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If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in your recovery. Not every personal injury attorney has the experience or resources to handle the unique challenges of truck accident cases. Knowing the right questions to ask during your consultation can help you find a lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
1. What Can a Truck Accident Attorney Do for Me?
Truck accidents aren’t the same as other motor vehicle crashes. They involve larger vehicles, more severe injuries, and more complex rules. When you meet with a lawyer, ask them to explain what they can do for you.
An experienced truck accident attorney should:
- Understand the federal and state regulations that apply to commercial trucks, including driver fatigue rules, cargo limits, and maintenance standards.
- Have a track record of resolving truck accident claims and be willing to discuss past cases they’ve handled.
- Know how to deal with multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and their insurance providers.
- Offer compassionate guidance, recognizing the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take.
If your lawyer can’t clearly explain how they’ve helped other truck accident victims — and how they’ll help you — it may be time to keep looking.
2. What Strategy Will You Take for My Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Every truck accident is different. The right lawyer will want to hear the full details of your crash before recommending a course of action.
When discussing strategy, ask if your lawyer will handle the case personally or assign it to another attorney in their firm. If another lawyer will be involved, ask about their background with truck accident cases.
A solid legal strategy should cover:
- Gathering and preserving evidence quickly
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Anticipating defense tactics used by trucking companies
- Adjusting the approach as new evidence comes to light
By the end of the discussion, you should feel confident in their plan and their ability to execute it.
3. How Do You Determine Liability in My Truck Accident Case?
Determining who’s at fault in a truck accident is rarely simple. Your lawyer should be able to explain how they identify liable parties and hold them accountable.
Possible responsible parties include:
- The truck driver, if they were speeding, distracted, or fatigued
The trucking company, if it failed to train drivers, enforced unsafe schedules, or neglected maintenance - The manufacturer, if defective parts caused or contributed to the crash
Ask how your lawyer investigates these factors and how they’ll counter the defense strategies trucking companies often use.
4. How Do You Calculate Settlements in Truck Accident Cases?
Fair compensation depends on a thorough evaluation of your losses. An experienced lawyer should consider:
- Current and future medical costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Costs related to permanent disability or long-term care
Truck accident claims can be worth far more than typical car accident claims because the injuries are often severe. Your lawyer should have the skill to negotiate with large trucking company insurers and the willingness to take your case to trial if necessary.
5. What Damages Can I Claim in My Truck Crash Claim?
Once your lawyer knows the details of your case, they should outline all possible damages you can recover. These may include:
Economic damages:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Property damage
Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
A skilled attorney won’t just accept a quick settlement for basic damages — they’ll work to maximize your recovery based on the full impact the accident has had on your life.
Why Choose Nagel Rice
At Nagel Rice, we have built a reputation as one of New Jersey’s leading trial law firms, securing over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling high-stakes cases, including complex truck accident claims that require deep knowledge of federal trucking regulations and industry practices.
We are known for taking on powerful trucking companies and insurance carriers — and winning. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help.