Accidents are always traumatic experiences, but when you have a crash with a truck that could weigh several tons, the experience can be devastating. Often those in smaller vehicles will suffer serious injuries that can leave them emotionally, physically, and financially traumatized. Sometimes the injuries will impact the rest of a person’s life. If a loved one dies in the crash, the survivors who are left behind must pick up the pieces.
An insurance claim or lawsuit cannot reverse injuries or bring back loved ones. But recovering damages can go a long way toward alleviating the financial burden a truck accident leaves in its wake.
You should not have to deal with the complexities of a truck accident claim or lawsuit while you are recovering from injuries or loss. Contact an Orland Park truck accident lawyer without delay. Putting it off might prevent you from getting the compensation you and your family deserve. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we provide potential clients with free, no-obligation case evaluations. Call us at (800) 794-0444 today.
Why Truck Accident Claims Are Different From Other Vehicle Accident Claims
Many victims of truck accidents assume their claim will be similar to any other claim they might file with an insurance company. But there are many reasons why a large truck crash claim is different—and often more challenging—than other claims. These include the following:
- The injuries victims get in a truck accident can be severe. Because a semi-truck weighs so much more than other vehicles on the road, when it hits a smaller vehicle, it can create an incredible impact. Damage to the smaller vehicle and its occupants can be devastating—and even fatal. The catastrophic injuries can have much more severe financial consequences than those suffered in a regular vehicle crash.
- Truck crashes often mean there is more than one party responsible. In addition to the truck driver, others might be liable or involved in the claim, including: the trucking company, the truck manufacturer (if there was a defect), those who loaded the cargo (if there was an issue with improper loading), government entities (if there were roadway problems that contributed to the crash), and the insurance companies for all of these parties.
- The legal issues involved can be complex. There are complicated regulations surrounding the trucking industry, including how much time the driver can spend behind the wheel legally. Other issues that can come up include influenced driving, distracted driving, improperly loaded cargo, improper maintenance of the tractor or trailer, inadequate training of the driver—just to name a few. A truck accident lawyer can be more effective in getting to the bottom of the reason or reasons behind a crash than can the victim.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to learn how they may be able to help with your case.
Advice From an Orland Park Truck Accident Lawyer Following a Crash
It is crucial to keep a cool head after any vehicle accident, but this can be even more important after a truck accident, given the complexities involved in proving liability of your case. Unless your injuries are too severe or you are unconscious, you should try to keep the following in mind:
- Report the accident. Always call emergency personnel after a crash. In the aftermath of your accident, do not say that you are at fault for the accident, as this could impact your personal injury case.
- Get medical care and follow instructions for treatment. Do not downplay the seriousness of your injuries, as this can impact your case. Make sure you follow any treatment instructions from your doctor.
- Exchange information with those involved in the crash. Get driver’s license numbers, including commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP), license plate numbers, names, phone numbers, and insurance information. Even if you forget to do this, do your best to submit any relevant information with those involved with the accident.
- Talk to eyewitnesses and get their contact information. Find out if anyone has dashcam footage of the events leading up to the crash.
- Document everything about the accident. This includes making a recording of yourself going over the particulars of the crash. It is easy to forget details in the chaos that follows an accident, so the sooner you can do this the better. Take photos or videos at the crash site to help preserve evidence authorities might clean up and remove.
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Make sure you give them facts only.
- Do not accept blame for the crash or point the finger at anyone else for fault in the crash.
For a free legal consultation with a Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Orland Park, call (800) 794-0444
How an Orland Park Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
An Orland Park truck accident lawyer can focus on the case while you focus on recovery by taking the following steps:
- Investigating the accident.
- Investigating the trucker driver and others who may share in the liability for the crash.
- Taking care of the paperwork related to insurance claims as well as any court documents if there is a lawsuit.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to help steer them toward a fair settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit if there is no agreement of a fair settlement.
- Litigating your case if there is a trial.
An Orland Park truck accident lawyer can help you navigate what could be a very complicated personal injury case. Between the state’s statute of limitations and federal and state regulations on trucking, a legal team can make the process easier.
Orland Park Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Awards You May Be Able to Recover After Injuries in a Truck Accident
Chances are you and your passengers will have serious injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and possibly hospitalization, surgery, and physical therapy. Your attorney will work to recover those costs as well as other economic and noneconomic damages, including:
- Emergency care if you require transportation to the hospital via ambulance
- Ongoing and future medical treatment
- Damages to your vehicle and personal property
- Loss of income
- Loss of future income if your injuries prevent you from returning to work at the same income level
- Pain and suffering, including mental anguish such as depression or loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of a limb or permanent disfigurement
- Loss of companionship if you lost a loved one in the crash
Click to contact our Truck Accidents Lawyers today
Call an Orland Park Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you are injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, you need to focus on healing—not insurance paperwork or court documents. We offer accident victims a free, no-obligation review of your case. You do not have to navigate the complexities of a truck accident on your own. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 today, and we will help you to understand your rights and the damages to which you may be entitled.
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