Truck accidents often involve complex legal issues that require specialized knowledge. This includes determining liability, which may consist of multiple parties. You must also provide the insurance company with medical records, repair estimates, expert opinions, and proof of your losses. These may include non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Contact a Lawyer
While handling a truck accident claim yourself may seem tempting, the process is often complicated and requires a lawyer’s expertise. This is especially true when determining the cause of the crash and who should be held responsible for paying damages. Contacting a truck accident lawyer immediately after an accident is important if you want to seek compensation for a truck accident. This will allow them to collect evidence, such as witness statements and crash scene photos. Some evidence is only available for a limited amount of time, such as logging records from the truck driver or data from the vehicle. Your lawyer can also help you document your losses and determine the total cost of your injuries. This includes your medical bills, lost income from missed work, and other expenses related to your accident. It can also include future costs, such as ongoing treatment or therapy or loss of earning potential due to permanent injuries or disabilities.
Gather Evidence
A successful truck accident claim requires the help of evidence. This evidence may prove that the trucking company was negligent, including failing to perform truck maintenance, overloading cargo, or even hiring a distracted driver. During the crash’s immediate aftermath, take pictures and videos of the scene (but only if you can safely do so). Photographs can provide a more vivid picture of what happened than written or verbal accounts. It is important to gather contact information from witnesses and record their statements in case of an accident. In addition, it is necessary to obtain copies of any police reports. It is also recommended to request copies of your medical records and keep track of bills, invoices, receipts, and pay stubs to prove your losses from injuries sustained in the accident. It is helpful to start a diary or journal to document the pain and limitations experienced as a result of injuries. This evidence can be crucial in establishing the full extent of injuries and their impact on daily life.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
While it’s not the most pleasant step, negotiating with insurance companies is necessary for a successful claim. Unfortunately, insurers are more concerned about protecting their bottom line and paying out as little as possible, which means that early settlement offers are usually much lower than you deserve. A lawyer can help to keep you focused on your recovery and build a strong case for fair compensation. Your lawyer will also learn how to determine fault in your case. Many truck accidents are complex and may have multiple causes. Your lawyer will not rush to build your case; they will take the time to thoroughly investigate all possibilities and engage experts, when necessary, to get a clear picture of what happened in the accident.
File a Lawsuit
Being involved in a truck accident can lead to serious injuries, property damage, medical expenses, and loss of income. In some cases, the accident might be caused by the trucking company’s or driver’s negligence or recklessness. To determine who is at fault, an investigation must be conducted to review trucking company maintenance records, driver log books and employee files. These documents can help identify violations of federal regulations and negligence or reckless behavior by the driver. Once your attorney has gathered enough evidence, they can send a demand letter to the trucking company responsible for the accident. This letter details your injuries, their impact on you, and the compensation you believe you deserve. If your claim needs to be addressed satisfactorily, you may need to file a lawsuit. The litigation process can take several years. Your attorney will manage this process to ensure you receive the maximum recovery.
