Accidents involving commercial trucks often result in severe and potentially life-changing injuries.
If you have been in a collision with a truck, you likely have a lot to process as you begin to understand the extent of your injuries and consider the path forward.
Your health and wellness should be the number one priority. You may also have medical bills starting to accrue and may be wondering about your legal rights to compensation.
Many personal injury victims leave valuable dollars on the table because they are afraid to ask the question, How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we are paid on contingency, meaning that if you do not recover damages, neither do we. Keep reading to learn more about truck accident lawyer fees and whether or not you need to hire a truck accident attorney to handle your claim.
New Mexico Truck Accident Statistics
According to a 2021 report by the New Mexico Department of Transportation, there were 2,941 truck accidents in New Mexico. This was equal to 7.2% of the total traffic accidents that year. Here is an additional breakdown of the injuries sustained in those accidents:
- 85 fatalities,
- 87 serious injuries,
- 345 minor injuries, and
- 545 possible injuries.
The number of fatalities for 2021 in New Mexico was the highest in over a decade.
The Institute for Safer Trucking reported 51 fatalities related to truck accidents in New Mexico in 2020. Of those accidents, 52% happened at night, and 43% were on non-interstate roads, though accidents can certainly happen anywhere and at any time.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Personal injury attorneys have the option of being compensated however they see fit for cases like truck accidents and countless others.
There are, of course, certain legal and ethical limits. Truck accident lawyer fees should always be discussed upfront. Being in an accident is enough of a surprise, and you do not need to have any surprise fees.
There is no way to determine exactly how many truck accident cases are filed each year, but the number is high. Pop culture has a way of stereotyping personal injury attorneys as money-hungry ambulance chasers with unreasonable fees.
Though there are unscrupulous individuals in any profession, most personal injury attorneys only get paid if you do.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
More than any other area of legal practice, personal injury attorneys work on contingency. Their pay is “contingent” on their ability to recover damages.
It is important that your attorney takes a careful look at the strengths and weaknesses of your case to ensure that you meet all the legal requirements to file a claim.
The truck accident lawyer fees for legal services provided by our team of experienced attorneys at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. will always be on contingency, and thus we always do our best to ensure each of our clients receives the maximum compensation for their injuries.
Some attorneys bill by the hour, which is less common for personal injury cases, but not unheard of. Others may choose to bill a flat or fixed rate. This fee structure is usually reserved for services like drafting wills, business agreements, or other legal documents.
What Percentage Does a Lawyer Get in a Truck Settlement Case?
When it comes to truck accident lawyer fees, it is important to agree on the percentage of your award that will be used to pay for the services of your legal team.
The average range for a contingency fee is between 30 and 40%, but it can vary depending on a number of factors. One of the biggest benefits of this fee structure is that if you do not recover compensation, you are not out any out-of-pocket costs to your attorney.
It is worth noting that other expenses—such as witness costs, court filing fees, and other incidentals—are usually the responsibility of the client regardless of the verdict. Your attorney should review these fees with you as they arise so there are no surprises.
When Are Truck Accident Lawyer Fees Paid?
Truck accident lawyer fees are not collected until payment from the settlement or jury verdict is issued. We want to make sure you receive your money before we receive ours, otherwise, our job is not complete, and we still have some work to do.
Do I Need a New Mexico Truck Accident Attorney?
New Mexico has a thriving transportation infrastructure, with approximately 4,360 commercial trucking companies, and 88.8% of communities in the state depend exclusively on trucking to move their goods.
One of the factors that make trucking accidents unique is that there is a potential for multiple parties to be held liable for the accident. Unlike standard passenger vehicle accidents where the driver is often at fault, other liable parties could include:
- The trucking company,
- The parts manufacturer,
- The mechanic responsible for truck maintenance,
- The truck leasing company,
- The third-party cargo loader, or
- The government municipality responsible for maintaining the roadways.
All of these parties have the potential to be large and have robust legal representation. You do not want to take them on alone. A truck accident attorney can help you determine the cause of your accident, who should be held liable, and the best legal strategy for your unique situation.
Contact Our New Mexico Truck Accident Attorneys Today
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we know that truck accident injuries often result in tremendous consequences for the victim. While you focus on healing, we are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
With decades of combined trial experience and negotiating skills, our truck accident attorneys always fight aggressively for the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of our clients.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, please call us today at 855-931-1345.
You might also be interested in:
- What Does A Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
- How To Find The Best Truck Wreck Lawyer Near Me
- What Happens When A Truck Driver Has An Accident?
- What To Do After A Truck Accident
- The Truck Accident Lawsuit Process
Alejandro Acosta
Mr. Acosta is a lifelong resident of El Paso. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 2000 and graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 2004. Mr. Acosta went on to attend Sandra Day O’ Connor College of Law (Arizona State Law School). He graduated in 2008, receiving his J.D. and his Indian Legal Certificate for his work in Indian Law and dealings with various tribal nations throughout Arizona. Alejandro has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2008 and has been licensed in the State of New Mexico since 2011.
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