6 Reasons You Should Hire a Truck Accident Attorney - Pdf Slider

Truck accidents are catastrophic, often causing losses of lives or extreme critical injuries and heavy economic losses. If you or your close one has been involved in a truck accident, then you need to hire a truck accident attorney. Since 87% of truck accidents are due to driver error, victims require legal professionals who can handle such complex cases. Truck Accident Attorneys have knowledge about trucking laws as well as personal injury laws and can, therefore, work to ensure that the victims receive better compensation. 

What Does a Truck Accident Attorney Do?

A truck accident attorney starts off by investigating the actual accident that occurred. These activities involve compiling police records, testimonies from eyewitnesses, and other evidence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established that multiple causes contribute to truck accidents.

An attorney then studies the evidence so that he or she can determine who is at fault. They identify the culprits of negligence, which could be the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturers of the vehicles. This step goes a long way in building up the argument that liability is the linchpin of a good claim.

What Skills Should a Truck Accident Attorney Have?

In 2021, the FMCSA reported that large trucks were involved in 4,842 fatal crashes. When choosing a truck accident attorney, some factors should be put into consideration. During the process, they keep their clients informed or rather communicate frequently with them. They share information about the legal processes and keep you updated.

Most trucking businesses provide insurance coverage for their vehicles, and thus, they will employ the services of fierce lawyers. An experienced attorney understands that in order for you to be compensated fairly, you have to learn how to negotiate well. 

What Types of Damages Can an Attorney Claim?

If you are harmed in truck collisions, you can potentially recoup various forms of compensation. These are financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and truck repair costs, among others. Other than monetary loss, pain, and suffering compensate for emotional and psychological loss. Furthermore, attorneys use methods like the multiplier method to calculate these intangible losses.

Wrongful death claims are also common in truck accident cases. Families can get compensation for funeral costs, as well as future earnings. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 72% of fatalities in truck crashes involve occupants of other vehicles. 

Also, Read When do you Need 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys?

How Do Attorneys Negotiate with Insurance Companies?

Trucking companies typically possess substantial financial resources and employ assertive insurance practices. They aim to minimize payouts, sometimes offering low settlements. Consequently, a truck accident attorney ensures victims are not taken advantage of. 

For instance, insurance companies might try to shift blame or undervalue damages. Attorneys use their negotiation skills to push for fair compensation. Coverage can encompass medical expenses, income lost due to injury, and property repairs. In 2021, trucking companies carried liability insurance with minimum limits of $750,000, offering the potential for significant recoveries.

How Do Attorneys Prepare for a Trial?

When settlements fail to provide fair compensation, attorneys bring cases to court. Additionally, they represent the client’s interests, presenting gathered evidence and expert testimonies. A truck accident attorney investigates multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, and vehicle manufacturer.

Attorneys also analyze evidence like driver logs, cell phone records, and maintenance reports. These details help identify if fatigue, distracted driving, or mechanical failures played a role. 

Attorneys meticulously prepare for trial by organizing evidence and developing a compelling narrative. Lastly, they anticipate potential challenges and prepare counterarguments. 

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

With strong evidence, attorneys demonstrate how negligence caused the accident and injuries. This information can reveal violations of federal regulations, such as hours of service or vehicle weight limits.

• Brake failures are the cause of 29.4% of crashes.
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding leads to collisions.
• Distracted driving Accounts for 28% of crashes.
• Unfamiliar roads lead to poor navigation decisions.

How Can Victims Get Started with Their Claims?

After a truck accident, victims should take immediate action. Prioritize seeking medical care for any injuries sustained. Reaching out to an experienced lawyer after addressing medical needs is crucial.

An experienced attorney will help gather medical records and accident reports. Furthermore, legal counsel may collaborate with specialists in accident reconstruction and healthcare. Moreover, these expert testimonies can provide valuable insights into the cause of the accident and the extent of injuries sustained. 

What Should Victims Expect During the Legal Process?

Victims should expect a thorough and sometimes lengthy legal process. The investigation phase involves consulting experts and determining liability. Following evidence collection, the attorney will have negotiations with the insurance firms. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved, the case may proceed to trial.

The case may proceed to trial if negotiations prove unsuccessful. Additionally, a truck accident attorney prepares by presenting evidence, expert testimonies, and legal arguments. The client’s rights are defended in court. Trials can be lengthy, but they often lead to higher payouts for victims. For instance, cases involving severe injuries or wrongful deaths may require judicial intervention. 

Conclusion

Hiring legal representation is critical for anyone impacted by a trucking accident. These legal professionals provide invaluable support, guiding clients through the complexities of the claims process. Leveraging the combined knowledge of these experts, those injured can pursue and obtain the rightful compensation they are entitled to. Thus, their support is invaluable, especially for those dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event.

Hiring a truck accident attorney is crucial to ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve after a serious collision. With their expertise in complex trucking laws, negotiation skills, and ability to gather vital evidence, they can strengthen your case significantly. An attorney also protects you from insurance company tactics and helps determine the full extent of your damages. Their legal knowledge and courtroom experience provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on recovery. Ultimately, hiring a truck accident attorney increases your chances of a fair settlement, making it a wise decision for anyone involved in such an accident.

Also, Read Do all Truck Accident Attorneys Handle Investigations Correctly?