Contingency Fee Contracts in Truck Accident Cases

When it comes to seeking justice in 18-wheeler or commercial truck accidents, the financial strain of legal proceedings often deters victims from pursuing the compensation they deserve. That’s where contingency fee contracts come in. Unlike traditional legal arrangements, a contingency fee contract allows victims to access experienced legal representation without any upfront costs, ensuring that justice is not out of reach for those who cannot afford to pay hourly legal fees.

At Law.net, Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1988, David P. Willis, who has been certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1988, specializes in representing victims of trucking accidents on a contingency fee basis. With over 40 years of experience, Willis a Texas and New York licensed attorney, has a proven track record of helping injured victims recover compensation from powerful trucking companies, tire and vehicle manufacturers, refineries, other defendants and their insurers.

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What Is a Contingency Fee Contract? No Fees or Expenses Unless You Win

A contingency fee contract is a legal agreement in which the attorney’s fees are contingent upon the outcome of the case. This means the client does not pay any attorney’s fees unless the attorney successfully recovers compensation on their behalf. The fee is typically a percentage of the total settlement or verdict. Additionally. In the typical contingency fee contract, the client also does not have to repay the lawyers for any expenses that they have incurred, unless a settlement has been reached in the matter.

This arrangement is especially important for victims of types of truck accidents, where the stakes are high, and the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and other damages can be overwhelming. Contingency fee contracts make it possible for victims to hire experienced truck accident attorneys without worrying about the hourly cost or for the expenses that are needed to establish and prove the case, order and secure the medical records, hire the needed experts, depose the witnesses, pay for any testing, needed depositions, mediation and any costs along the way through trial or appeal.

Why Are Contingency Fee Contracts Important in Truck Accident Cases?

Truck accident cases are often complex and require significant resources to investigate and litigate. In truck accident lawsuits, the victims are up against well-funded trucking companies and their insurers, who hire teams of defense attorneys to minimize their liability. Contingency fee contracts level the playing field by giving victims access to high-quality legal representation without requiring them to pay upfront fees or costs.

In cases involving drunk or impaired driving accidents, truck rollovers, tire defects or catastrophic injuries, the costs of hiring expert witnesses, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical professionals can add up quickly. A contingency fee arrangement ensures that the attorney assumes these costs, freeing the victim from financial stress while the case is underway.

How Do Contingency Fee Contracts Differ from Defense Counsel Arrangements?

While victims often rely on contingency fee contracts, trucking companies and their insurers hire defense attorneys on an hourly or retainer basis. These defense lawyers are paid regardless of the case outcome and have access to significant financial resources to build their case. The hourly rates for corporate lawyers and insurance defense attorneys can range from $350+ an hour for an associate to $1500+ an hour for a lead partner, along with associated secretarial and paralegal and law clerk hourly fees as well.

The defense team’s strategy often involves delaying proceedings, challenging evidence, and employing aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. This underscores the importance of having an attorney who is not only experienced but also financially equipped to go head-to-head with these powerful entities. Contingency fee contracts ensure that the victim’s attorney is just as invested in the case’s outcome as the client.

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The Role of Contingency Fee Lawyers in Truck Accident Cases

For over 40+ years, contingency fee injury lawyers like David P. Willis have played a critical role in helping victims without a “pile of cash” to navigate the complexities of filing a lawsuit. From the moment a truck accident injury client contacts Law.net, the legal team begins building a strong case by:

1. Investigating the Accident

This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and securing critical data like driver logs and black box recordings.

2. Identifying Liable Parties:

In addition to the truck driver, liability may extend to the trucking company, maintenance contractors, and even manufacturers.

3. Filing the Lawsuit

The legal team drafts and files the complaint, outlining the damages sought and the negligence of the defendants.

4. Taking Needed Depositions

Deposing accident scene witness, EMS, treating doctors, experts, engineers, black box data experts, life care consultants and economists.

5. Negotiating Settlements

Many cases settle before trial, but a seasoned lawyer is prepared to go to court if necessary.

For more information on the legal process, visit our steps at filing a truck accident injury lawsuit page.

Challenges in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident cases often involve multiple defendants and overlapping insurance policies. Determining liability can be particularly complex in cases involving wrongful death truck accident lawsuits or severe injuries. Defense attorneys may attempt to shift blame to avoid paying full compensation.

In cases involving speeding truck accidents, for example, the defense may argue that the victim was partially at fault. Similarly, in accidents caused by mechanical failures, they may claim that the issue was unforeseeable. An experienced attorney will anticipate these defenses and counter them with solid evidence and expert testimony.

Common Questions About Typical Contingency Fee Contracts

1. How Much Is the Attorney’s Fee?

The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict, often ranging from 33% to 40%.

2. What Happens if the Case Is Lost?

The client pays nothing. The attorney assumes all financial risks, including the costs of hiring experts and gathering evidence.

3. Are Contingency Fees Ethical?

Yes, contingency fees are widely accepted and regulated by state bar associations as the state bar associations understand that without a contingency fee contract, most injured victims would have no recourse for their injuries or losses after an accident.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Truck accident cases are subject to strict filing deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. Waiting too long to file a claim can result in the loss of your right to compensation. Additionally, evidence like driver logs, surveillance footage, and vehicle inspections can disappear if not promptly preserved.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact a truck accident attorney to find out more about your legal rights. Also it is important to ask about the contingency fee contract or agreement that will be used in your case. Every law firm has a similar variation of this arrangement but always ask questions. Make sure to have your lawyer explain the different terms of the contract so you understand it from the start of the attorney-client association.

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident cases demand a high level of expertise and resources. David P. Willis, a former attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas, brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of commercial truck accidents to each case. As a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Willis has the credentials and dedication needed to secure justice for his clients. From cases involving drunk or impaired driving accidents to those caused by employer negligence, Willis has successfully fought for victims’ rights, recovering millions in settlements and verdicts. With a contingency fee contract, clients can focus on healing while Willis and his team handle the legal battle.

Contact Law.net Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact Law.net today. With over 40 years of experience, David P. Willis and his team of co-counsel, local counsel and associated attorneys he employs are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call 1-888-LAW-2040 for a free consultation or visit our website to learn more about how we can help. Let us fight for you on a contingency fee contract—you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Call us at 1-888-LAW-2040 or fill out our online form.