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Unfortunately, truck accidents are more common than ever. In fact, every day we see news of people getting hurt or even dying in road crashes, usually involving trucks. And, if you’ve been the victim of a truck accident, you know firsthand how painful and destructive it can be. Things become even worse when you have to determine your next legal steps.
Fortunately, you can always request the help of a truck accident lawyer. But what can a lawyer do for you, and more importantly, is it worth getting one? Let’s find out!
What a Truck Accident Lawyer can do for you
Determine Liability
Generally speaking, truck accident cases are more complex than vehicle-to-vehicle crash cases. And while you might believe that the truck driver is the only party at fault, there may be more than one responsible party that needs to be held accountable for your losses and injuries. As a matter of fact, here are a couple of potential defenders that you might have to deal with in a truck accident case:
The trucking company
The truck driver
The truck manufacturer
The shipping company
Government entities
Insurance companies
Additionally, if the driver is an independent contractor, there might be an issue with how much supervision the company exercises over their contractors. It’s worth noting that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is responsible for regulating commercial trucks on the United States' roads, meaning that they can also be held accountable for the accident.
Nevertheless, lawyers will identify all the liable parties and make them pay any compensation that you might be entitled to.
Build a Compelling Case
After an accident, you will have to make a claim and present it to the insurance company or a jury. That can be stressful, especially if you need time to recover after the accident. However, truck accident lawyers can do everything you would need to be able to file a case, such as:
Collect evidence, like police reports, photos or videos from the accident scene, eyewitness statements, expert testimony, and data from the truck’s electronic information system
Compile medical bills and expenses related to the injury, as well as documents that prove loss
Identify the liable parties and insurance carriers
Negotiate with insurance companies so that you receive the proper compensation
Take the case to a jury if the negotiation is unsuccessful
Although you could do most of the above by yourself, it’s always better to relax and let a professional take care of things. That’s because a lawyer will be able to better negotiate with the insurance companies and know exactly which steps to take, so you'll win your case no matter what. Additionally, by letting a lawyer build your case, you have enough time to spend with your family or get any medical help you might require.
Prove Your Claim
While you might know that the accident wasn’t your fault, you must prove it to the insurance company or to a jury. As a matter of fact, there are four basic elements that you must prove before you can get any compensation:
The truck driver owed you a duty of care to drive safely and responsibly.
The truck driver breached that duty of care.
That breach of care led to you being injured.
You suffered losses and damage due to those injuries.
It’s important to mention that only an expert can determine the damages you may receive in a personal injury lawsuit. And since they can fall under economic or non-economic categories, it’s hard to know exactly how much money you need to receive. That’s why hiring a truck accident lawyer is the only way you can receive the proper compensation without the fear of getting scammed by the insurance company.
It’s Time to Lawyer Up!
Overall, a truck accident lawyer in St Louis MO can be extremely beneficial, especially for those with little to no legal experience. Not only can they determine who is liable, but they can also build a compelling case.
If you find yourself looking for help or wondering why you need an attorney for your truck accident claim, you can always contact the Powell Law Firm. From truck and motorcycle accidents to wrongful death, our personal injury division is ready to help protect your rights and to make sure that those responsible pay for any damage that they might have caused.
So, why risk losing your injury case when you could just send us a message and request your free consultation?