Truck accidents
A truck accident is a potentially catastrophic situation that often results in life-altering injuries or death. Seeking compensation after a truck accident can be a complicated task for any victim because accidents involving a truck are often complex and require that victims deal with insurance companies that do not willingly offer a decent settlement for their injuries. Working with a law firm that can aggressively represent you and defend your interests can make a difference in your case.
How Is Liability Determined in a Truck Accident?
Perhaps one of the most complicated steps of a truck accident investigation is determining which party or parties may be responsible, as the truck driver is just one of several parties that may have contributed to the accident. The first step is usually analyzing the truck driver's actions and behaviors leading up to the crash. Was the driver distracted or overly tired? Was the driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Does that driver have a previous track record of accidents or infractions? These are just some of the questions an attorney may look into.
Besides the driver, a trucking company that does not comply with safety standards or encourages their drivers to work longer hours than they should or neglects to properly maintain their trucks may also have contributed to the accident. In some cases, other parties such as the company responsible for packing and securing cargo into the trailer or even the truck manufacturer may also have played a role in causing the crash. A thorough investigation is needed to pinpoint which party or parties are liable for the accident.
What Are the Steps to Filing a Truck Accident Injury Claim?
If you need to initiate a claim for a truck accident, there are a few key steps you will need to take. The first step is to collect evidence and important information from the scene of the accident. If your injuries require emergency medical attention, you may want to rely on an attorney to collect important information such as police reports and contact information for the truck driver and the trucking company.
Next, you may be looking at filing a claim with the truck driver's insurance company, or sometimes with the trucking company insurer. You will also want to contact your own insurance company and let them know about the accident. If the trucking company insurance adjusters call you or start asking questions you are unsure about, do not talk to them, as they are simply trying to get you to say something they can later use to claim you were at fault for the accident. If the insurance company denies your claim or is offering an inadequate settlement, reach out to a truck accident law firm such as Capital Injury Law to initiate a civil lawsuit for personal injury.
How Much Money May I Be Able to Receive for a Truck Accident Claim?
Providing a general estimate of how much a truck accident claim may be worth is a difficult task, as every case is unique and involves many variables that will influence how much money you may receive. In most cases, the more severe the injuries, the higher the award you may be able to seek. An attorney focused on personal injury may provide you with a more accurate estimate after analyzing your case and the extent of your injuries.
Do I Need an Attorney to Initiate a Truck Accident Claim?
As you can see, truck accident claims are considerably more complex than car accident claims. While you are not required to hire an attorney to initiate your claim, you may find immense value in doing so. At Capital Injury Law, our legal team handles every aspect of your case and fights aggressively to secure maximum compensation for your truck accident, so you can simply focus on healing. Our goal is to magnify your chances of a positive outcome while treating every client with compassion and professionalism. If you have been hurt in a truck accident, call our Lacey, WA office at 360-209-3360 to schedule a consultation.