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January 29th, 2025
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Oregon, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Truck accident cases are far from straightforward, involving federal regulations, multiple parties, and aggressive insurance companies. The attorney you choose can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
So, how do you find the right truck accident lawyer? At Hess Injury Law, we believe it comes down to a few key factors: experience, results, resources, and client focus. In this post, we’ll break down what to look for and how to make this important decision.
Not all personal injury lawyers have the same experience. When researching potential attorneys, look for ones who have handled truck accident cases specifically.
These claims involve unique issues you want your lawyer to be familiar with, such as:
Ask potential lawyers about their experience with these matters. Have they handled cases like yours before? Do they understand the different causes of truck accidents, such as driver fatigue, improper loading, or mechanical failures? The more experience your attorney has with the specifics of truck accident claims, the better equipped they’ll be to build a strong case for you.
Experience is important, but results matter, too. Look for a truck accident lawyer with a proven track record of success. Ask about their past settlements and verdicts. While every case is unique, a history of positive outcomes can give you confidence in their abilities.
You can also check an attorney’s credentials and memberships in professional organizations. At Hess Injury Law, we’re proud to be members of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, an elite group of lawyers who represent truck accident victims nationwide. Our attorneys have also been recognized as Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
With over 60 years of combined experience, our team has the knowledge and skills to handle even the most challenging truck accident cases. When you choose Hess Injury Law, you can trust that you have dedicated advocates in your corner who have been recognized for their work in this field.
Truck accident cases often involve going up against large trucking companies and their insurers. These companies have deep pockets and will hire teams of defense lawyers to minimize their liability. Your attorney needs to have the resources to level the playing field.
This includes having relationships with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and investigators. It also means having the financial resources to take a case to trial if needed. Ask potential lawyers about their network and their willingness to advance costs for things like filing fees, expert witnesses, and depositions.
At Hess Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront costs and we only collect a fee if we win your case. This allows us to invest in the resources needed to build a strong claim without adding to your financial burdens.
Your relationship with your lawyer is important. You want someone who will be your advocate and advisor during a difficult time in your life. Look for an attorney who is a good communicator, who will keep you informed about your case and explain things in a way you can understand.
You also want a lawyer who is compassionate and understands what you’re going through. Truck accidents can cause devastating, life-changing injuries. Your attorney should be sensitive to your situation and committed to fighting for the resources you need to rebuild your life.
During your initial consultation, pay attention to how the lawyer makes you feel. Do they listen to you? Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you? Are they patient in answering your questions? Trust your instincts. The right lawyer will make you feel heard, supported, and confident in their abilities.
Finally, consider the lawyer’s reputation in the community. Are they known for being ethical and professional? Are they involved in local legal associations or community organizations?
At Hess Injury Law, we’re proud to have deep roots in Hermiston and Eastern Oregon. Many of our clients come to us as referrals from past clients or other attorneys who respect our work. We’re also active in the Oregon State Bar, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, and local community groups.
When you hire a respected and involved lawyer, you benefit from their network and standing in the legal community. Insurers and defense lawyers are more likely to take your case seriously and negotiate in good faith when they know you’re represented by a well-regarded firm.
Choosing the right truck accident lawyer is a personal decision. You want to find someone with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for the best possible outcome in your case. At Hess Injury Law, we check all those boxes and more.
If you’ve been hurt in an Oregon truck accident, don’t try to take on the trucking companies alone. Contact Hess Injury Law today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to you, explain your rights, and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.
Peter J. Hess grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. He is a 1996 graduate of Walla Walla High School and a 2000 graduate of the University of Washington, with a B.A. in Business Administration/Information Systems.
Peter graduated from Willamette University College of Law, with honors, in 2007. While at Willamette, he was an Associate Editor of the Willamette Law Review, he was a Teacher’s Assistant for a Legal Research and Writing professor, and he worked as a Personal Injury Law Clerk at Swanson, Lathen, Alexander & McCann in Salem, Oregon. After graduation from Willamette, Peter began working here at Hess Injury Law. In 2012, he became a partner in the firm. He is licensed to practice law in both Washington and Oregon.
