The days and weeks following a severe truck accident are defined by uncertainty. You are likely dealing with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the sudden inability to return to work. amidst this chaos, the last thing you need is to wonder if your lawyer is actually working on your case.
At McKay Law, we understand that information is a lifeline. When you are kept in the dark, stress levels rise, and the journey toward recovery feels infinitely harder. We believe that transparency isn’t just a courtesy; it is a fundamental part of effective legal representation.
One of the most common questions we hear during our initial free consultations is, “How often will I receive updates?” The answer is simple: You will hear from us as often as your case demands, and you will never be left guessing about where you stand. However, the frequency of these updates changes depending on the specific stage of your legal journey.
This guide outlines exactly what you can expect from our team, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
The Rhythm of a Truck Accident Case
Legal cases, particularly complex ones involving 18-wheelers and commercial trucking companies, have a unique rhythm. There are periods of intense, rapid-fire communication, followed by phases of necessary quiet while evidence is gathered and medical treatment progresses.
Understanding this rhythm can help alleviate the anxiety that often comes with the “waiting game.” Here is a breakdown of the communication cadence you can expect during the different phases of your case.
Phase 1: Immediate Intake and Investigation
Communication Frequency: High (Daily to Weekly)
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, our communication will be frequent and urgent. This is the critical window where evidence must be preserved before it disappears.
During this phase, McKay Law’s Rapid Response Investigation Team is mobilized. We are acting aggressively to secure the truck’s “black box” (Electronic Control Module) data, obtain driver logs, and photograph the scene. You can expect to hear from us frequently as we:
- Gather the details of the crash while your memory is fresh.
- Collect insurance policy information.
- Explain your immediate rights and advise you on handling insurance adjusters.
- Help you coordinate initial medical care if you haven’t already.
We are establishing the foundation of your claim, so we need to stay in close contact to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Phase 2: Medical Treatment and Recovery
Communication Frequency: Periodic (Bi-Weekly to Monthly)
This is often the longest phase of a personal injury case, and it can sometimes feel the quietest. This is not because we have stopped working; it is because your primary job right now is to heal.
We cannot accurately calculate the value of your compensation until we know the full extent of your injuries and the long-term impact they will have on your life. This creates a necessary waiting period while you attend doctor appointments, undergo surgeries, or complete physical therapy.
During this time, our updates will focus on:
- Checking in on your recovery progress.
- Ensuring you are seeing the right specialists.
- Collecting ongoing medical records and billing statements.
While you focus on getting better, we are working in the background to build the medical evidence required to prove your damages. If you go a few weeks without a major update, rest assured it is because we are waiting for your treatment to conclude so we can demand the maximum compensation you deserve.
Phase 3: The Demand and Negotiation Process
Communication Frequency: Moderate to High
Once your doctors have determined you have reached “Maximum Medical Improvement” (MMI), the pace picks up again. We will draft a comprehensive demand letter to the trucking company’s insurance provider.
You will hear from us to review this demand package before it is sent. We want to ensure every aspect of your suffering—physical, emotional, and financial—is accurately captured.
Once negotiations begin, communication becomes very active. We are dedicated to keeping you in the loop regarding:
- Initial settlement offers from the insurance company (and our advice on whether to accept or reject them).
- Counter-offers we make on your behalf.
- Any tactics the defense uses to undervalue your claim.
We will never accept a settlement offer without your explicit permission. You are the decision-maker; we are your fierce advocates.
Phase 4: Litigation (If Necessary)
Communication Frequency: High and Structured
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit. Litigation involves strict court deadlines and mandatory procedures. During this phase, communication is constant and structured. We will be in touch regularly to prepare you for:
- Discovery: Answering written questions about the accident.
- Depositions: Preparing you to give sworn testimony.
- Mediation: Final attempts to settle before trial.
- Trial Prep: If we go to court, we will be in contact daily.
What We Are Doing When You Don’t Hear From Us
It is natural to worry when the phone isn’t ringing. You might ask, “Have they forgotten about me?” or “Is my case falling apart?”
We want to be transparent about what happens during those quieter periods. When we aren’t on the phone with you, our team is likely:
- Analyzing Technical Data: We are poring over driver logs and maintenance records to find proof of negligence.
- Consulting Experts: We work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to validate your claim.
- Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: We handle the aggressive calls and paperwork from insurance companies so you don’t have to.
- Drafting Legal Documents: Our team prepares the intricate legal filings required to protect your rights in Texas courts.
Silence does not mean inaction. It usually means we are deep in the trenches, fighting to build the strongest possible case for you.
Our Promise of Accessibility
At McKay Law, we pride ourselves on being accessible. We know that accidents don’t strictly happen between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and your anxiety doesn’t clock out at the end of the business day.
Multiple Ways to Stay Connected
We adapt to the communication style that works best for you. Whether you prefer a phone call, a text message update, or a detailed email, we are ready to accommodate your needs.
Rapid Response Policy
If you reach out to us with a question or concern, you shouldn’t have to wait days for an answer. Our policy is to return client calls and emails promptly. You are not just a case number to us; you are a neighbor in our community who has been through a traumatic event, and you deserve responsive support.
Your Role in the Communication Loop
While we handle the heavy lifting, effective communication is a two-way street. To help us serve you better and avoid unnecessary delays, we ask that you keep us updated on significant changes in your life, such as:
- New Medical Symptoms: If you develop new pain or a doctor recommends a new surgery, let us know immediately.
- Contact Information Changes: If you move or change your phone number, tell us right away so we don’t lose touch.
- Return to Work: If your doctor clears you to return to work, or if you lose your job due to your injuries, this directly impacts your compensation claim.
You Are Never Alone in This Fight
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident is overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Lindsey McKay and the team at McKay Law are dedicated to lifting the legal burden off your shoulders.
We aim to provide you with more than just legal representation; we provide peace of mind. You can trust that whether we are in a phase of daily contact or a period of strategic investigation, our goal remains the same: securing the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.
If you ever feel unsure about the status of your case, pick up the phone. We are here to answer your questions, calm your fears, and fight for your future.
