Accidents are much different from regular automobile accidents since there are federal and state regulations governing the highways and the truck industry. While a truck accident may call for litigation in virtually any jurisdiction where the collision occurred, this maze can be fairly difficult to navigate without some legal assistance. By hiring a truck accident lawyer, the lawyer will know where to file your case, collect evidence, and negotiate with the truck company’s insurance representatives.
Here are some tips on why you should consult a truck accident attorney after a really serious truck accident:
Consider Injury’s Future
Your injuries may not seem all that serious two or three weeks after your accident, but that should not stop you from looking ahead and thinking about how to assess your condition carefully. Many truck accident injuries, such as whiplash, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury, may not manifest their gravity until they are allowed to worsen over time.
Insurance companies will want you to settle fast; once you settle, however, there is no going back on the claim and asking for further compensation. Insurance offers will be affected tremendously by the seriousness and permanence of an injury. Truck accident settlements may take months and even years before arriving at a settlement, so it is not prudent to accept an early offer unless you are 100% sure about the completion of your healing.
A truck accident attorney can connect you with medical professionals, analyze the expected costs for future treatment, and keep you from settling for less than what you actually deserve.
Fault Analysis
Figuring out fault in truck accidents can get complicated. In a truck accident, there may be several parties involved, while in regular car accidents, mostly two drivers are present. Having a truck attorney who is skilled in wrecks and laws associated with trucks is a great asset because they know which avenues of liability can be pursued. This includes FMCSA regulations, state traffic laws, and tort law considerations when filing a claim. Thus, the responsible group could consist of truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance staff, load teams, and even component manufacturers in case of a mechanical failure.
The lawyer for truck accidents examines driver logs, black box data, inspection reports, and witness accounts to determine who is responsible for the accident. The greater the number of parties named as liable, the better the chances of obtaining the utmost compensation. Another consideration is negotiating with the insurance company. If insurance companies identify you as a potential threat to their bottom line, they will not be willing to help you. They will act quickly to settle your claim for the least amount of money possible. This is why it is essential to have a truck accident attorney who knows how to negotiate with large insurance companies.
Having a lawyer on your side sends a strong signal to the insurance company that you mean business. If you have a truck accident lawyer negotiate on your behalf, this can affect the very amount of settlement due to the severity of injuries in truck accidents. The truck accident losses often cover not just the immediate medical bills but also future medical care, lost earnings, emotional anguish, and any other costs attributable to that future care. Even minor issues of concern during negotiations, like proper documentation of your injuries, can leave big marks on the case outcome.
Reflections
If a truck crash injured you, contact an experienced attorney right away so they can guide you and begin protecting your case. The common saying provides yet another affirmation: the sooner you consult with a truck accident attorney, the stronger will your case have a chance to be. And then, the lawyer will help you assess all long-term damages and identify the liable parties and will negotiate with trucking companies and their insurers for you. There are many complications in truck crash claims; however, with the right legal assistance, you may find yourself enjoying the seat of your rights while pursuing compensation for the future care you will require.