Being in a traffic crash or any other accident caused by someone else’s negligence can be frustrating, overwhelming, and confusing. In most cases, you need to seek medical attention and compensation for the damages from the accident. It is suggested that you reach out to a lawyer when pursuing an accident claim for compensation.
While there are several truck accident lawyers in San Francisco, you might wonder which one is a good fit for your needs. Generally, an excellent personal injury lawyer is trustworthy, competent, professional, and experienced.
Qualities You Should Look for When Choosing a Truck Accident Lawyer in San Francisco
Hiring a lawyer means entrusting your fate to them. You must check your legal expert’s work ethic and credibility. Here are the qualities you should look for when hiring the best truck accident lawyer in San Francisco:
Trustworthy
Your lawyer should be transparent with every transaction of the truck accident claim. They should not overpromise any client, especially when dealing with compensation value. Before officially hiring, your lawyer should present a written contract with all necessary information regarding the accident claim.
A written agreement should have the following details:
- Area of services
- Fee arrangement
- Breakdown of fees
- Nature of client-attorney relationship
- Other expenses
As you progress with your case, your attorney should always provide you with updated information regarding the progress of your case. They should also make sure that you are aware of any expenses during the trial. And if there are changes with the restitution, your lawyer should disclose this to you.
Competent and Experienced
A competent lawyer should have a proven track record in personal injury cases. They should also have expertise and experience in such claims to communicate with clients effectively and negotiate the total value of your claim.
As you determine their record, you may also gauge their success rate or the possibility of winning your case. Aside from this, they should also be analytical and critical, especially when exhausting all possible damages from the accident. In this way, they can negotiate a maximum settlement.
Damages from a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence include:
- Special damages are specific, measurable, and documented costs such as medical bills and lost wages.
- General damages may be challenging to calculate. This includes psychological or emotional damages from the accident. Victims with a permanent disability may also pursue general damages since they can no longer work the same way they used to before the incident.
- Punitive damages are usually addressed in cases of wrongdoing, such as lawbreaking or deliberate injuries.
Professional
Your attorney from an established firm should be able to give you the necessary recommendations as you pursue an accident claim. In addition, they should have good impressions as personal injury lawyers from their past clients. This will let you know how efficient and professional they are as legal experts.
To research their track record, you may:
- Track their license through the State Bar Association
- Ask others about your lawyer.
- Visit the legal advisor’s website to see the lawyer’s information, area of expertise, former clients’ comments, and others.
- Talk to your attorney.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in San Francisco?
Typically, personal injury lawyers, such as those specializing in truck accidents, charge you on a contingency basis. This means you will only pay the attorney after negotiating a final compensation value with the opposing party.
A standard contingency fee is about 33% of your final settlement. However, the law firm may follow a different rate, usually running from 25% to 40%, depending on the complexity of your case.
While a contingency fee is a standard for most personal injury law firms, you will likely come across attorneys who charge different fees.
How Can I Win a San Francisco Truck Accident?
Being involved in truck accidents in San Francisco and pursuing an accident claim may require extensive legwork. You will be less likely to win a case when you work alone, without legal advice or guidance from an expert. You must contact a truck accident lawyer in San Francisco when negotiating a settlement.
A truck accident lawyer can help you:
- Calculate all the total damages from the incident
- Communicate with truck insurance companies
- Meet all necessary deadlines
- Prove your case
- Negotiate the maximum value of your settlement
We cannot promise you that you will always win your case. However, there is a greater chance that you will get the total value of your claim with the help of a truck accident lawyer than working on your own.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Truck Accident?
When you are involved in a truck accident in San Francisco, follow the tips below to ensure safety and proper response after the incident:
Pedestrian, cyclist, or car driver victim
- Check if you need medical attention
- Call 911 immediately
- If you can, document all possible evidence, such as witness testimony or truck driver’s information
- Take photos of the truck accident scene as a supplementary evidence
- Make an initial report
- Wait for San Francisco Police Officers to respond and investigate the scene
- Do not take any initial settlement from the insurance company
- Reach out to a lawyer
Truck Driver
- Check if you or any victim needs medical assistance
- Call 911 immediately
- Document possible evidence
- Cooperate with the San Francisco Police Officers with the initial accident report
- Inform your truck company owner or insurance regarding the accident
Suppose you encounter challenges in a truck accident, such as limited evidence or difficulty proving the liable party. In that case, you may reach out to San Francisco Truck Accident Lawyers to help resolve your claim.
Jacoby and Meyers are a group of experienced personal injury lawyers with expertise in truck accident claims. They can help you calculate all the damages and negotiate your settlement with the truck insurance company. We will fight for your rights. Give us a call today at 888-960-0480 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you.