What to Look for When Hiring Truck Accident Attorneys in Wilkes-Barre
While the city is relatively small, with a population of a little over forty thousand, Wilkes-Barre still has interesting sights and sounds, mostly about nature. You can easily access parks and see the beautiful Wyoming valley, among other attractions.
Because of its location in the tristate area, the city opens up to three interstates – 476, 80 and 81 – making it easy for trucks to move to different states. However, it also means there are a noticeable number of truck accidents in Wilkes-Barre, necessitating a guide to finding truck accident attorneys in the city. How do you pick the most suitable option if you’ve been in a truck accident?
Follow this article to find key selection criteria.
- Experience in the Field
What this means is that the attorney you choose must have experience in the right field to handle your case, which in this case is in the truck accident claims field. Find out more in this resource: https://munley.com/wilkes-barre/truck-accidents/ if you’re in Wilkes-Barre. You’ll find many personal injury lawyers in this area, especially those who handle auto accident issues and claims, but that doesn’t mean they can also handle truck cases.
However, if push comes to shove, you can choose a personal injury lawyer with experience in truck accidents to handle your case, even if that field is not all they handle. After all, truck accidents still fall under the auto crash category. In such a case, ensure the lawyer understands what’s at stake and the intricacies of the case.
For starters, find out if they know the time limit for filing claims or a lawsuit in such a case. For Wilkes-Barre in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years. Ask other relevant questions to determine their experience in the field.
- Number of Cases to Handle
The caseload of a lawyer is the number of cases they’re currently handling. An attorney with a minimal caseload will have the time and focus to devote to your case. The same is true of an attorney with a moderate number of cases to handle. But if the caseload is high, it might be best to look elsewhere for legal representation. The reason is that such a lawyer won’t have the time required to handle the case, which is detrimental to winning.
While they may have good intentions and try to make the most of the situation, the truth remains that you won’t get the results you want. The same applies in situations where the attorney hands your case over to a younger colleague working under them.
If you’re going to top coin for their services, you should get the best. And if the lawyer promises to take care of it themselves, that’s what you should get. That doesn’t mean you should settle for just any lawyer because you want someone with a minimal caseload; make sure they are certified and experienced. Click here to learn about time management in the event of a heavy caseload.
- Record of Success
Another key criterion for selecting a truck accident attorney is their record of success. It’s not what they say about themselves; it’s what others say and what the records show. Check relevant websites for a record of the wins and how much they’ve gotten for their clients in settlements. You can read reviews and ask questions, especially if they are referred.
One of the best places to find a good legal representative is among friends and family members. It’s also a good place to learn all you can about the chosen attorney and their track record. Testimonials and reviews on the lawyer’s official web-page may also hold all the information you need, although the reviews aren’t always reliable.
- Fees
You should also consider the fees or cost of hiring such an attorney. Depending on the firm, the attorney may charge by the hour or in installments but that is usually not the case. A lot of lawyers charge based on the settlements, meaning they collect contingency fees.
A contingency fee is a percentage of the settlement their client receives, usually about 30%. In other words, they don’t charge any other fees or ask for any upfront payments but take a percentage of the settlement amount. This method is favorable for both parties because the service costs you nothing unless your legal representative wins and the lawyer ensures they win the case and get a settlement because they have to be paid.
However, you must have an agreement with the attorney on how they’ll be paid before signing a contract. Otherwise, you’d be forced to pay out of your pocket if the case is unsuccessful and that might come as a surprise if you didn’t plan it beforehand.
5. Choosing to Work toward a Settlement
One of the jobs of an insurance company is to dole out as little money as possible. It’s not that they are unfeeling; they simply have to be wary of frauds. So, they do their due diligence to ensure no one takes more money than is required for a settlement.
However, that also means they might cut out people who have genuine claims. Your lawyer must be willing to work toward getting the insurance company to settle you with a good amount. Not every case must go to trial and your attorney should know that.
A good settlement offer should be the first call; if that fails, filing a lawsuit should be the next option. This resource: https://www.insurance.pa.gov/ explains insurance claims in a disaster.
Conclusion
You can find several truck accident attorneys in Wilkes-Barre and other cities if you know what to look for. It doesn’t have to be a difficult task; find out their experience, payment schedule and cost, caseload, communication openness, and a few other important qualities. Then, you can easily sift the list until you find what you need.
