Any kind of automotive accident can lead to serious injuries, but truck accidents are usually much more serious. After all, commercial 18-wheelers are significantly larger than passenger cars, so they can do a lot more damage.
When a driver gets into an accident with a semi-truck, the first priority should always be ensuring that everyone involved gets necessary medical care. After that, though, drivers should start the search for a Truck Accident Lawyer. Read on to find out about the benefits of hiring a lawyer following a commercial truck crash and learn why it's such an important step.
Determining Liability
Truck accident cases tend to be complicated, so it's important to have a lawyer with relevant experience. Even if the only vehicles involved were one truck and one passenger car, there may be several other liable parties involved that weren't at the scene. Drivers, mechanics, trucking firms, contractors, and even manufacturers may all have played a role in creating the conditions that led to an accident, but a lawyer can sort out who was liable for a client's losses.
Evidence Discovery
Truck accident attorney know all about evidence discovery rules and are experienced at both finding and preserving relevant evidence. Even if the injured driver doesn't want to go to court, investigating the cause of the crash can make it easier to negotiate with insurance companies. Lawyers can access documents that aren't always available to drivers and can line up expert witnesses, if necessary, to testify on their clients' behalf.
Choosing a Legal Strategy
There's more than one way to get compensated following a truck accident, but a lawyer should be able to suggest the best legal strategy given the unique circumstances surrounding the crash. The lawyer will look into multiple options and choose the strategy that will be most likely to yield favorable results. Legal options for obtaining compensation following a truck accident can include:
Filing insurance claims
Going to court
Arbitrating the case
Negotiating with the other parties
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Most accident victims will hear from the responsible party's insurance company pretty quickly following the crash. Don't ever speak to an insurance agent without consulting a lawyer first. The insurance company's top priority is to pay out as little as possible on any claim, even if it's completely valid, and negotiating with insurance agents can be incredibly tough without the help of a lawyer.
Get Help Now
Been in a truck accident and need to pay for medical care, make up for lost wages, and find a way to move forward with life? Call a truck accident law firm to schedule a consultation today.