It can be difficult to try and heal from any injuries while you are fighting with the insurance of the at-fault party for every cent. However, one of the main benefits of hiring a law firm is that your truck accident lawyer will deal with the insurance companies for you.
A truck accident lawyer can not only help you file a lawsuit and represent you in court, but they can also help protect your interests and negotiate with any insurance companies on your behalf to make sure you get what you deserve.
Liability in a Truck Accident
A truck accident can vary from a car accident quite considerably. While many truck accidents involve a driver-related cause, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), liability in a truck accident can include many other parties besides the driver. According to the FMCSA, some common driver-related causes include speeding, driving distractedly, and impairment by alcohol or drugs.
However, the driver is not always responsible. Sub-standard maintenance and servicing of vehicles can also contribute to accidents. According to FMCSA statistics, brake and tire problems often play a role in truck accidents.
Generally, there can be several parties responsible for your damages, including the driver, the trucking company, the company servicing the trucks, and potentially even the truck manufacturer.
Getting a settlement from an insurance company can be a convoluted process that could be lengthy and complicated. A truck accident lawyer can deal with the insurance companies for you and potentially help you receive a settlement for your losses and damages.
Establishing Fault
A truck accident lawyer can help you establish fault in your truck accident by collecting and analyzing evidence such as medical reports, police reports of the accident, traffic camera footage, employee records, hours-of-service logs, eyewitness reports, and other evidence. This can help to show who was at fault for your accident, whether it was the driver, the company, or a third-party.
Out-of-Court Settlements
Most civil cases settle outside of court, according to the Journal of the American Judges Association (AJA).
A truck accident lawyer can help you with a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit after an accident with a truck. However, sometimes it can be preferable to negotiate a settlement with insurances out of court. The benefits of settling a case out of court can be:
- A settlement can be quicker than a court case
- You have to testify in a court case
- A court case is public record
- A jury decision can be unpredictable
Having a truck accident lawyer by your side can help you decide on the best option for you, whether accepting an insurance settlement or initiating a personal injury lawsuit.
Damages Available with a Settlement
You may have a number of present and future costs with a truck accident. A settlement should cover damages such as:
Medical Costs
Medical expenses can include any diagnostic and imaging tests such as MRIs, x-rays, and bloodwork. It can also include hospitalization, physical therapy, prescription drugs, and medical devices, among other expenses.
Lost Income
Lost income can include past, current, and future lost income, as well as any lost earning potential.
Property Damage
This can include the replacement or repair of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident, such as a phone or keepsakes.
Your settlement could also include other compensation, for example amounts for any physical or emotional pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the accident. Since a settlement depends heavily on the circumstances of your unique case as well as the extent of your injuries, consulting with a truck accident lawyer can be a good first step to find out about any damages that you could receive.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for Help Today
If you have any questions regarding your truck accident settlement or need any help negotiating with insurance companies, we can be here for you. Your truck accident lawyer will evaluate your case, walk you through the process, and explain what you can expect from the negotiations process with the insurance company. We advise you not to sign any documents or accept any settlements before you have consulted with a truck accident attorney from our firm who can act in your best interests and ensure that you are not getting short-changed by the at-fault party’s insurance.
We can offer you a free consultation that can help you weigh your options. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now and speak to one of our team about getting a fair settlement in your truck accident case at (800) 794-0444.