A lawyer might be the last thing on your mind after being involved in an accident with a large 18 wheeler truck. You are probably busy enough dealing with doctors, hospitals and insurance companies. You will only have so much time after an accident to find a lawyer and file a claim against the trucking company, however.

Also, the trucking companies have scores of lawyers looking out for their best interests. The lawyers may act concerned about you, but they know the trucking companies are the ones paying their paychecks -- and they will act accordingly!

Many lawyers offer free consultations so there's no reason not to meet with more than one 18 wheeler accident lawyer. By meeting with more than one, you'll be able to get the best feel for who you want representing you in a court case.

Finding A Lawyer Who's Up Front On Costs

Some lawyers will require an upfront fee before they take your case. At your consultation, your 18 wheeler accident lawyer will let you know how their billing system works. They'll also be able to tell you what they will require as a final payment once your settlement comes in.

Find out if the lawyer will pay for necessary fees and tests or if you'll need to come up with the money ahead of time. Some of the fees to ask about will be for depositions, copies of medical or police records, court filings, investigators and expert witnesses.

Some states consider it unethical for a lawyer to pay for medical or living expenses. If you're unable to financially rely on family or friends during the period after your accident, your 18 wheeler accident lawyer may even be able to point you towards a bank that can provide a loan to cover expenses while your claim is in process. However, other lawyers may discourage the practice of obtaining loans as not in the best interest of the client due to the high interest rates these loan companies often charge.

Finding A Lawyer On Contingency

An 18 wheeler accident lawyer who works on contingency is someone who agrees to be paid only if your claim prevails or you win your lawsuit. These lawyers' fees may vary depending on geographical area or even the risk factor associated with your case. A lawyer may take a smaller percentage of the final settlement if the case is considered a minimal risk.

If your 18 wheeler accident lawyer offers to take your case on a contingency basis, they should be able to let you know what the percentage is up front. Also, it's a good idea to ask if any fees taken out will be before or after your lawyer takes his or her portion.

Some of the factors to consider in a settlement are medical expenses, loss of wages and any financial compensation for pain and suffering. A good 18 wheeler accident lawyer will be able to give you a ballpark figure so you have an idea of what kind of settlement to expect. Any figure should be taken as just an estimate -- not a guarantee.

After being involved in an accident with a semi truck, it may be tempting to try and simplify things by not hiring a lawyer, especially if you think you cannot afford one. However, it's a good idea to meet with a couple lawyers to attempt to find one with experience with your specific facts and who will work with you given your financial situation.