Despite federal regulations and restrictions to curb driver negligence, car accidents continue to be a recurring problem. This problem can become even more fatal when trucks are involved—up to 74 percent of truck accidents are fatal, especially when passenger vehicles are involved. Trucks are heavy-duty vehicles, packing on as much as 20 to 30 times the average car. Because of the massive size difference, it’s improbable that a car will experience merely a fender bender. These accidents can cause serious bodily injuries and total a vehicle on the receiving end of a major wreck.
If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident, you may want the best truck accidents lawyer near you to give you expert insight on how to seek compensation for damages.
A truck accidents lawyer is an attorney who handles truck accident claims and advocates for those involved in truck-related collisions. Truck accidents occur due to varying levels of negligence, including human error, incorrect judgment, and oversight. Some examples include:
Truck accident attorneys go to great lengths to identify the negligent party or parties in an accident by collecting evidence, researching the crash scene, and interviewing eyewitnesses. They also assist in negotiating with the insurance company and, in some cases, instituting court proceedings. In the case of a serious truck accident, truck accident attorneys can file a lawsuit on behalf of the victim’s family against the truck driver or trucking firm.
There are different things to consider when retaining the services of truck accidents lawyers near you. For instance, if insurance sufficiently covers collision losses and hospital bills, you may not need to hire a lawyer. However, because this happens very rarely, an accident victim may benefit from the services of an attorney. The following are points to consider before you hire a lawyer:
Damages include personal property loss, physical and psychological trauma, and wrongful death suffered from the accident. Employing the services of personal injury lawyers for legal guidance and counsel when filing a personal injury lawsuit may help victims who have incurred steep medical costs after the accident.
When your insurance company is hesitant to fund the required expenditure caused by an accident, an attorney will not only be your eyes and ears in your absence but also advocate your cause during discussions and negotiations between you and the insurance company. The best truck accidents lawyers near you are familiar with the various tactics employed by insurers to attempt to reduce your compensation.
There are certain things to look for when choosing an experienced truck accidents attorneys near you. Successful attorneys, including the best truck accidents lawyer near you, have professional traits that distinguish them from their competition, including:
Choosing a lawyer for truck accidents near you with appropriate experience in truck accident claims can help you get your case started in the best way possible. Since the attorney will have the gift of hindsight as well as training, he or she will know which laws are relevant to your case and how to apply them to your advantage. You can also rest easy knowing that you have picked someone with the ability to do the job well.
Attorneys monitor their success records in truck accident cases based on the number of successful claims and the amount of compensation earned for clients. A good indicator of expertise will be an impressive track record of success, which can increase your chances of winning your claim.
Imagine losing a claim while still having to scrounge up attorney fees. Hiring a lawyer on a contingency-fee-basis helps clients avoid these difficult bills. A contingency arrangement means that the attorney only receives a percentage of the final settlement and you won’t have to pay for an unsuccessful claim.
According to the American Bar Association, attorneys ought to follow an ethical code while deciding whether or not to accept a case. It also sets a reasonable price standard to charge clients once an attorney accepts a case.
Considering these ethical rules, the average contingency-fee percentage charged by a truck accident lawyer ranges between 33 and 40 percent of the overall amount received.
However, note that attorneys will typically charge a more significant percentage of the settlement in matters that involve arbitration or a lawsuit and trial. Some expenses, such as the expert witness fee or postage, may also be incurred. You can discuss the specifics in advance with your truck accident lawyer.
A lawyer for truck accidents near you will operate on a contingency basis. Therefore, he or she will not charge a consultation fee or any other up-front expenses. Most truck accident law firms provide free consultations to give you an idea of the level of assistance they can offer.
Timing is critical when filing a truck crash lawsuit against a government-owned truck. Due to the statute of limitations in these circumstances, injured persons must file claims within a small window of time. These suits typically involve a lot of steps. If you are ever involved in a collision with a government-owned vehicle, consider consulting with a lawyer for truck accidents near you as soon as possible.
In the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the Department of Transportation, regulates the operations and practices of trucking companies and oversees commercial vehicle safety to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving buses and heavy trucks.
In a non-fatal collision, it is vital to contact the police, document all evidence at the site, and identify other persons involved in the accident. This information will be needed when filing your police report and insurance claim. Furthermore, valuing your vehicle can help you to know whether you’d be better off repairing it, applying for a vehicle lease, or purchasing a new car.