Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyer Near You (2024)

Any vehicle accident can be scary, but accidents involving big rigs or other trucks are in a category of their own. These accident cases must be handled differently than car accidents, and you need an attorney on your side. Here's what you need to know if you've been involved in a commercial truck crash case.

Are you ready to find an attorney who can help with your case? Fill out the form on this page to have your case evaluated for free by an experienced truck accident attorney.

How Truck Accidents Are Different From Other Vehicle Accidents

Commercial trucks are more than just oversized cars. Everything from the severity to the cause to the resolution can be unique to this type of case. Some of these differences include:

• The severity of the injuries. Any accident can be severe, regardless of the size of the vehicle involved. That being said, there is a lot more vehicle involved when we're talking about large trucks. The sheer size of the truck can cause accidents to be more dangerous than they might have been with a smaller vehicle.

• The cause of the accident. In car accidents, the cause is frequently distracted or aggressive driving. Truck accidents, however, can often have causes that are unique to them. Shifting loads in trailers, jackknifing, and rollovers can sometimes happen during these accidents. In addition, commercial truck drivers may be fatigued from long shifts behind the wheel.

• The regulations involved. Commercial truck companies and drivers in the trucking industry must adhere to certain regulations, which are set both by the state and by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These regulations concern everything from how long it's been since a driver last rested to the type of load that is being hauled. For many car accidents, state laws are all that matter. In truck accident cases, both state and federal laws must be considered.

• Insurance and liability. Commercial trucks are insured differently than passenger vehicles, and they are often insured by specialized insurance companies. In addition, the commercial vehicle and its driver may each have their own policies. This adds yet another layer of complexity to these cases.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

• Assess injuries and get to safety. After an accident, the first thing you need to do is assess your own safety. Check your surroundings. Are you in a place where you might be hit by other vehicles on the road? Make sure you move to a safe place.

• Contact law enforcement. Contacting law enforcement is not optional when you've been in a commercial vehicle accident. If there are injuries or the accident is severe, call 911. If there are no injuries, call the non-emergency line. Do not leave the scene until you're told to do so by a law enforcement officer.

• Do not make statements that imply you caused the accident. On the scene of an accident, it's impossible to be certain who or what caused the accident. Do not admit or imply fault, because you don't have enough information. Allow law enforcement to conduct their investigation.

• Take pictures and videos, if possible. The old adage about a picture being worth a thousand words is true after accidents. Take pictures of any vehicles involved from as many different angles as you safely can. Video can also be extremely useful, and has the added bonus of showing the entirety of the scene.

• Get medical attention, even if you believe you weren't injured. After an accident, you may be running on pure adrenaline, which can mask some physical injuries while you're at the scene. If emergency medical personnel are on the scene of the accident, make sure that you are evaluated. If there are no medical personnel on the scene, go to the emergency room or contact your doctor as soon as possible.

• Contact an attorney. Commercial truck accidents are rarely minor fender-benders. These tend to be massive accidents, and trucking insurance companies have attorneys on their side who know the law and want to save the insurance company money whenever possible. When you've been involved in this type of accident, you need a legal professional on your side. It's never too early to contact a lawyer to provide you with guidance and information on what comes next.If you need assistance finding the right attorney for you, fill out the form on this page to get help today.

How to Find the Best Truck Accident Attorney or Law Firm for You

Look for Experience

You need a lawyer who has experience with this sort of case. Some law firms even specialize in commercial vehicle accidents. Your attorney should be informed about the nuances of trucking laws and regulations and know how to handle these sorts of cases.

Ask About Fees

Most personal injury lawyers and law firms bill on a contingency basis. This means that you don't owe any fees unless you win your case. However, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't consider these fees when you're looking for an attorney. Ask about their fee schedule, including what percentage they take. You don't want a nasty surprise after your case is completed.

Ensure Your Attorney Is Comfortable Going to Trial

Some truck accident claims result in a settlement, but some don't. Make sure that your lawyer is prepared to go to court, if need be. If you hire someone who is not a trial lawyer, make sure that there is someone else at their firm who can represent you if the case goes to court, and meet that attorney, too, before you sign a contract.

Evaluate for Compatibility

You and your attorney should be able to work well together with an attitude of mutual respect. This is something that you can get a sense for during a free consultation. If you feel dismissed or talked down to by an attorney, they're probably not the right fit for you. Look for a lawyer that you're comfortable working within the long term.

ConsumerShield Can Help

If you've been involved in a truck accident, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. ConsumerShield makes the process of finding an attorney as easy as filling out a form. Enter your information in the form on this page and we'll put you in touch with an attorney who can help.