If you are in a truck accident, you may hear on more than one occasion that you should get a lawyer to help you with your case. A truck accident lawyer is your best option to manage the aftermath of a truck accident and work with you to seek the compensation you deserve after becoming a victim of negligence. A lawyer has several responsibilities and roles in an accident case that will benefit you and increase your opportunity to reach a successful resolution.
An Attorney Will Evaluate Your Case to Determine Who Is Liable for Your Damages
To hire a lawyer, you must first have an evaluation with the attorney where you will go over the facts of your case and what you can expect as far as the outcome, timeline, and possible compensation. During this meeting, the lawyer will begin to understand how the accident took place as well as the injuries you have sustained due to the truck accident. This information will help your lawyer discover who may be potentially liable to you for your injuries and losses.
In a truck accident, it is common for more than one party to be liable to a victim because of the nature of the commercial trucking industry. When a truck driver is responsible for the accident and causes your damages, their employer and other parties are also possibly at fault and should compensate you whether personally or through their insurance provider.
Parties That May Be at Fault for a Truck Accident Can Include:
- The operator of the truck
- The employer of the truck operator
- The shipping company
- The truck maintenance company
- The manufacturer of a defective truck or truck part/equipment
A Lawyer Will Gather Evidence to Prove the Fault of the Defendant
Liability for a truck accident is based on the laws of negligence in your state. While it is possible that in some cases an insurer or the party at fault will accept liability, this is not always the case. A lawyer will help you gather any evidence that is available to help build your case and prove that the defendant’s negligent actions were the cause of the accident and consequently, your injuries.
The Types of Evidence That Can Prove the Liability of a Defendant in a Truck Accident Can Include:
- The police report
- Photos or videos of the scene and the damage
- Testimony of witnesses and other parties to the accident
- The records of a truck’s maintenance, mileage, and routes
- The history of a truck driver’s employment
A Lawyer Can Collect Evidence and Testimony to Support Your Claim for Injuries
Beyond the evidence to prove fault in a truck accident, an attorney must also help you gather support and evidence to show the injuries you sustained in the accident and the consequences of those injuries in your everyday life and future. An insurer or party at fault may dispute your injuries and their severity to try to limit the compensation available to you. A truck accident attorney understands the tactics these parties will use to try to reduce the damages to you and will work to prove your injuries and their impact due to the accident.
Evidence a Lawyer Can Help You Obtain to Prove Your Injuries and Impacts Include:
- Medical records
- Photos of your injuries and stages of recovery
- Expert testimony
- Testimony of your medical providers, including mental health professionals
- Your current or former employer
- Employment history
- Testimony of friends, family, and colleagues
- Your own personal experience
A Truck Accident Lawyer Will Help You File and Negotiate an Insurance Claim
Once your attorney gathers the information, they need to know who is responsible and the estimate of your damages, they will file a claim for damages to the insurance companies involved in the case. Your lawyer will then manage all communications with the insurers and respond to requests or provide the information to work with the insurer to resolve the claim. Ultimately, your lawyer will make every effort to get you the money you need without going to court and will negotiate with the insurer to try to reach an agreement for a settlement.
Your attorney will help you calculate your damages to serve as a guide to you in the negotiation process. An estimate of damages helps you account for all of your losses and manage the expectations of compensation from an insurer or the outcome of a potential lawsuit.
Damages in a truck accident claim or lawsuit can include:
- Loss of income
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of quality of life
An Attorney Will Prepare to Fight Your Case in Court If Necessary
While an attorney wants to resolve your case during the negotiation of your insurance claim, it may not always be possible. Whether an insurance company denies liability, there is a dispute as to fault or there is no agreement as to the reasonable compensation for your damages; there are many circumstances in which a lawsuit may become necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve after a truck accident. A truck accident lawyer that represents you will prepare and build your case to be ready for a fight in court if and when it should occur.
A Truck Accident Attorney Can Work to Help You Reach a Positive Resolution
Working with a truck accident lawyer will give you the peace of mind that you are doing everything you can to seek the maximum compensation in your case. If you try to go up against an insurer or defendant without a lawyer, you will not only face challenges but can risk the recovery of compensation in your case. If you are the victim of a negligent truck accident, call a truck accident lawyer to discuss your case and how they can help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
