Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries and damage to property. The result is usually high medical, repair, and replacement costs. Additionally, as a truck accident victim, you may suffer emotional distress. For example, you may develop anxiety and PTSD due to the crash. You can hold the at-fault party liable for the damages you suffer due to the accident.
To do so, you can file a claim with the insurance company for compensation. Handling the claims process while you’re recovering can be challenging. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. You can get help from qualified truck accident lawyers. Keep reading to learn how a truck accident lawyer can assist you with the claims process.
Investigating the Accident
A truck accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into your accident. The evidence gathered in an investigation helps in building a solid case. A strong case can support your compensation claim.
Various types of evidence can help your truck accident case. A police report can provide valuable information about the accident. For example, it can provide details of the vehicles and parties involved. Witness statements can help establish what happened before, during, and after the accident.
Photographs and videos of the accident can provide valuable visual evidence. Trucking logs may offer information on the truck driver’s working hours. These records can help show whether the driver or employer violated any regulations. Hence, a lawyer can use them as evidence of negligence.
Identifying All Parties Involved
Unlike a passenger car accident, truck accidents may involve multiple liable parties. A truck accident lawyer can assess your case and identify all the at-fault parties. They can then fight for compensation from them. Cases involving multiple liable parties can be complex. An attorney will have the experience necessary to deal with such a case.
The driver is one of the potential defendants in a truck accident case. The driver may have acted negligently, causing the accident. Examples of driver negligence include drunk driving, speeding, and driving while distracted.
Other possible liable parties include the following:
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- The maintenance crew
Evaluating Your Damages
A truck accident lawyer can help you evaluate the damages you’ve suffered due to the accident. Understanding the damages you can recover will help you estimate the value of your claim. This is important as it allows you to distinguish low settlement offers from fair ones.
You can recover a variety of damages in a truck accident claim. They include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property loss
- Pain and suffering
- Disability, scarring, and disfigurement
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
Many truck accident cases end up settling out of court. You can reach a settlement agreement with the insurer through negotiations.
Insurance providers have significant experience negotiating with claimants. Thus, having a truck accident lawyer on your side can be beneficial. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance provider for a fair settlement on your behalf. Attorneys are also skilled negotiators.
Filing a Lawsuit
Sometimes, negotiations may fail. The other party may not be willing to give you a fair settlement. In such a situation, a truck accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The court will then decide your truck accident case.
A lawyer can help you file the necessary paperwork and represent you in court. They can also help you understand the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. It is the time frame in which you must file a lawsuit after an accident.
Helping You Understand the Legal Process
The claims process and truck accident laws can be challenging to understand. A truck accident lawyer can break them down for you to help with comprehension. The attorney can explain the different stages of the case and what’s required of you. They can also guide you on handling any legal documents you may receive.
The Bottom Line
The truck accident claims process can be complex. A truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the entire legal process. They can use their expertise to help you get the compensation you deserve.
