Have you ever witnessed the aftermath of a large commercial truck accident? If so, then you are probably aware of the devastating damage these collisions cause. People involved in these accidents often experience life-changing, catastrophic, and even fatal injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident with a truck, you should seek representation as soon as possible to preserve your legal options. The sooner you begin documenting and collecting information in support of your case, the better your chances will be of recovering compensation from the truck driver and the company they work for.
Expenses related to a truck accident, like medical expenses, vehicle damage, and lost income will continue to mount, regardless of whether you have recovered from your injuries or not.
The compensation you are provided for the accident should be sufficient to cover your expenses. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to sue for other damages like pain and emotional suffering, as well. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning each driver’s insurance will cover their own client’s accident-related medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault.
For this reason, most personal injury cases are settled out of court but obtaining a fair settlement from an insurance company can be difficult. Pennsylvania allows vehicle owners to opt out of the no-fault system when they purchase a car insurance policy, meaning that it is possible to step outside of the no-fault system and file a lawsuit provided your injuries meet certain thresholds set by state law.
Long story short, personal injury and insurance law in Pennsylvania are difficult to navigate.
What a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
A lawyer will help you collect evidence to support your claim. This can include taking photographs, medical documentation, motor vehicle accident reports, or if necessary, could even include reconstructing the accident scene. This information, when taken together, will provide a picture of what caused the accident and who is liable for damages.
A lawyer will help to answer critical questions. For instance, did the truck fail to follow speed limits or lane markings? Or was the truck not appropriately maintained?
In any vehicle collision, the police report becomes a part of the official record of the accident. Police do not always question witnesses, take photographs, or attempt to investigate the scene beyond the statements of the parties involved. Police may not even prevent parties from removing or discarding evidence in the absence of criminal activity.
A lawyer will also prepare the complaint and follow appropriate procedures to notify all parties. They can place the trucking company on notice that all evidence related to the accident should be preserved, and should not be tampered with, damaged, or altered in any way.
Moreover, the lawyer will;
- Collect witness statements
- Take or obtain photographs
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Investigate the roads and traffic patterns where the accident happened
- Research the other company and driver
- Assist the client in obtaining medical documentation
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Helps Investigate
Once you have retained representation, the legal team will contact witnesses and take statements. They will analyze all relevant facts about the accident, including investigating the driver, the trucking company, and the truck manufacturer. Investigating the facts helps to get to the root cause of the accident.
Some common causes of truck accidents are:
- Flaws in engineering designs
- Part defects
- Poor hiring practices that fail to properly investigate driver records
- Bad supervision
- Truck driver negligence or recklessness
- Poor maintenance of trucks
A common cause of trucking accidents are overworked, exhausted drivers. There are rules and regulations that prohibit drivers from operating a truck when tired or exhausted, and trucking companies are supposed to limit the number of hours their employees are driving on a daily basis.
With a reasonable investigation, a legal professional can assist you in recovering damages. Truck accidents have devastating and life changing outcomes for victims and their families. Our lawyers understand the severity of these accidents and are empathetic to the need to recover expenses during such difficult times. Damages often include:
- Pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of consortium (family relations)
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle and other property damage
Every truck accident is unique. Because of this, legal expertise is highly recommended to improve your odds at obtaining a favorable outcome. In addition to conducting a complete investigation, there are several other factors that attorneys focus on to successfully recover damages. Some of these are:
- Knowledge of trucking regulations
- Legal process for obtaining evidence
- Assessing and negotiating for damages
It is important to understand all your legal options following a truck accident. Allow an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer to assist you in seeking the compensation that you deserve. They have a multitude of ready resources available to support your case.
Not every minor mishap requires a lawyer, but truck accidents are seldom minor. A significant truck accident requires extensive legal representation. Make sure you hire a reputable attorney to handle your case. Please Click here to get more information.
