If a large commercial truck has hit you, you already know that first flicker of dread and feeling of terror. The sheer size of 18-wheelers or a similar truck and the impact of these collisions often result in life-altering injuries.
If your world has been turned upside down because of this type of experience, you need help from a legal professional - a truck accident lawyer who regularly handles these types of cases. By working with a truck accident lawyer, you can receive the maximum compensation possible to begin rebuilding your life.
The Seriousness of Truck Accidents and the Importance of Hiring an Attorney
Truck accidents often lead to some of the most serious injuries in the personal injury legal field. Below are reasons why you must seek legal help as soon as possible.
1. Trucking companies have teams working tirelessly on their behalf; therefore, you must have a legal representative fighting for your rights at the same time.
2. Truck accident lawyers know trucking regulations and legislation. Therefore, they can construct a compelling argument to ensure that you receive the rightful compensation.
3. The causes of a truck accident are often multifaceted. The accident may be due to driver fatigue, improper loading, equipment malfunctions, or improper maintenance. An attorney will investigate liability and determine who is responsible for your damages.
4. The injuries sustained in truck accidents can be severe and life-changing, often involving fractures, traumatic brain injury (TBI), crush injuries, and spinal cord impairment. An attorney will vigorously advocate for the reimbursement of medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related economic and non-economic damages.
5. Time is of the essence when filing an accident claim. Therefore, you need to contact an attorney immediately to ensure you receive the money you need to pay for your medical care, ongoing treatments, and daily living expenses.
6. Insurance companies often aim to settle claims at minimal costs. Refrain from accepting their offers. An experienced attorney possesses the skill set required to negotiate a settlement for your injuries that can cover your costs.
6. You only bear responsibility if you prevail in court or reach a settlement agreement. Most truck accident attorneys operate on a contingency basis; therefore, contacting them for a consultation comes at no cost or risk to you. They only receive payment based on the settlement they secure on your behalf.
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident, it's important to contact an attorney immediately. They have the experience to confront trucking companies and insurance providers on your behalf. They can help ensure you’ll receive compensation for your physical well-being and future financial stability.
Consult with a Truck Accident Lawyer Anytime You’ve Involved in a Truck Crash
Truck accidents involve serious injuries requiring extensive care. If you’re involved in this type of crash, then you owe it to yourself to contact an attorney. Let’s look at the indicators that make it imperative to receive legal help.
1. Again, the injuries sustained in a truck accident are frequently severe or life-threatening. Even if you were lucky enough to escape some major injuries, it does not mean certain injuries may not emerge later. In any event, you must ensure you receive proper medical care and equitable compensation.
2. Remember that insurance adjusters work on behalf of their employers and will do their best to settle your claim for as little compensation as possible. Before signing or agreeing to anything, it is essential to consult with an attorney.
3. You may encounter difficulties obtaining information from the trucking company or law enforcement authorities. You need an attorney’s help to ensure you receive all the details.
4. Maybe the trucking company or its representatives are vague about your claim. They may be unwilling to provide information about the accident. If so, consulting with a lawyer can help apply the pressure on the parties and uncover the necessary facts to build your case.
5. Collecting evidence from the accident scene is vital before it disappears. Valuable evidence like skid marks, debris, and the contact information of witnesses should be gathered swiftly. Reach out to an attorney immediately to ensure you’re covered in this respect.
6. Perhaps the trucking company is trying to shift the blame onto you even though you’re not at fault. If so, a lawyer will thoroughly investigate the crash and protect your rights. Thorough investigations also help agencies collect statistics to prevent future accidents.
Any of the above scenarios can happen. Maybe one or more of the examples currently resonate with you.
Remember, your well-being, safety, and future are too valuable to you and your family, so make sure an experienced truck accident attorney supports your case.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Assist You with Your Claim
Because truck accidents are often complex and serious, a lawyer’s help is vital. A truck accident lawyer can support you in the following ways.
They Can Share Their Knowledge
Truck accident cases necessitate knowledge of commercial trucking laws and regulations. Lawyers specializing in this field have an understanding of the rules that govern truck drivers and trucking companies. These laws cover safety measures, maintenance protocols, hours of service, and trucking company policies.
They are also well acquainted with the tactics insurance companies employ to deny or downplay claims. Given the stakes involved, it is imperative to have an attorney with experience to effectively challenge trucking corporations and their insurers.
They Can Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation
Unraveling the details of a vehicle crash is challenging. Truck accident lawyers employ teams of investigators and experts who meticulously analyze the scene, examine the vehicles involved, scrutinize driver logs, review maintenance records for the trucks, and determine the cause of the collision. They gather evidence to build a case and, if needed, even use drone images to capture aerial footage. Tethered blimps have also been used for the same purpose.
They Will Fight for the Maximum Compensation
Truck accidents can lead to major damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and wrongful death. A truck accident lawyer will work diligently to ensure you receive compensation for all of your losses.
They know how to negotiate with insurance companies and are not hesitant to take your case to court to secure the settlement you deserve. Their objective is to win you a complete compensation package so that you can move forward with your life.
They Can Provide Peace of Mind in Challenging Times
As a truck accident victim, you’re facing financial difficulties and emotional distress. A truck accident attorney takes the weight off your shoulders by handling all aspects of your claim so that you can concentrate on recovery.
They address any questions you may have to guide you through the legal process. Alleviate your stress every step of the way. Allow a lawyer to serve as your advocate, ensuring you get the compensation you need.
Important Deadlines for Truck Accident Lawsuits
Again, truck accident cases tend to be complex and typically involve time limits for you to obtain compensation.
Most states have time frames within which you must file a lawsuit for a truck accident. This deadline is called a statute of limitations. If you miss the deadline, you will lose your chance to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Most states set the deadline at two years.
If you’re filing a truck accident claim against a public or government entity, you will have a different deadline. Your attorney must fill out specific governmental forms when filing the claim. Truck accidents that involve governmental entities might involve fire trucks, city buses, or military vehicles.
To have the best chance of receiving compensation, you need to contact a skilled attorney handling truck accident claims immediately. Once more, the sooner you make that call, the better.
What to Ask a Lawyer During the Initial Consultation
When choosing a lawyer for a truck accident case, it's important to find someone with experience in handling these matters. Ask the following questions to decide who to hire for your legal representation.
Do you have experience with truck accident cases?
Truck accident cases differ significantly from regular car accidents in various ways. Look for a lawyer who has direct experience dealing with truck collisions. They should be well-versed in state and federal regulations concerning trucking. They should also have working relationships with experts in accident reconstruction.
What is your success rate when it comes to handling truck accident cases?
A seasoned attorney specializing in truck accidents should have a proven track record of achieving verdicts and settlements for their clients.
Ask the lawyer about their track record in handling cases that went to trial versus those settled out of court.
Will you personally handle my case, or will it be passed on to another lawyer?
Sometimes, larger law firms may assign cases to other attorneys. Ensure you talk to an attorney who will represent you or work closely with their associates. After all, you want to work with legal counsel who wants you to succeed.
Can you please provide information about your fees and how they are structured?
Typically, truck accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means they only receive payment if you win your case. The standard fee ranges from 33 percent to 40 percent of your settlement amount. Before signing a contract, learn more about any upfront fees. Ideally, your attorney will not require retainers or ask for upfront fees.
Would you mind explaining your step-by-step process in handling cases like mine?
A skilled truck accident lawyer should have an established process for investigating accidents, preserving evidence, determining liability, and negotiating claims with insurance companies. Ask the attorney to outline the steps involved in building your case, seeking damages, and pursuing a settlement on your behalf.
Finding an attorney for a truck accident can assist you in recovering damages from an incident that was not your fault. By asking the right questions, you can work with an attorney dedicated to advocating for your rights and future.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Handles Claims Differently
Truck accident cases differ from standard car accidents in several key ways. Therefore, they call for unique strategic considerations.
First, trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which leads to more extensive damage and serious injuries. The complex physics of a semi-truck accident creates greater forces of impact on occupants of smaller vehicles.
Plaintiffs often need accident reconstruction experts to prove liability. Additionally, truck drivers are held to higher standards under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations with respect to training, inspection, maintenance, loading procedures, and hours of service rules. Violations of these types of regulations can be used to establish negligence.
Also, trucking companies and drivers often have very high insurance coverage limits compared to passenger car drivers. However, policy maximums may still be inadequate for covering the costs of severe injuries. This means that your attorney may need to identify and pursue additional avenues for compensation.
For instance, your attorney may need to show that the motor carrier did not institute adequate safety measures, which triggered vicarious liability throughout the company.
Overall, trucking accident cases call for attorneys who understand both state and federal regulations and have experience building strong and multifaceted cases.
Given the stakes, truck accident litigation also tends to be more adversarial than standard injury claims.
As a result, defendants are more prone to vigorously defend themselves against allegations that may impact the reputation of their business, insurance costs, and FMCSA compliance record. Attentive case development and persistence are key. That’s why addressing your claim with an attorney who is experienced in handling tractor-trailer injury claims is highly advisable.
Get in Touch with a Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Reach out to a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney today who has knowledge of truck accident cases and is determined to secure the maximum possible compensation for your accident claim. Remember, you did not choose to be involved in a truck accident; therefore, do not settle for anything less than what's rightfully yours. Make the call to a truck accident attorney without delay.