilege protects you

What Happens If You Don’t:

• Weakens your case
• Can get your case dismissed
• Looks bad to the jury
• Insurance uses it against you

Red Flags: When to Fire Your Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Lawyer Warning Signs of a Bad Lawyer:

❌ Not Returning Calls/Emails

• Goes weeks without responding
• Staff gives excuses constantly

❌ Lack of Truck Accident Experience

• Mainly does divorces or criminal law
• Has never handled a truck accident case

❌ Pressuring Quick Settlement

• Pushes you to accept lowball offers
• More interested in quick fee than your best outcome

❌ No Investigation

• Hasn’t hired experts
• Hasn’t gotten black box data
• Just filing paperwork with no strategy

❌ Poor Communication

• Doesn’t explain what’s happening
• Leaves you in the dark for months
• Talks down to you or dismisses concerns

❌ Ethical Issues

• Asks you to lie or exaggerate
• Suggests faking injuries
• Has disciplinary history with bar association

What to Do: You can fire your lawyer at any time. They’re entitled to compensation for work done (quantum meruit), but you can switch to a better lawyer. The new lawyer will work out fees with the old lawyer. Truck Accident Lawyer

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer

Experience Questions: Truck Accident Lawyer

1. “How many truck accident cases have you handled?”
2. “What’s your success rate in truck accident cases?”
3. “What’s the largest truck accident settlement you’ve won?”
4. “Have you taken cases to trial, or do you always settle?”
5. “Do you personally handle cases or pass them to associates?”

Process Questions: 6. “What’s your strategy for my specific case?” 7. “How long do you think my case will take?” 8. “What’s the estimated value of my case?” (They can give a range) 9. “What evidence will you gather in my case?” 10. “Who will I communicate with day-to-day?” Truck Accident Lawyer

Fee Questions: 11. “What percentage do you charge?” (Should be 33-40%) 12. “What if we lose? Do I

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