Individuals who have been involved in an accident involving a commercial truck are usually in pain and upset. They may not know how to hire a skilled truck accident attorney in Ohio to represent their interests. There are several factors involved in hiring the right attorney, particularly if the victim has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck.
Don’t Go It Alone
Given the size difference between a semi-truck and a personal vehicle, it’s not surprising that truck accidents involve a higher percentage of severe injuries and deaths than the average auto accident. Commercial truck drivers will have access to their company’s attorneys, so the other individuals involved in the crash should also have an attorney fighting on their behalf.
Experience Matters
Trucking accidents are different from other automobile accidents. Certainly, the person would want to hire an attorney that has experience handling automobile accidents and personal injury cases, but in this situation, they should seek out an attorney with specific experience with accidents and injuries involving commercial trucks. Proving liability and damages can be complicated, and an attorney without experience handling such cases may miss asking pertinent questions.
Paying for Representation
Most reputable truck accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. They only get paid when clients receive compensation, typically a percentage of around 30% depending on the particular attorney. Individuals who receive no compensation will not have to pay for their legal representation in contingency situations. However, some attorneys will expect the client to cover some fees and expenses even if they receive no compensation. Be sure to discuss the fee expectations at the beginning to avoid any confusion later.
When to Contact
A good general rule of thumb is to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident but after any necessary medical treatments. Do not delay life-saving medical care to consult with an attorney. Ohio, like most states, has a statute of limitations on injury cases, so an individual has just a limited period in which to file a claim or forfeit the opportunity. Plus, evidence fades, so hiring an attorney early in the process will help preserve evidence for the claim. Contact The Donahey Law Firm to consult with an attorney or for more information about hiring a truck accident attorney in Ohio.
