If you’ve been in a truck accident, getting the right semi-truck accident lawyer on board is one of the first things you’ll need to do.
A truck accident attorney represents the truck driver or trucking company after an accident. They help trucking companies and drivers access fair settlements from insurance companies. They also make the process of commercial truck insurance claims and possible lawsuits easy to navigate.
This guide explores exactly what a truck accident lawyer does, and what you need to consider when choosing one.
Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers: Overview
A semi-truck accident lawyer works in tort law, which means they work to fix private or civil wrongs or injuries. This is remedied through compensation of damages.
The injured or affected parties in truck accidents can seek compensation from the negligent party for their losses. This is where truck accident lawyers come into play.
Truck accident lawyers typically work on compensating their clients for damages that relate to:
- Lost income from their trucking business
- Medical expenses
- Damage to the vehicle
- A loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death or physical pain or suffering
You also get personal injury lawyers, who work on a wider range of cases, such as a car accident or an accident in the workplace. Truck accident lawyers are types of personal injury lawyers, but they focus specifically on truck accidents.
So, if you ever end up in a truck accident, one of the first things to do is to get in contact with an experienced truck accident attorney. They can help to fix the situation and get the deserved compensation to the truck driver.
What Does a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
Depending on the case and truck crash, truck accident attorneys can perform quite a wide range of tasks. This includes the following.
Investigate Truck Accident Cases
The first thing any truck accident lawyer does is investigate the details of the truck crash to establish whether there is a viable case.
Truck drivers will approach a lawyer, and the lawyer will figure out just how strong and valid their case is. Lawyers will usually only take on a truck accident case if they can see that the case has a high chance of winning.
Gather Evidence for Truck Accident Claims
When a lawyer decides to take on a truck accident case, they will need to start investigating the case and gathering all of the required evidence.
This typically involves investigating the scene of the accident, reviewing any pictures or camera footage of the accident, and gathering statements about the trucking accident from any possible witnesses. The lawyer will also evaluate the damage to the vehicle and get familiar with the expenses and medical reports of the client.
Once the evidence has been gathered, the lawyer will start building a case around it. This is why it’s so important for truck drivers to take photos and take down all the details straight after truck accidents happen.
Send a Demand Letter
Depending on the truck accident and the case, a truck accident lawyer might need to send a demand letter to the insurance company of the at-fault driver. This letter outlines the details of the truck accident and demands specified compensation.
Negotiate With Insurance Companies
One of the most important reasons to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer is to access their insurance negotiation skills. Insurance companies are very good at finding ways to pay the least possible amount on a settlement. With a truck accident attorney, you get the best chance at maximizing your truck accident claim.
Lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies about trucking accidents. They understand their client’s legal rights, and the details of insurance policies, and always communicate with the insurance company. This can help any truck driver or trucking company get the settlement they deserve after a trucking accident.
Prepare Complaints
In many cases, the trucking accident lawyer’s job ends after negotiating with the insurance company. However, if the insurance company fails to settle at the right amount, the lawyer may need to send a complaint to the at-fault party. This is one of the first documents sent out in truck accident lawsuits.
Prepare Cases for Trial
If a truck accident case goes to trial, the lawyer will start preparing the case. While many cases settle before going to trial, truck accident lawyers need to prepare the case for the worst.
This process focuses on gathering the right evidence, understanding relevant case law, speaking to witnesses, drafting statements, and so on.
Provide Representation at Trial
Finally, if truck accidents do go to court, truck accident lawyers will provide legal representation to the truck driver throughout the trial.
How to Find the Right Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
Finding the right semi-truck accident lawyer requires careful consideration, as these lawyers play such a crucial role in resolving truck accidents.
Start by researching lawyers with expertise in trucking accidents and personal injury law. Look for experience, reputation, and track record of successful case outcomes.
Ideally, look for recommendations from trusted sources, like other truck drivers, friends, family, or legal professionals. Schedule consultations with potential truck accident attorneys to discuss your case and understand their communication skills and responsiveness.
Consider the fee structure of each truck accident attorney and ensure it aligns with your budget. Finally, trust your instincts and choose a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities to represent your interests.
Conclusion
With a good lawyer on your side, any trucking company or driver will be in a far better position after a crash.
You must use an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer to get a fair settlement and compensation after a truck crash. As trucking crashes can have such a major impact on any truck driver’s health and business, ensuring you get this right is essential.
This is why having the right semi-truck accident attorney available is one of the most valuable things you need to prepare if any commercial truck accidents take place.
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