You should hire a truck accident lawyer for a minor accident if you are uncomfortable negotiating with insurance companies, filing a lawsuit, and arguing your case alone.
In making this decision, remember that a lawyer can represent and help you in several ways. One of the main tasks of a truck accident lawyer is helping to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. The insurance of the party who is at fault, however, will most likely try to keep any settlements low. Hiring a truck accident lawyer to protect yourself can be a good idea, even if the accident was minor.
The cost of truck accidents can be extensive. Colliding with or being rear-ended by a large and heavy commercial truck almost always comes with great material damage and injuries or even fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the economic costs of motor vehicle crashes reached an astronomical $242 billion in 2010. The figure includes material damage as well as medical costs and workplace losses, among others.
Even a minor accident can potentially result in considerable property damage and medical bills. If the responsible party’s insurance refuses your claim, you could be stuck with your costs.
Injuries May Appear After a Car Accident
If you have been in a minor accident with a truck, you probably consider yourself lucky for getting away with only minor injuries or none at all. However, if you have been in an accident recently and have not seen a doctor yet, it could help to do so as soon as possible.
Even in a relatively minor accident, you could suffer from injuries that may not be apparent at first due to the way our bodies deal with shock and trauma. You may not feel a thing immediately after an accident, but within a few days or weeks, aches and pains can set in. Some of the symptoms to look out for after a truck accident are:
- Headaches
- Neck and back pain
- Numbness
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Stomach pain
Headaches can be the first sign of a brain injury, and it is a good idea to have a medical professional evaluate them. Neck pain could point to whiplash, which can occur even in very minor in car accidents. Numbness could point to a spinal column injury. There could be other symptoms that may point to an injury from a car accident.
Although you might not be in serious pain after a car accident, be aware that some conditions can show up with a delay. Investigating any symptoms to find out what is wrong can be costly, as you might have to do imaging tests and potentially visit specialists.
Even after a minor accident, it can be best to get a thorough check-up, especially if you notice any symptoms in the days afterward. Do not forget that any medical records can be useful evidence if you later want to take legal action. Medical costs do not always relate to the severity of an accident, but they depend on each individual case, which is why it can be helpful to hire a truck accident lawyer for a minor accident.
Compensation in Truck Accidents
Despite having been in a minor accident with a truck, you might have medical costs and property damage. It could be in your best interest to file a personal injury lawsuit if you are unable to recover your damages from any insurance companies. Hiring a truck accident lawyer for a minor accident can help you evaluate your options and advise you accordingly. Some of the compensation you could receive in a lawsuit can include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
There could also be other compensation available to you, depending on your unique truck accident case.
It can be important to act timely after a truck accident. Waiting too long can potentially bar you from seeking compensation with a personal injury lawsuit, as the California statute of limitations sets a general time limit of only two years for such cases, according to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1.
We Can Help
Even in a minor accident, it can be helpful to have a truck accident lawyer by your side from the very beginning. A lawyer can help you deal with insurance companies and all of the legal aspects of an accident.
The insurance of the at-fault party or parties may try to get away with offering a small settlement that might not cover all of your present or future costs related to the accident.
A truck accident lawyer can help ensure that you are not being taken advantage of or leaving any money on the table.
Consulting a truck accident lawyer for help, even in a relatively minor accident, can be informative and help you weigh your options. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free consultation at (800) 794-0444.