Accidents involving 18 wheelers can cause serious and life-threatening injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,951 people killed and 151,000 people injured in crashes involving large trucks in 20181.
If you have been injured in a collision with a large truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, to get the maximum compensation you deserve, you need a skilled and experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer to represent you.
But how do you choose the best 18 wheeler accident lawyer for your case? There are many factors to consider, such as the lawyer’s experience, reputation, success rate, fees, and communication.
In this article, we will give you some tips on how to choose the best 18 wheeler accident lawyer for your case.
Why You Need an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer
An 18 wheeler accident lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in handling cases involving collisions with large trucks. An 18 wheeler accident lawyer is different from a regular car accident lawyer, as they have to deal with complex issues such as:
- Federal and state regulations: Large trucks are subject to different regulations than passenger cars, such as the hours of service, weight limits, maintenance standards, and drug and alcohol testing. An 18 wheeler accident lawyer knows how to investigate whether the truck driver or the trucking company violated any of these regulations, and how to use them to prove liability and negligence.
- Multiple parties: An 18 wheeler accident may involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck owner, the cargo owner, the trailer owner, the maintenance provider, and the insurance companies. An 18 wheeler accident lawyer knows how to identify all the potential defendants, and how to hold them accountable for their share of responsibility.
- Large insurance policies: Large trucks usually have large insurance policies, which means that the insurance companies have more money at stake, and more incentive to deny or minimize your claim. An 18 wheeler accident lawyer knows how to deal with the insurance companies, and how to negotiate for a fair and full settlement.
- Severe injuries and damages: An 18 wheeler accident can cause severe injuries and damages, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, burns, fractures, and wrongful death. An 18 wheeler accident lawyer knows how to calculate the value of your damages, and how to prove the extent of your injuries and losses.
An 18 wheeler accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and interests, and pursue the compensation you deserve. They can handle all the legal aspects of your case, such as:
- Investigating the cause of the accident, and collecting and preserving the evidence, such as the truck’s black box, the driver’s logbook, the maintenance records, the witness statements, the police reports, and the photos and videos of the scene.
- Filing the claim with the insurance companies, and handling all the paperwork and communication.
- Negotiating with the insurance companies, and seeking a fair and full settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit if the settlement is not satisfactory, and taking your case to trial if necessary.
How to Choose the Best 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer for Your Case
To choose the best 18 wheeler accident lawyer for your case, you should consider the following factors:
- Experience: You want a lawyer who has extensive experience in handling 18 wheeler accident cases. You should look for a lawyer who specializes in 18 wheeler accident law, and who has handled cases similar to yours. You should also ask how many 18 wheeler accident cases the lawyer has handled, how many they have won, and what kind of results they have achieved for their clients.
- Reputation: You want a lawyer who has a good reputation in the legal community and among their past clients. You can check the lawyer’s online reviews, testimonials, ratings, awards, and memberships to see what others have to say about their services. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or other lawyers who have worked with the lawyer before.
- Success Rate: You want a lawyer who has a high success rate in obtaining favorable outcomes for their clients. You can ask the lawyer about their track record of settlements and verdicts, and how much compensation they have recovered for their clients. You can also ask for examples of cases similar to yours, and how they handled them.
- Fees: You want a lawyer who charges reasonable and transparent fees for their services. Most 18 wheeler accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if they win your case. You should ask the lawyer about their fee structure, how they calculate their fees, and what expenses they will cover. You should also ask for a written fee agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of their representation.
- Communication: You want a lawyer who communicates with you regularly and keeps you informed about the progress of your case. You should look for a lawyer who is responsive, attentive, and respectful. You should also ask the lawyer about their preferred mode of communication, how often they will update you, and who will be your main point of contact.
How to Compare 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers
To choose the best 18 wheeler accident lawyer for your case, you should compare different lawyers based on the factors mentioned above. You can use the following table to help you compare different lawyers:
| 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers | Experience | Reputation | Success Rate | Fees | Communication |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munley Law1 | Over 60 years of experience, specialize in 18 wheeler accident law, handle all types of 18 wheeler accident cases | 4.8 stars on Google, 4.7 stars on Lawyers.com, AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum | Over $1 billion recovered for clients, no fee unless they win | Contingency fee based on percentage of recovery, cover all expenses | Free consultation, offer video calls, update clients regularly, assign a team of attorneys and staff |
| Morris Bart2 | Over 40 years of experience, specialize in 18 wheeler accident law, handle all types of 18 wheeler accident cases | 4.7 stars on Google, 4.9 stars on Lawyers.com, AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum | Over $1 billion recovered for clients, no fee unless they win | Contingency fee based on percentage of recovery, cover all expenses | Free consultation, offer video calls, update clients regularly, assign a dedicated attorney and paralegal |
| Grossman Law Offices3 | Over 30 years of experience, specialize in 18 wheeler accident law, handle all types of 18 wheeler accident cases | 4.9 stars on Google, 4.8 stars on Lawyers.com, AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum | Over $100 million recovered for clients, no fee unless they win | Contingency fee based on percentage of recovery, cover all expenses | Free consultation, offer video calls, update clients regularly, assign a dedicated attorney and case manager |
Based on the table, you can see that all three lawyers have excellent experience, reputation, success rate, fees, and communication.
However, you may prefer one lawyer over another based on your personal preference, comfort level, and trust. You should contact each lawyer and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and see which one suits you best.
Conclusion
Choosing the best 18 wheeler accident lawyer for your case is not an easy task, but it is worth the effort. A good 18 wheeler accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve and protect your rights.
To choose the best 18 wheeler accident lawyer for your case, you should look for a lawyer who has extensive experience, good reputation, high success rate, reasonable fees, and good communication.
You should also compare different lawyers based on these factors and choose the one that meets your needs and expectations. If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, don’t hesitate to contact an 18 wheeler accident lawyer today and get the legal help you need.
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