Navigating the legal maze: Expert tips from a truck accident lawyer
The resulting legal battle is complex if you’ve been involved in a truck accident. This is because there are often several liable parties, including the truck driver, the company that employs them, and the manufacturer of the truck or cargo being hauled.
The right truck accident lawyer can turn insurmountable legal complexities into navigable pathways, guiding you through the entire process and fighting for maximum compensation.
Take photos of the accident scene
The best way to preserve evidence is to take photos of the accident scene. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, having high-quality photographs will help your attorney prove fault and damages.
Please photograph each vehicle from different angles and close-ups. Try to include as many details as possible, such as vehicle damage, license plates, road signs, skid marks, and weather conditions.
If you cannot take photos due to being injured, unsteady on your feet, or otherwise in a safe area, ask a loved one or passersby to do it. Never leave an accident scene without taking pictures – the weather, lighting, and road conditions may change quickly. Place a reference item in each photo to provide a sense of scale if necessary.
Contact the police
In a collision with an 18-wheeler or large commercial truck, it is essential to file a police report. This document will help expedite your insurance claim process and provide evidence if the case goes to trial.
When speaking to police at the scene of your accident, be sure only to disclose information that is asked for. Otherwise, your statements may be used against you during the trial or insurance claim settlement.
It is also a good idea to contact the police department’s non-emergency line and ask a dispatcher for advice. You may also want to check if local businesses or intersections have surveillance cameras nearby. If they do, formally request access to this footage.
Gather witnesses’ information
Many truck accidents involve multiple vehicles. As a result, it can be challenging to determine all liable parties. Your truck accident Garland lawyer will work to identify all responsible parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and any government entities involved in your crash.
Witnesses provide information and observations based on their cognitive perceptions of the events they sensed with their senses. Informal testing of a witness to ensure their subjective interpretations are accurate and not significantly skewed is an appropriate strategy for court cases.
Locating witnesses can be difficult, especially when a substantial amount of time has passed since the collision occurred. However, a diligent attorney can often track down helpful witnesses. If a witness agrees to testify, it is best to ask them to draft and sign a statement that recounts what they saw during the accident.
Gather evidence
Obtaining evidence in support of your claim is the key to getting a fair and adequate settlement. This can involve various things, including interviewing witnesses, analyzing accident reports, using official records, and conducting investigations.
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties that could be liable for your injuries. These include the truck driver, the trucking company, and sometimes even the truck manufacturer.
A good Garland truck accident lawyer knows how to investigate these cases and identify all potential liable parties. They also understand the complex laws and regulations specific to trucking and can use this knowledge to their advantage. They can even spot attempts by insurance companies to deflect fault from themselves or reduce your compensation. This includes pressure tactics, such as calling you while recovering from your injuries or setting short deadlines for accepting offers.
Contact a lawyer
Finding a truck accident lawyer with a proven track record of handling truck accidents is essential. They should also be familiar with the laws and rules for truck accidents in your state.
Additionally, truck accident lawyers often work with various experts, such as engineers, medical experts, and actuaries. These experts can help support your case and provide insights that you may need help to get on your own.
Your attorney will be able to review your bills and expenses to determine how much you should receive in compensation. They can also help you recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. These damages can be more challenging to calculate, but your attorney will know how to go about it.