A truck accident lawyer is a type of attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in representing individuals injured in large commercial truck accidents.
If you are asking, what does a truck accident lawyer do, you are likely trying to determine if you should retain legal assistance in your truck accident case. Let’s look at how a truck accident lawyer can help you with your case.
By hiring a truck accident lawyer, you can benefit from their knowledge and experience in handling these complex cases. They will work to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact the office at MartinWren, P.C. to set up a free case consultation and get help from a Charlottesville truck accident lawyer today.
Your Truck Accident Lawyer Will Build a Strong Claim
Your truck accident lawyer will investigate your accident to build a strong claim and maximize your chances of receiving an insurance payout or winning a lawsuit.
They will begin by listening to your story and looking at all the evidence you have collected, including medical records, repair estimates, and any photos you may have taken of your injuries or at the scene. They will then attempt to complete the rest using their thorough evidence-gathering process.
They may examine the scene of the accident, request the official police report, and contact witnesses who can provide testimony. They also may examine any video and photos from dash cams, traffic cameras, and surveillance equipment that may be applicable.
Commercial trucks typically use transportation recorders on commercial vehicles or a “black box,” which could be useful in proving that the driver was going too fast or had been logging too many hours. The truck in question might have sophisticated telematics systems that save extensive information about the truck and how it has been operated.
Your truck accident lawyer may also choose to bring in experts to provide supporting information to your claim. This could include an accident reconstruction expert who can help add detail to the physics and forensic science behind your crash. Your lawyer will craft a strategic case based on the details of your accident and the evidence they have found.
Determining Liability
In commercial trucking accidents, multiple parties could be at fault, depending on the unique circumstances of your case. Trucks are maintained, loaded, driven, and managed by various entities, all of which could have been negligent in their actions. Your truck accident lawyer will determine the liable parties so that you can be sure to hold the right people accountable.
Individuals and entities that could be liable for your truck accident include the driver, the commercial trucking operation, any service and repair technicians, and cargo loaders, among others.
Having a truck accident lawyer to aggressively defend your rights will be especially helpful if you go up against commercial trucking companies. Some factors that could have contributed to the cause of a truck accident along with the potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent truck driver: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and using substances while operating a commercial truck
- Cargo loaders: failing to properly secure cargo, creating unstable or unbalanced loads
- Trucking company: failing to provide proper training for drivers, encouraging drivers to work too many hours
- Maintenance teams: improperly installed equipment, defects in parts, and poorly maintained equipment
- Inspection companies: failing to inspect how the cargo was loaded or failing to check maintenance records
- Brokers: companies that match shippers to motor carriers may fail to use due diligence and can select a dangerous company, or the broker may exercise enough control over the motor carrier to make the motor carrier their agent for liability purposes
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Your Truck Accident Lawyer Will Calculate Comprehensive Damages
After the background of your claim is established, your truck accident attorney will calculate the total losses from your crash and subsequent injuries.
This comprehensive calculation will cover past and future losses as well as both economic and non-economic damages. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle immediately, but this could greatly undervalue your claim.
Working with a truck accident lawyer can help you ensure that you maximize the value of your claim. At MartinWren, P.C., we have represented cases with a range of verdicts and settlement amounts. Our truck accident lawyers will help you maximize your claim.
Once they have calculated your comprehensive damages, your truck accident lawyer will send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This will outline the facts of the case and demand repayment for your damages. The insurance company will then most likely come back with a counteroffer, thus setting off the negotiation process.
Your Truck Accident Lawyer Will Negotiate with Insurance Companies
At-fault parties and insurance companies typically prefer to settle outside of court. Litigation can be pricey and drawn out and, if proven guilty, reflects poorly on the liable party. Your truck accident lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to attempt to settle outside of court without agreeing to anything less than the compensation that you deserve.
Insurance companies representing at-fault parties often attempt to contact accident victims quickly and encourage a rushed response, potentially leading to unfavorable outcomes.
These companies do not wish to pay out large sums and may offer lowball settlements or even refuse to offer anything. Many injury victims lack the negotiation experience or legal knowledge to communicate effectively with these massive insurance companies.
Experienced truck accident lawyers know how to deal with these matters. They can analyze insurance policies, assess damages, and handle all communication. Your lawyer will attempt to get you the maximum settlement possible during this time.
Your Truck Accident Lawyer Will Represent You in Court
If the at-fault party’s insurance company completely denies your claim or refuses to negotiate a fair amount, you have the option to take your case to court.
Often, the process of filing a lawsuit will inspire the insurance company to reconsider and settle with you to avoid the courtroom. If the case does proceed to trial, your truck accident lawyer will represent you in court.
Contact MartinWren, P.C. for Your Truck Accident Claim Today
Working with MartinWren, P.C. for your truck accident claim gives you the best chance at reclaiming the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
In addition to the things above, our truck accident lawyers provide clear and open communication for our clients and strive to provide uncompromising quality to them with all their legal needs. Learn more about us and how we can help you.
If you are still wondering what a truck accident lawyer does and need one, contact our office to schedule a free case consultation. We will answer your questions and discuss your case. Do not delay getting started.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
