After a truck accident you may result in injuries, vehicle damage, an inability to work or emotional distress. At that stressful time, you don’t want to worry about negotiating with insurance or getting fair compensation. When the worst happens and you’re in an accident, a truck accident lawyer can ensure you’re compensated fairly.
A skilled truck accident lawyer will understand the liabilities of multiple parties to get you maximum value. Whether you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged, these specialized accident attorneys know how to handle multi-defendant cases and maximize value. Even if you’re driving a truck for a company and you’re in an accident, you may need a lawyer if you feel the company or the other driver is at fault.
What does a truck accident lawyer do?
A truck accident lawyer is your advocate. They specialize in identifying liable parties, collecting evidence and negotiating with the insurance company. They may also interview eyewitnesses, and if necessary, they will take the case to trial on your behalf.
Their responsibilities include determining the liability of the trucking company, the other driver (if there is one) and the city. In performing these roles, a truck crash lawyer can build a solid case for compensation for injuries, medical expenses, emotional distress, vehicle damage, lost wages and future lost wages.
Many truck accident lawyers take payment in the form of a percentage of the settlement. You won’t have to pay anything up front. When they take on your case, it means they are confident they can get compensation for you, and they’ll take a percentage of it, usually 33% to 40%.
5 ways a lawyer can help after a trucking accident
Truck accident lawyers can support you in multiple ways after an accident. From offering legal advice on your best strategy to handling negotiations, they represent your best interests.
Help to determine liability in a trucking accident case
Liability is not always clear in a trucking accident case. In addition to drivers at fault, the trucking company may also be at fault. It may have required the driver to work long hours or defer necessary vehicle maintenance.
In many states, you have the right to seek compensation from any party that is negligent, including the trucking company, vehicle maintenance provider, other drivers and the city. In addition, the trucking company may be liable if it failed to provide the truck driver with sufficient training, failed to conduct a background check or ignored a history of unsafe driving behavior.
Hiring a truck accident lawyer as a trucker can protect you when the trucking company is negligent, whether through insufficient training, unsafe working conditions or other issues. Likewise, poor road conditions may make the city or municipality liable. A semitruck accident attorney can help you determine all liable parties.
Provide legal advice
Hiring a truck accident lawyer to provide legal advice is generally the first step. It can help you recover any economic and non-economic damages. If you’re injured in an accident, you’ll want to get compensation for medical bills, lost income while injured and future lost income.
Build a compelling case
A truck crash lawyer can help you build a compelling case. Having dashcam footage might not be enough to prove innocence. A truck crash lawyer will understand all parties’ liabilities, conduct interviews and carry out an investigation to build a compelling case. This can lead to greater compensation, whether you were injured in the accident or not.
To do this, they may:
- Review camera footage
- Evaluate vehicle damage
- Visit the scene of the accident
- Ask for accident photos or hire a photographer to take them
- Contact witnesses and get statements
- Ask for your medical reports and expenses
Handle negotiations
A truck accident lawyer can handle negotiations with the insurance company and any defendants. These complex discussions often require persistence and specialized bargaining skills. As your advocate, your accident attorney will work to secure you as much compensation as possible. Damages they may seek include:
- Vehicle damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Emotional distress
- Physical pain and suffering
Ensure comparative fault laws are applied
Comparative fault law affects the amount of compensation truckers can receive in case of personal injury. Many states have a comparative fault law so that as long as your percentage of fault is not over 50%, you’ll receive compensation. A truck accident lawyer can help you build a strong case to ensure comparative fault laws are applied fairly and prevent unfair charges.
Final thoughts on hiring a truck accident lawyer
A truck crash lawyer is your advocate in case the worst happens. They can help you build a strong case and negotiate on your behalf for fair compensation. If you’re left unemployed, they’ll work to ensure you’re compensated both for current damages and lost future wages. Whether you’re a semitruck driver, owner-operator or business owner, when you’re involved in a truck accident, hiring an attorney is usually a smart move.
FAQ
Many truck accident lawyers will charge a percentage of the settlement. Usually, they take one-third to 40% of the settlement value.
Yes, for truck accidents, an accident lawyer can ensure you get the maximum compensation for damages. Because many truck accident attorneys are paid from the settlement, you can hire advocacy without paying up front costs.
Semi Truck drivers, owner-operators and business owners should consider the services of a truck accident attorney when they’re involved in a collision.
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