A semi-truck has broadsided you. And it left you with a damaged vehicle, injuries, and anxiety.
Sadly, you’re not the only person who has experienced this. Research shows that nearly 5,000 large trucks or buses were unfortunately involved in deadly crashes in 2020.
The good news? A truck accident lawyer can help you to pursue the monetary damages you’re entitled to if your accident was the result of the truck driver’s negligence. However, you need to be ready for your first meeting with the lawyer.
Here’s a rundown of what you need to know to prepare for your consultation.
Collect Information
One of the most important steps you can take following a trucking accident is to gather information about the collision. This will help you to prepare for your consultation with an attorney who specializes in truck crashes.
The essential information you should collect includes insurance documents, medical documents, and the crash report that the police filed.
The medical documents should include both laboratory test results and hospital records, including procedure invoices.
In addition, the crash report should mention the time, location, and date of your accident. It should also highlight the police officers’ observations regarding what occurred at the time of the crash.
You should bring copies of each of these documents for the attorney so that they can have their own to review while you’re going through them.
In addition, be sure to bring any invoices for any car repairs you had to get done after the truck accident. Other semi-truck accident-related expenses to bring documentation of included vehicle modifications, home modifications, and even car replacement services.
Bring Photos or Videos
If you managed to capture the wreckage on video or in photos using your smartphone, bring this to your truck accident attorney consultation as well. If you have a dashcam, the recording of the accident on the dashcam may also be worth bringing with you.
All of this can serve as evidence showing that you were not at fault in the truck accident.
Jot Down Questions
Another important step in preparing for a truck accident lawyer consultation is to write down any questions you have regarding your case. With this list, you’ll be less likely to forget an important point you would like to talk about with your prospective lawyer.
Examples of quality questions to write down and ask during your consultation include:
- How do I file a truck crash claim?
- How large of a compensation amount should I receive in my case?
- And how long will the claim process take?
You should also ask about the evidence you need to present to support your claim.
Bring Witness Information
Yet another important step to take before meeting with a truck crash attorney is to gather information about any witness to your crash. This information should include the witnesses’ contact information and names.
Any witnesses to your accident may provide invaluable testimony in support of your truck collision claim. This might ultimately strengthen your legal case.
Collect Written Communications Pertaining to Your Case
If you have communicated in writing with any other party involved in your truck accident, bring copies of this communication to your consultation as well.
For instance, the truck driver might have contacted you by email or text. The same may be true for the truck driver’s employer. Likewise, you might have been in touch with your insurance company or the truck driver’s insurer.
It’s important that your lawyer review your communications with these parties because you may have spoken about something that will cause you issues during your legal proceeding. By looking at your communications, your attorney can be as prepared as possible for disputes that may arise during the proceeding.
Prepare to Be Upfront with the Truck Accident Lawyer
As you prepare for your truck lawyer consultation, it’s critical that you remain honest from start to finish. Don’t stretch the truth about any detail related to the crash.
For instance, you should be honest about any pre-existing healthcare conditions you have. In addition, be forthcoming about any previous crashes you’ve been involved in. If you have other information that is relevant to your case, provide this information to your potential truck accident attorney as well.
When you are honest during your consultation, you’ll assist your potential attorney in building a strong legal case on your behalf.
Get Ready to Ask About Fees
Finally, before you hire a lawyer during a consultation, you should ask them how they handle their fees.
The majority of lawyers work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This means they will be paid only if you are successful in your case.
Nevertheless, you should ask your prospective lawyer how much they charge for their services upfront. In this way, you can be more aware of all of the fees tied to your case.
How We Can Help Following Your Truck Accident
To prepare for your first meeting with a truck accident lawyer following a truck accident, you’ll want to gather detailed information about your accident. This includes details about any people who witnessed the crash.
In addition, you’ll want to write down several questions you would like to ask the lawyer about your case.
At RHINO Lawyers, we have years of experience representing individuals who have been injured in truck accidents. We will work hard to maximize the monetary damages you’re awarded to cover your hospital bills and other losses. Receive a free review of your case today!
CONTACT A TAMPA TRUCKING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a trucking accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
