In most cases, a truck accident lawyer does not cost anything upfront, as many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Understanding what costs to expect can help you feel more confident moving forward with your case.
If you’ve been hurt, a Long Island truck accident lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost in New York?
Truck accident lawyers often work on a contingency fee basis. Working on contingency means that the client does not pay anything up front. Instead, the costs are “fronted” by the lawyer. If they recover compensation for the client, then their fees are typically taken as a percentage of the overall settlement.
If no compensation is recovered, then the client usually pays nothing to the lawyer. A Long Island personal injury lawyer will explain their fees upfront, so that you will know exactly what percentage will be taken from your ultimate recovered compensation.
How Can Having an Attorney Help Your Truck Accident Case?
If you’re wondering how much a truck accident lawyer costs, you may also be wondering why you might choose to hire one. Your truck accident lawyer serves as your advocate throughout the legal process.
They will:
- Investigate the accident to determine liability and gather evidence that strengthens your claim
- Consult with experts, such as medical professionals, to show the full scope of your losses
- Handle all communication with the other parties involved, including insurance adjusters
- File all necessary paperwork, ensuring it is accurate and filed in a timely manner
- Negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf
- Advise you on any settlement offers you receive, so you know if you’re getting a lowball offer
- Handle the appeals process if your claim is denied
- Represent your case in court when necessary
- Answer your questions and keep you updated throughout your case’s progress
What Compensation Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help You Recover?
Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries. You or a loved one may be dealing with broken bones, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, burns, or internal organ damage. These injuries can all have far-reaching effects on your life.
Recovering fair compensation starts with understanding the full scope of your losses, both immediately and in the future. Your lawyer may consult with medical and financial experts to get a clear picture of what your long-term expected needs are.
You may be able to recover compensation that covers losses like:
Immediate and Long-Term Medical Needs
These can include:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Appointments with doctors
- Prescription medications
- Physical or rehabilitative therapy
- In-home medical care or long-term care in a facility
Job-Related Losses
These can include:
- Lost income, if you miss work while in recovery
- Loss of job benefits, such as PTO and sick time
- Diminished earning capacity, if you are unable to return to the same level of work
Other Expenses
These can include:
- Property damage, such as the repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Transportation costs for traveling to and from medical appointments
- Home or vehicle modifications needed for addressing a new disability
- Mobility devices, such as a wheelchair
- In-home services, if you need to hire someone to help with housekeeping or childcare
Non-Economic Losses
These can include losses that don’t have a direct financial cost, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, a Long Island wrongful death lawyer can hold negligent parties financially accountable for your loss.
Recoverable wrongful death damages can include:
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of parental guidance, care, and nurture for minor children
- End-of-life medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Burial costs
- The decedent’s pain and suffering
Your truck accident attorney will seek the maximum compensation available for your case.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
How Does a Lawyer Help You Build a Strong Claim?
Truck accidents can be complicated because there may be multiple at-fault parties. Your lawyer investigates to determine all liable parties.
These can include:
- The truck driver: If the driver was driving under the influence, speeding, distracted, or otherwise acting negligently, then they may be at fault.
- The trucking company: If they had negligent hiring or training practices, failed to safely maintain their vehicle fleet, overloaded cargo, or pressured drivers to violate federal hours-of-service regulations, then they may be at fault.
- Mechanic or maintenance staff: If maintenance was performed improperly and it contributed to the accident, then they may be at fault.
- Government entities: If poor road conditions contributed to the accident, then a local government could also be at fault.
Building a Case
To build a strong injury claim, your lawyer can:
- Interview witnesses
- Gather evidence, such as blood alcohol test results, driver’s logs, box data, traffic camera footage, and police reports
- Consult with experts, such as those in trucking safety regulations or accident reconstruction
Contact a Long Island Truck Accident Lawyer Today
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost? At Levine And Wiss, our legal team works on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs to you.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck accident, the legal team at Levine And Wiss can help. We are available 24/7, and our dedicated attorneys will handle your case from beginning to end. Contact us today to get started with a free initial consultation.