Frequently Asked Questions About
Truck Accidents And Lawsuits

Question: How do I select the California truck accident lawyer that’s right for me?
Answer: There are a number of resources available when looking for a truck accident lawyer. Support groups, medical professionals, community resources and referrals can all help you find an experienced attorney. The main thing to look for when selecting a truck accident lawyer is to evaluate the lawyer’s track record in other similar cases.

Question: What will happen if I choose the wrong truck accident lawyer?
Answer: The consequences of choosing an inexperienced or unqualified truck accident lawyer can be dire. Lawyers handle many cases. You may only have one case and one chance to have it handled properly. You need a responsive lawyer who returns phone calls and doesn’t allow your case to sit for years.

Question: Why should I select a law firm experienced in catastrophic injuries?
Answer: Handling major truck accident cases involves much more responsiveness and understanding of truck accidents in general. In order to handle your case properly, your lawyer is going to need to understand what you need to get back to your life and your medical care requirements in the future. A major injury creates many different needs for your recovery process.

Question: Why does it matter if the attorney I choose has experience with truck accidents in particular?
Answer: Like anything else in life, there is a learning curve. Additionally, there are organization issues geared to truck accidents. The more experience your attorney has, the better chance you have for a good result.

Question: Does the jury tend to side with the truck driver or the driver of the passenger vehicle?
Answer: Who the jury sides with depends more on the facts than anything else. The facts need to be presented well, so that the jury has the best chance of fully understanding your side of the case.

Question: What if I can’t afford legal assistance?
Answer: Almost always, personal injury attorneys will work on a contingency basis. This means that the attorney will not charge you an up front fee, but will charge you a percentage of the amount you recover when you recover your settlement or verdict.

Question: What happens if I don’t have enough medical coverage?
Answer: Michael Padway & Associates will work to maximize your medical coverage. Most people don’t realize that even if you have medical coverage, many companies are entitled to be reimbursed from your settlement. They’ll work with your insurance company and are often able to reduce the amount of the repayment.

Question: How can you prove negligence?
Answer: The ability to prove negligence requires skill and experience. Juries are often skeptical, and careful work is required to make a convincing case. Large trucks have requirements, such as keeping logs that can be helpful in proving a driver fell asleep. Maintenance records may show that a truck was not properly taken care of.

Question: What compensation am I entitled to?
Answer: Damages can include payment of your medical bills (including past, present and future), compensation for loss of income and the ability to earn an income in the future, vocational rehabilitation, and compensation for pain and suffering. In addition, the spouse of a survivor may be entitled to compensation when an injury is so serious that it interferes with the spouse’s relations.

Question: What are compensatory damages?
Answer: “Compensatory damages” is the term that describes the amounts recovered to compensate you for your actual losses and/or damages. Compensatory damages must be “reasonable” according to the courts.

Question: What are punitive damages?
Answer: Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and make an example of the defendant. Punitive damages are not always paid and appellate courts often cut the amount of punitive damages down or even throw them out. The risk of punitive damages could be incentive for the defense to agree upon a higher settlement amount. The reason that punitive damage awards are frequently reported in the press is that such awards are unusual.

Question: Should I sue?
Answer: Whether or not you should sue is a personal decision that is entirely up to you. It is important to understand that the greater your injury is, the more reason the defense has to fight your claim. Even if you think you are partially at fault for the accident, you should consider contacting an attorney since recovery is still possible.

Let us help you find the right lawyer.
Call us today for your free consultation.

800.928.1511
415.777.1511

If you have any specific questions about Truck Accident Lawsuits, call us toll-free at 1-800-928-1511 or click here to contact Michael Padway & Associates.

Michael Padway & Associates
595 Market Street, Ste 2520
San Francisco, CA 94105
800-928-1511
415-777-1511