5 Signs That You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are some of the most severe and complex incidents on the road. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents often result in significant property damage, severe injuries, or even fatalities. 

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a lawyer. 

While not every case requires legal representation, there are certain situations where having an experienced truck accident lawyer can make all the difference in securing fair compensation and protecting your rights.

Below are the top five signs you may need a truck accident lawyer. If you meet any of those criteria, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options or to get started filing a claim.

Sign 1: You’ve Suffered Serious Injuries or Significant Damages

One of the most obvious signs that you need a truck accident lawyer is if you or someone you love has sustained serious injuries or your vehicle has been severely damaged. Truck accidents often involve catastrophic injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: Paralysis or limited mobility is a common outcome of severe truck accidents.
• Broken bones and fractures: High-impact collisions can leave victims requiring extensive surgeries and rehabilitation.
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs, internal bleeding, or other life-threatening conditions may occur.

The medical costs associated with treating these injuries can be astronomical, especially if ongoing care, rehabilitation, or adaptive equipment is necessary. Additionally, severe vehicle damage or total loss can leave you struggling to cover repairs or replace your car.

A truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help you accurately calculate the total damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. They will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your losses.

Sign 2: Liability Is Unclear or Disputed

Determining liability in a truck accident can be far more complicated than in a typical car accident. Multiple parties may share responsibility for the accident, including:

• The truck driver: If the driver was fatigued, distracted, speeding, or under the influence, they may be at fault.
• The trucking company: Companies may be liable for negligent hiring, improper training, or failure to maintain their fleet.
• The manufacturer: If a mechanical failure caused by a defective part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may share responsibility.
• Cargo loaders: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can make a truck unstable and lead to an accident.

Insurance companies and other parties involved may try to shift blame or deny liability altogether. An experienced truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all liable parties, gather evidence, and build a strong claim. They’ll work to protect your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Sign 3: You’re Dealing With Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. Unlike accidents involving private individuals, truck accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, including those held by the trucking company, the driver, and possibly even third parties.

Insurance companies are notorious for minimizing payouts to protect their bottom line. They may use tactics such as:

• Pressuring you to accept a low settlement offer.
• Disputing the severity of your injuries or damages.
• Blaming you for the accident.
• Delaying or denying your claim altogether.

If you find yourself facing these tactics, it’s a strong sign that you need a truck accident lawyer. Attorneys experienced in handling truck accident cases understand how to navigate the complexities of insurance negotiations. They’ll handle communication with the insurers, ensuring you’re treated fairly and that your claim is not undervalued.

Sign 4: Federal Regulations May Be Involved

The trucking industry is heavily regulated by federal laws overseen by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern everything from the number of hours a driver can be on the road (hours-of-service rules) to vehicle maintenance requirements and cargo loading standards.

If a trucking company or driver violated these regulations, it could have contributed to the accident and established liability. For example:

• A driver exceeding the hours-of-service limits may have been fatigued at the time of the accident.
• Poor vehicle maintenance, such as failing to repair faulty brakes, could result in mechanical failure.
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo may have caused the truck to tip over.

Proving that a violation occurred requires a deep understanding of federal trucking laws and access to crucial evidence, such as driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data. A truck accident lawyer will know how to obtain and interpret this evidence to strengthen your case.

Sign 5: You’re Unsure How to Navigate the Legal Process

Truck accident cases are often more complex than other types of motor vehicle accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties, extensive damages, and federal regulations. The legal process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from serious injuries.

Here are some common challenges you may encounter:

• Filing Deadlines: Truck accident cases often have strict deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits, especially if a government entity is involved.
• Complex Evidence: Gathering evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, black box data, and expert opinions requires a strategic approach.
• Litigation: If settlement negotiations fail, you may need to take your case to court, which involves preparing legal documents, presenting evidence, and arguing your case before a judge or jury.

A truck accident lawyer will handle these legal complexities on your behalf. They’ll guide you through every step of the process, from filing your claim to negotiating a settlement or pursuing litigation.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You

If you recognize any of the signs above, hiring a truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can be a game-changer for your case. Here’s how an attorney can help:

1. Investigating the Accident

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as:

• Police and accident reports
• Photos and videos from the scene
• Witness statements
• Black box data from the truck
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Driver logs

2. Identifying Liable Parties

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties. An attorney will determine who is responsible for your injuries and ensure they are held accountable.

3. Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. They won’t let insurers pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

4. Calculating Your Damages

Truck accident lawyers have the experience to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

5. Representing You in Court

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare your case for trial and fight for your rights in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you. This arrangement allows you to access high-quality legal representation without upfront costs, so you can fight for the justice you deserve regardless of your bank balance.

How long does a truck accident case take?

The timeline for resolving a truck accident case varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and whether the case goes to trial.

This is no standard timeline, but consulting with an attorney can give you a better idea of what to expect.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Many states follow comparative negligence laws, which allow you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your award may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Your attorney can help you understand how that works in terms of your state’s local laws.

Can I file a claim on behalf of a deceased loved one?

Yes, if a loved one died in a truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.

Truck accidents are complex, high-stakes cases that often require professional legal assistance. If you’ve suffered serious injuries, are facing disputed liability, or feel overwhelmed by the legal process, it’s time to consult a truck accident lawyer.

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand the unique challenges of truck accident cases and have the resources and experience needed to fight for your rights. With our team by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.