What Are Some Signs That You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Anyone who has been seriously hurt in an accident probably has plenty of questions. Trying to figure out if you need a car accident lawyer can be overwhelming and frustrating. Many people choose to get their case evaluated with a free consultation before committing to a personal injury lawyer. 

One of the biggest reasons that you might be researching the signs that you may need a truck accident lawyer is if you are unsure whether or not you should handle this case on your own — or if this situation is serious enough to require a lawyer. Read on to learn more about the signs that you need a truck accident lawyer. 

The sooner you can find a lawyer to help you, the easier it will be to get things organized moving forward. Trucking accidents can have consequences that affect not just you, but your loved ones as well. If you cannot go back to work, for example, and your family was previously reliant on your paycheck, this can make it impossible for you to get your financial footing. You can share this information with your lawyer so that you know that someone is advocating for your best interests. 

Here is a helpful overview of some of the signs that you might need the assistance of an attorney to assist with your truck accident case.

The Trucking and Insurance Company Have Far More Experience

Most trucking companies — and the insurance agencies who represent them — are well aware of the high stakes involved when a truck driver and a fleet vehicle are involved in an accident. This is a big reason why many of them have accident response teams who are dispatched to the scene of the incident, where possible. 

Trucking accident insurance companies have far more experience in understanding and responding to truck accidents, meaning that they will be prepared to create a compelling legal defense as soon as possible. You need to be sure that you also have appropriate legal representation to represent your side of the case. This can come from a lawyer who has been working in this field for some time. 

There Are Multiple Parties at Fault

Although this can happen as well in car accident cases, it is more common in trucking accident claims for there to be more than one party responsible for causing the accident. This means that lawsuits may be filed against multiple entities, and you need to be prepared to present evidence about each of these responsible parties in court. It can be hard to identify these parties on your own, much less file a lawsuit against them with compelling arguments for each one. This is one of the biggest signs that you need a trucking accident lawyer. Your lawyer can use an accident reconstruction team and analysis of other evidence from the scene of the accident to determine who is at fault and your opportunities for filing suit.

This information can make a big difference in the management of your case, as well as the ultimate recovery of compensation. 

You Have Devastating Injuries

Trucking accidents are known for causing life-changing injuries for those impacted, mostly due to the heavy weight carried by trucks. A fully loaded truck weighs significantly more than a passenger vehicle, meaning that any accidents caused can lead to critical or even fatal injuries. 

It is in your best interests to respond with the help of a dedicated and caring lawyer so that you can ensure that all of these factors have been included in your truck accident claim. Sustaining severe injuries or being diagnosed with medical conditions that will likely follow you for years to come are some of the biggest signs you need a truck accident lawyer. 

You Are Stalled in Settlement Negotiations

You might have attempted to open settlement negotiations with the other parties involved at the outset of the case and have had some early conversations already. It can be very frustrating to realize that you'll be unable to come to fair settlement terms. 

If you have already made your best effort in negotiations and have been unsuccessful in achieving a settlement resolution, this could be a sign you need a trucking accident lawyer who has appropriate experience and many years in the field handling situations like this. The involvement of a trucking accident lawyer can show the other side that you are taking your case seriously and that you will not be steamrolled in any conversations with the trucking accident stakeholders. If you find yourself in this position and need further insight and advice about how to proceed, it is recommended that you take this as a sign to retain a truck accident lawyer and find an attorney who has a track record of working through difficult settlements like this. There are so many different things to think about in the wake of a personal injury accident, but knowing what to do — especially when this is a truck accident — can have a significant impact on the outcome of your legal claim. 

A lawyer who has handled situations like this before will find it much easier to navigate this complex legal landscape and can tell you more about some of the common pitfalls that can happen with cases like yours. In all of these circumstances, there is a great deal of stress. Looking for ways to minimize your stress, such as acknowledging the signs that you need a car accident lawyer, can make it easier for you to find a way to navigate your way forward. No innocent trucking accident victim should have to deal with the situation of trying to recover compensation after an accident, but unfortunately, this is a reality for anyone who has been seriously hurt. 

If you are trying to cope with moving on with your life and are concerned about receiving a full and fair settlement for the injuries you sustained due to a truck driver, a negligent trucking company, a defective part manufacturer, or any other responsible entity, it is best to have someone on your side who knows the common pitfalls and can help you avoid mistakes in your legal claim. There is much to think about, and there are mistakes that could compromise full and fair recovery. Make sure that you discuss what is most important to you in your legal case with a truck accident lawyer. Many trucking accident injuries are severe and lifelong. Getting a proper medical evaluation is one of the most important steps you can take after an accident, even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms. This can help to illustrate that you took your medical care seriously and shows a treatment plan undertaken as soon as possible after the accident occurred. This can make it that much harder for insurance companies or other involved parties to argue that you were not seriously hurt, as this is a common tactic in similar cases. Do not hesitate to take these as signs to contact an experienced trucking accident lawyer.

What if I Miss the Statute of Limitations? 

Each state has their own rules around the statute of limitations, which means that you can’t file a lawsuit once that time has expired. You might have all the other elements of a true case against the at-fault party, but you must be able to bring this case forward within your state’s time limit. Make sure you meet with a lawyer soon after your wreck to discuss your options and start the process. 

Does My Lawyer Really Need Truck Accident Experience?

The field of personal injury law is a broad one, meaning that some lawyers have a primary caseload of general accident cases or certain types of specific cases. It’s always good to know what your lawyer’s experience is, especially if it’s looking like you need the help of someone with extensive knowledge of the complexities of trucking accidents. Talk to them about their previous cases, how much of their practice is made up of trucking accidents, and how those cases have been resolved in the past. You can use this information to make an informed decision about who to hire. 

Will My Case Settle?

In some cases, trucking companies don’t want the additional publicity or uncertainty of the case going to trial. If they believe that they can come to terms with you and any other involved parties for a reasonable fee, they might present you with a settlement offer. This is a lump sum for which you need to waive any future lawsuits. Not all cases do settle, however, for a variety of reasons, and they instead go to trial. You want to talk to your lawyer about what’s in your best interests and whether or not the other side might agree with what you believe to be fair. 

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident, you deserve to have someone who cares about your future help you with your legal claim. That means finding a lawyer as soon as possible to help you. Contact our trucking accident lawyers at Morgan & Morgan today to learn more about your next steps and how a lawsuit might help you.