If you or a loved one has been in a commercial truck accident, it is important to have an attorney to represent your case. Insurance companies and trucking companies may contact you after the accident and offer compensation. Your lawyer should handle all communications outside the case. Insurance companies will likely try to offer you less compensation than your case is worth, and your attorney can demand fair compensation. A truck accident attorney will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
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Choosing a truck accident lawyer
There are many things to consider when choosing a commercial truck accident attorney. The first thing to consider is whether the attorney specializes in personal injury trials. A personal injury trial lawyer handles personal injury cases only and will be dedicated to fighting for a positive verdict in court. This type of lawyer is more likely to be able to get the compensation you need for your injuries. Moreover, these attorneys have a strong track record of winning cases in court.
It is best to look for a law firm with an office. This way, you can visit at any time of the day and discuss your case with the lawyer. Moreover, you will be able to speak face-to-face with your lawyer, which will help expedite the process and make it more effective. However, if you have a limited budget, it may not be possible to visit the law office of a potential truck accident lawyer.
Experience
Choosing an experienced attorney for your commercial truck accident case is a key step to a successful outcome. Trucking companies face unique challenges, such as cost margins and shipping deadlines, and often fail to adhere to motor carrier safety regulations. The difference in size between a car and a truck can be so large that it can easily cause severe injuries or fatalities. An attorney with experience handling such claims will be able to establish negligence and help you maximize your compensation.
While it might seem like an unnecessary expense, hiring an experienced attorney can help reduce your legal bills. Many trucking companies now install GPS equipment and other devices that report certain information. These devices are similar to the black boxes found in airplanes. The data they provide can reveal driving inputs from the driver as well as technical information about the truck. For example, if the truck was speeding before the crash and if it was carrying too much load, the data collected by the GPS may prove that the driver was negligent.
Success rate
Many attorneys post their case successes on their websites. When evaluating a lawyer’s success rate, you can ask about their previous work and how many similar cases they have won. A lawyer who has been involved in similar cases can significantly improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement. In addition, a truck accident attorney should be available to answer your questions. If possible, it is beneficial to speak with a commercial truck accident attorney after the initial consultation.
While truck owners tend to be large businesses, they often employ aggressive legal counsel, making them difficult to handle alone. To take on the giants in the trucking industry, you will need a commercial truck accident attorney with extensive experience in handling these types of cases. Our team has successfully brought claims against major trucking companies on behalf of clients. A good commercial truck accident attorney will not only be able to bring these claims on your behalf but will help you recover and return to work as soon as possible.
Complex liability issues
While trucking accidents involve many parties, the law holds businesses accountable for the negligence of their employees. The legal principle of respondeat superior applies when the negligent employee was performing a job duty. This principle also applies to a truck driver, so both the employer and the trucker may be parties to a lawsuit. However, the exceptions to this principle are complicated. This is where an attorney will come in handy.
Most commercial truck accidents involve several vehicles. Although human error is often the culprit, the negligence of other drivers can also be responsible. This is especially problematic when multiple third parties are involved. In addition to the truck driver, there may be several other drivers, parts manufacturers, and maintenance workers, who could all share liability. Dealing with multiple insurance companies is no easy task. This is why an attorney with extensive experience in this area is crucial.
