Maison Law helps people that are injured in big rig accidents across California. When you’re in one of these accidents, you likely have a lot of questions, many of which revolve around how you could pay for a lawyer. Our team has the experience and resources to answer your questions and help you through the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge After a Big Rig Accident in California?
No two big rig accidents are the same in California, despite many sharing the same causes and–more importantly–level of injuries and damage. Yet, when it comes to your legal options, most personal injury lawyers are going to work on a “contingency” basis. This means that they’ll charge you nothing upfront, but rather take their fees from whatever result you get from a settlement or verdict.
At Maison Law, we work on a contingency-fee basis for our big rig accident cases. We generally go over the details in your free initial consultation with us, so there’s no surprises in terms of what you’re agreeing to.
At the same time, though, It’s natural to be concerned about how to handle medical bills and legal fees after such a serious accident. There’s actually no legal requirement or limit to a contingency-fee agreement under California law, but our firm usually charges:
- Between 33% and 40%.
We feel that this benefits everyone, since you don’t have to worry about paying our fees up front and as your case progresses, and we’re incentivized to get the most we can out of your claim so that everyone is happy.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Big Rig Accident Claim?
It’s not just about getting a lawyer and having a favorable agreement after a big rig accident, you yourself have to take certain steps to protect your claim:
- Call 911 – If you’re able, call 911 for an ambulance. Getting medical help is the first thing you should do after any accident, but especially after a big rig accident. EMTs can provide this for you and will take you to a hospital if you’re more seriously injured.
- Report the accident – Have the 911 dispatcher also send the local police. This could be the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local police or sheriff’s departments. They’ll manage the scene and collect important information you’ll need for insurance purposes.
- Document the accident scene – Take photos and jot down notes, including the date, time, weather, and details about the big rig. Make sure to exchange contact and insurance info with the driver and anyone else involved, like witnesses.
- Keep any evidence – Save all important documents, such as medical records and repair estimates. You’ll need these when working with insurance companies or going through the legal process.
- Be careful with statements – When talking to the police or insurance representatives, be careful about what you say. Stick to the facts of what happened and provide honest information. Insurance companies might use anything you say against you to lower their payout.
Since big rig accidents can cause serious injuries or even death, you might not be able to do everything listed here. However, it’s really important to show the full extent of your damages to help build a strong claim.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Big Rig Accident?
It’s not really all that surprising that a big rig accident is going to cause you such significant damage. These huge vehicles are designed to carry heavy, dangerous cargo, and further, drivers are pushed to make tight timelines with deliveries. All of this adds up to serious injuries and other losses in an accident, but the real question revolves around what’s available to you in a claim.
Whether you decide to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, you can recover certain “damages” from whoever’s legally responsible for the accident. Usually, this is going to be the truck driver and the company they work for, but it could also involve other drivers or even the local government under certain circumstances. Still, here’s a look at some of the damages you can get in a settlement or verdict:
- Medical expenses from the accident
- Lost wages due to the accident
- Future income loss if you have a permanent injury
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Wrongful death costs, like funeral or burial expenses
While the process may vary, one important thing to remember is the statute of limitations. In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your chance to recover these damages.
How Can Maison Law Help You After a Big Rig Accident?
A truck accident is treated like any other vehicle accident in legal terms, but they are often much more serious in reality. If your accident is minor, you might not need a lawyer. However, serious truck accidents are common, so it’s a good idea to consider hiring one if your injuries are significant or if you have questions. Here’s how our truck accident lawyers can help:
- Explaining what your options and rights are
- Gathering evidence and medical records
- Looking into the accident to see who’s responsible
- Negotiating with insurance companies and other lawyers for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court if necessary
Even though every big rig accident is different, we’ll customize our approach to fit your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been in a big rig accident in California.
