Pittsburgh has long been a congested city, where trucks are moving from the port to logistics centers on a constant basis. As more industry grows in the heart of the city and demands from e-commerce grow, all area drivers can expect to share the road with trucks. When you are hurt in an accident with one, knowing what to do and how to protect yourself from the aggressive actions of insurance companies is essential.
At Kwartler Manus, LLC, our Pittsburgh truck accident lawyer can help you reduce losses and improve financial outcomes. Here’s how to find the best truck accident lawyer near Pittsburgh for your situation.
Choose a Local Truck Accident Lawyer
There is nothing quite like trying to merge with other drivers on I-376 when a truck is trying to get over at the last minute. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, especially the portion that runs through the Pittsburgh area, seems to always be under construction, leading to truck drivers having to navigate tricky situations without much warning. No matter where you are faced with an accident, knowing your lawyer is local to the area matters.
- A local attorney understands the complexity of Pittsburgh’s roads and can help you demonstrate the sheer risk and recklessness of the driver.
- Local attorneys have a proven track record within the local courts, and that often means they know and are known by the judges there.
- Your local attorney is the best choice when you are facing truck accidents that happen in the numerous commercial sectors of the city, when city traffic laws may also apply.
Having an attorney who is close to home also makes it easier for you to get in touch with them when you need to.
Truck Specific Skill and Focus
The next factor to consider is whether your lawyer has a working level of knowledge of truck regulations and laws. While many car accident attorneys can offer some type of support for these accidents, choosing a lawyer with extensive truck-specific experience, including courtroom experience, can prove to be critical.
Truck regulations on the federal level are set and managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These laws are complex and challenging, and quite often, the reason why truck accidents happen in Pittsburgh. They involve a number of critical areas, including:
- Hours of Service laws, which limit how often a truck driver can work continuously, with a focus on combating fatigue
- Maintenance and upkeep of trucks, including the establishment of maintenance logs and requirements to follow specific maintenance tasks and inspections prior to each run
- Licensing requirements for drivers, including the requirements for employers of truck drivers to ensure ongoing adherence to those certifications
As a victim, these laws can seem cumbersome. You were hurt and deserve fair compensation. Yet, violations of these laws are very often the reason why we can hold truck companies and drivers accountable for the severe financial losses they cause. The best attorney for a truck accident in Pittsburgh has helped victims recover damages using these strategies.
Success and Proven Results
In every situation involving a serious injury, the financial recovery of a victim depends on how effectively an attorney can build a case and hold the at-fault parties accountable. To find the best attorney for this, you absolutely must have a solid understanding of the lawyer’s ability to do this by looking at past results. There are several areas to focus on here:
- Previous truck-specific cases: What type of strategies did the truck accident lawyer use to win their case and recover damages for the victim?
- Settling or going to court: Many truck accidents are settled outside of court, meaning the victim can recover fair compensation more quickly and often at a lower cost. However, when reviewing attorneys, choose one with trial experience. Truck accidents with serious losses are more likely to go to court, increasing the need for a highly skilled attorney.
- Compensation awards: It is not a good idea to base your selection of an attorney on how much the lawyer has recovered. Every case is vastly different. However, an attorney with significant damage recovery likely has more experience with serious and complex cases.
The more information you have about the attorney’s ability to win cases, the better. Some of this information can be obtained from their website. Other times, it is best to use a free consultation to gain more insight.
Testimonials and Reviews
Another important step in choosing the right attorney for your truck accident is to choose a professional with a solid reputation. There are numerous ways to gain insight about an attorney’s working methods, communication styles, and overall compassion for victims.
- Review Google Reviews for the attorney. This is the most direct way to see what clients believe.
- Review details from the local bar association. Be sure there are no disputes or complaints against the lawyer that are unresolved.
- Read testimonials for the attorney on their website.
This insight provides you with clarity on how well an attorney will work for you and represent you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Legal Team
We aim to be reliable, trustworthy, and dedicated to our clients. As you seek the best truck accident lawyer in Pittsburgh for your accident, make a call to Kwartler Manus, LLC, and let us begin to work on your case. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.