If you are considering a personal injury claim or lawsuit following a truck accident, it may be worth hiring a truck accident lawyer to assist you with your case. You are under no obligation to seek the guidance of legal counsel. However, truck accident litigation can be complex, and a single avoidable error could cost you any chance of financial recovery.
The benefits that come with legal representation are substantial. From investigating your case to litigating your claim at trial, your attorney will have a major impact on your case at every stage of the process. They can also manage the whole process on your behalf.
What’s more, many personal injury lawyers do not require any upfront fees to get started. Some lawyers working in this area of law operate based on contingency fees, which are taken out of any final settlement they help you to secure.
Your Injuries Could Be Severe
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 150,000 recorded injuries related to large truck accidents in 2018. Large truck accidents can leave the smaller vehicle’s occupants with devastating injuries and medical needs.
While it might be tempting to accept an initial settlement offered by an insurance company after your accident, your case may be worth much more than you think, especially if your injuries are severe. In some cases, the financial cost of your medical care after a truck crash could be more than you can handle on your own.
Your attorney can help you understand what your injury claim is worth. What is more, they can rely on their experience handling similar cases to advise you on when a settlement offer is reasonable. Putting your injury claim at risk by representing yourself could be a costly error.
Commercial Truck Regulations Are Complex
Pursuing a truck accident claim can be complex due to the regulations that cover the trucking industry. Truck drivers face requirements far above those most motorists are required to abide by. These regulations are created and governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
There are many regulations designed to prevent truck accidents. When these regulations are violated, the chance of a collision increases. Your attorney could obtain evidence of a violation and use it to establish negligence in your case.
Some of the regulations that are commonly at issue in a truck crash include:
- Mandatory inspection requirements
- Vehicle weight regulations
- Service hours and rest requirements
- Necessary qualifications and training certificates
- Record-keeping requirements
There are a lot of regulations to keep track of during a truck accident lawsuit. Due to this complexity, hiring an attorney that understands how to pursue a truck accident lawsuit could help you focus on healing instead of dealing with the legal process on your own.
Pursuing Multiple Defendants Could Be Challenging
Truck accident lawsuits often involve more than one defendant. While these claims often target the operator of the commercial vehicle, they could also involve their employer or even a governmental entity. Managing truck accident litigation against a single defendant is not necessarily easy.
With multiple defendants—many of which could be pointing the finger at each other—this process becomes significantly more difficult. Some of the additional defendants could include:
- Truck operators
- Truck mechanics
- The owner of the truck
- The employer of the truck operator
- State or local government
- A vehicle or part manufacturer
One of your attorney’s first jobs is to identify the at-fault parties in your case. In some instances, you could have a viable claim against a party who you are unaware of. A truck accident lawyer will ensure that you hold the correct party or parties accountable.
The Tactics of Insurance Companies
Insurance companies exist to provide monetary benefits based on the terms of their policies. However, these companies may work to reduce your settlement when you file a claim. The insurance provider for the trucking company in your accident could aggressively attempt to deny you the benefits you may deserve even when it is clear their client was at fault.
Insurance adjusters may use many aggressive tactics against individuals without an attorney. By working with legal counsel, you could ensure that someone is representing you and fighting for your fair treatment throughout the claims process.
You Could Seek Compensation with the Help of a Truck Accident Attorney
After an accident, you may be dealing with painful injuries and financial concerns. For that reason, some victims find it worth hiring a truck accident lawyer to manage their cases and protect their rights. Call (702) 444-3228 for your free consultation with an attorney right away.