Truck accidents happen every day, causing damage to lives, livelihoods, and property. Trucks weigh 30 times more than a usual passenger vehicle, so they can cause severe damage to smaller cars. Similarly, heavy truck accidents are far more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
If you have been in a truck accident, you might wonder if a truck accident lawyer is necessary. In short, the answer is yes, as there are multiple reasons why a truck accident lawyer is highly important after a collision.
While you may be offered an insurance settlement after a truck hits your vehicle, it is usually far below what you should get. In these situations, truck accident attorneys ensure you never walk away with less compensation than you deserve.
Worse still, the insurance company may flat-out reject your claim by denying liability for the collision, so hiring a Johnstown truck accident lawyer is essential if you wish to be compensated for your losses.
Naturally, speaking to a truck accident attorney right after an accident isn’t easy, and full medical assistance is the first requirement. However, a victim’s next move will make all the difference — and it should be seeking a free consultation from a skilled lawyer near you.
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First, you should never stress about contacting a truck accident lawyer. While calling a law firm and beginning the legal process can seem intimidating, it will actually relieve stress, not add to it.
Further, you should not have financial concerns because they mostly work on contingency, meaning their legal fees will come from the final settlement. You pay nothing upfront and nothing if you do not receive compensation.
There are many reasons to consult a lawyer, though you should begin by asking:
If any of these are a yes, you should seek a free consultation with a lawyer who will examine your case. Even if the answer is no, it never hurts to discuss your crash with a truck accident lawyer. Because they offer free consultations, you have nothing to lose by doing so.
Trucking companies or insurers will generally not treat you fairly in an insurance claim, so winning the compensation you deserve requires professional representation.
Here are some ways trucking companies or insurance firms might fight your claim:
A large trucking accident settlement is difficult to calculate and prove. You need to know the amount of your losses. A truck accident attorney can handle this.
Accepting a poor settlement can damage your finances well into the future, and you cannot seek additional compensation once you realize what happened. The insurance company will protect its interests, so you want a lawyer protecting yours.
Liable parties may refuse to pay what you deserve, even with a lawyer handling your negotiations. This might require you to file an injury lawsuit in civil court. You need a professional to handle this highly complicated process.
Once you hire a truck accident attorney, they will start on a series of tasks to pursue your insurance claim or take your case to court if necessary. The truck accident claim process involves technical evidence that is often in the hands of adverse parties, making it challenging from the start. The sooner you begin with a truck accident lawyer, the better.
Your attorney will be with you every step of the way, from the initial claim to its resolution, making key decisions along the way. Here are some of the tasks a lawyer will take off the victim’s hands:
From the initial police crash report to demanding records from trucking companies and talking to witnesses, your lawyer will conduct their own investigation to establish who was at fault. They can use legal tools to uncover key evidence that shows liability.
Your lawyer will compile any available photographic or video evidence. They can gather records and documentation from various parties and seek expert analysis of the truck’s black box data or accident reconstruction if needed.
You must have sufficient evidence to meet your burden of proof, and your attorney will build the strongest possible case.
Even if you know the other party is liable, it doesn’t mean that justice will be served. With no evidence of what you lost, you will not receive compensation. Insurance companies will not take your word for how much your injuries cost you.
Your lawyer will present all the necessary evidence about your injuries and their effects on you, ensuring the insurer understands how much you deserve going into negotiations.
Even if your attorney provides strong evidence, the insurance adjuster will likely start with a low offer. This is the nature of the game. Then, your attorney can negotiate for a higher amount until you receive an offer of a fair settlement.
If a truck accident results in injuries, you should learn about your rights to pursue a claim. Hiring a Johnstown personal injury lawyer means you do not have to worry about opportunistic insurance companies taking advantage of you and hurting your future.
Don’t delay, and call a truck accident lawyer today for your free consultation.
Marcus & Mack