Truck accidents often result in serious injuries, substantial expenses, and long legal battles. If you’re thinking about hiring a truck accident lawyer in Houston, TX, it’s important to ask the right questions.
At Zehl & Associates, our undefeated team has recovered Billions for clients, including some of the largest truck accident verdicts and settlements in Texas history. We know how overwhelming it can feel to contact a lawyer after an 18-wheeler crash — let alone know what questions to ask.
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about where to start. That’s why we’ve outlined the top questions you should ask a truck accident lawyer — to ensure they have the experience, resources, and dedication to take on the largest trucking companies in the world and secure the record-setting compensation you deserve.
How Much Experience Do You Have With Truck Accident Cases?
Truck accident cases are different from standard car accident claims. They often involve multiple parties, federal regulations, and large insurance companies.
Here are some questions to ask and factors to consider regarding an attorney’s experience level:
- Ensure the lawyer has experience handling similar cases in the past
- Ask how many truck accident cases they’ve taken on
- Find out if they’ve gone to trial or settled most cases
- Look for specific results in past truck-related claims
Truck accident cases can get highly technical, so the attorney you hire should have relevant experience in and knowledge of these cases.
Who Can Be Held Liable in My Case?
More than one party may be responsible after a truck accident.
A good lawyer should be able to explain who might be liable, which can include:
- The truck driver: if they were speeding, distracted, or fatigued
- The trucking company: if they failed to maintain the vehicle or pushed the driver to break hours-of-service rules
- Other parties: could include cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or vehicle manufacturers
Understanding liability is crucial to ensuring you receive compensation from all the parties responsible for your accident.
What Damages Can I Recover?
You’ll want to know what types of compensation might be available. Truck accidents often result in high medical bills and other losses with long-term consequences.
Your economic and non-economic damages might compensate you for:
- Medical costs: current and future treatment
- Lost wages: including reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: for physical and emotional distress
- Property damage: to repair or replace your vehicle
Ask the attorney how they calculate damages and what evidence they need to support your claim.
How Do You Investigate a Truck Accident?
Truck accident investigations can be complex. The lawyer should explain how they collect evidence and build your case.
Evidence commonly used in truck accident cases includes:
- Gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Requesting black box data from the truck
- Reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and company policies
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals
You want a lawyer who takes a detailed, aggressive approach to investigation.
What Will You Handle for Me?
A strong legal team should do more than just file paperwork. Ask what the lawyer and their staff will do during the case.
Typically, lawyers can do the following to support your case:
- Communicate with insurance companies
- File claims and court documents
- Handle settlement negotiations
- Prepare for trial if needed
- Keep you updated and answer questions promptly
Knowing what they will handle helps you understand how involved you’ll need to be.
What Are Your Fees?
Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless they win.
Still, it’s important to get the details, like:
- What percentage will they take if you win?
- Will you be responsible for any costs if the case is unsuccessful?
- Are there upfront fees for expert witnesses, filings, or other expenses?
Be sure to obtain a clear written explanation of their payment structure before agreeing to anything.
Do You Have the Resources to Handle My Case?
Truck accident cases often require a lot of time and money. Ask whether the law firm has the staff, technology, and financial backing to fight major trucking companies and their insurers.
Firms that regularly handle complex personal injury claims are more likely to have these resources in place.
Contact Our Undefeated Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Zehl & Associates for a Free Consultation
Choosing the right lawyer can make the difference between a fair recovery and walking away with nothing. When speaking with a truck accident attorney in Houston, you should feel empowered to ask detailed questions about their experience, resources, approach to investigations, and overall track record. A great lawyer will respect your concerns, provide clear answers, and make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.
If you or a loved one were injured or tragically killed in a truck or 18-wheeler accident, call 888-603-3636 today to schedule a free consultation with our undefeated Houston truck accident lawyers.
For more insight into our work, visit our Results page to see record-breaking victories against the most powerful trucking companies in the world, or read what it’s like to work with us on our Client Testimonials page. It’s no wonder so many clients say, “Zehl treats you like family.”
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours