Skip to main content

When to hire a truck accident attorney?

do I need to hire a truck accident Lawyer?

Do you need a truck accident attorney?

Chances are that if you’ve been in a collision with a semi-truck or tractor trailer, you need a truck accident attorney. There are typically three types of damages that you can seek compensation for: property damage, minor injury, and major injury. Generally speaking, if there are no personal injuries, you should be able to settle the case with the other driver’s insurance adjuster without an attorney’s help. If you incurred medical bills totaling less than $1000 and fully recovered from the injuries within several days, an attorney may not be necessary either. On the other hand, if there was anything more than property damage and minor injuries, an attorney is recommended.

When deciding whether to hire a truck accident attorney, keep in mind that the trucking company is already at an advantage. Unless they just recently came into business, they have years of experience defending such claims. Unlike you, they have a risk management department that is committed to ensuring the least amount of money is paid to you and that the company’s reputation stays intact. They also have attorneys readily available to defend such claims. To come anywhere near leveling the playing field, an attorney may be necessary.

What will the trucking company be doing?


Time is not your friend in this situation. While you’re trying to clear your head and wait for medical attention, the trucking company is forming its own defense. Barring a severe injury to the driver, his first response will be to contact his home office and report the incident. This ensures the ball is rolling toward counteracting any claims you may make. The company’s own field investigators and accident reconstruction experts will be summoned immediately.

There are a multitude of laws that govern how and when you file a trucking accident lawsuit. Unfortunately, the average person is not aware of the statutes, often leading to a dismissal of the case and a loss of any potential compensation. Hiring a truck accident attorney for your commercial vehicle collision ensures that you are aware of deadlines and have accurately completed all paperwork. Additionally, a lawyer will analyze any potential liability you may have and will work to protect that your legal rights are completely protected. The attorney can interview witnesses, speak with legal experts, negotiate with insurance companies, and plan your approach to the case.

When should you get a truck accident attorney?

truck accident lawyer

The long and short answer is immediately. As mentioned before, time is not on your side in this situation. An attorney experienced in handling tractor trailer cases will act quickly to obtain necessary documents to support your case. If the delay is too long, the trucking company’s own records — documents that provide pertinent evidence and clues to support your claim — may be destroyed. An attorney will secure possession of the company’s documents that record maintenance, inspections, and repairs on the semi-truck or trailer right away. If you don’t secure legal representation immediately following the accident, these documents are likely going to be discarded. Again, they are imperative to the success of your case.


Since evidence on the scene fades quickly, hiring a truck accident attorney is time sensitive. Marks on the pavement disappear in the snow or rain. Your vehicle may end up being sold by the insurance company prior to photographs being taken. The semi-truck may be repaired in a hurry so damage cannot be assessed. There is little benefit to waiting to hire representation, and plenty of reasons to do so immediately.

How do you find the right accident attorney?


In any serious accident, it’s important to carefully choose your representation. You want someone who will ensure that you receive the best possible outcome given your circumstances.

Here are some important considerations when selecting a truck accident attorney:

  • Find someone knowledgeable
  • Truck accidents often involve numerous parties at fault, not merely the drivers. Choose someone who recognizes all of the facets that should be addressed, including:georgia truck accident attorneys
  • Federal regulations
  • Parts manufacturers
  • Truck maintenance companies
  • Multiple insurance companies
  • Cargo companies
  • Truck businesses
  • Witnesses
  • Passengers
  • Ask for referrals
Although it’s unlikely you know anyone who has been involved in a truck accident, it’s worth checking with friends and family to see if they have recommendations. That said, it’s important to understand that a lawyer involved in a car accident case requires different knowledge than a truck accident lawyer. Ask other professionals, particularly other attorneys, if they have recommendations as well.

Arrange interviews
Expect to meet with three to five attorneys prior to hiring one. Most truck accident attorneys provide free consultations. Gauge their ability to understand your case and what their expectations are for an outcome.

What court fees should I expect to pay?

Even if you pay a contingency fee for representation, expect that there may be more costs incurred. Additional costs may arise from court fees, investigation fees, and other charges that occur even if you lose the case. Make sure you understand these upfront.


Labels:
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Who is the best trucking accident attorney in Atlanta?

Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer The consequences of a collision between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle are often devastating. Serious accident injuries and fatalities are common in Georgia. Victims are often those in the passenger vehicle due to the sheer size difference. In many of these cases, truck accident victims can seek justice with the help of our law firm. “ The Truck Accident Attorneys ” servicing Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and New York, focusing specifically on truck accident injury law. Over the years we’ve achieved successful verdicts for our clients through our understandings of the nuances specific to truck accident litigation. Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta ; When auto accidents occur, there is typically an exchange of contact information and insurance between the parties involved. Depending on the details of the case, there may be more than just the drivers who are held responsible for being at fault. Although truck drivers are direct
8 comments
Read more

Smyrna Truck Accident Attorney

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Smyrna After a truck accident in Smyrna, a victim has many questions regarding financial recovery, liability, and other aspects of handling a personal injury claim.  Many personal injury lawyers charge a fee based upon whether you receive a monetary award. This is called a contingency fee. As long as you have a solid case, most truck accident attorneys will agree to a contingency fee. The typical amount ranges from   25 percent to 40 percent of the settlement amount . The greater severity of your injuries and the stronger your case is, the more willing most lawyers will be to negotiate the contingency fee. Truck Accident Settlement Amount How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident? Under Georgia’s statute of limitations, there is a certain time limit for bringing forward a legal action after a truck accident. In Georgia, most truck wrecks follow these deadlines: 2 years after the collision to file a claim for injury; and 4 years from the
10 comments
Read more

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim A wrongful death claim is a civil court action in which the amount of damages awarded to the surviving members of a family for the wrongful or negligent death of a loved one is determined. If your loved one has died due to someone else’s reckless, negligent, and deliberate behavior, you are entitled to compensation from their wrongful death if their death impacts you and your family’s well being, both emotionally and financially. For a successful wrongful death suit, proof must be established that a loved one’s death was caused by another person’s action or inaction, and that surviving family members are suffering damages because of it. Every state has statutes for wrongful death, which may differ from state to state, but all of them require that a personal representative for the deceased’s estate be the one to file.  A lawsuit can be filed for the following situations: medical malpractice resulting in death, car or plane accident, hazardous
3 comments
Read more