You should not have to hire a truck accident lawyer for a minor accident. Minor is a subjective term, but in a minor accident where no one is hurt, and there is only some property damage or a bent fender, you should be able to settle with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for an amount that would cover any repairs.
That said, truck accidents are rarely minor accidents. These vehicles are far larger and heavier than your average passenger vehicles. Accidents with trucks can be devastating, causing massive property damage, severe injuries, and possibly even death.
If you are suffering injuries from a truck accident and wish to hire a lawyer, there are certain criteria a lawyer will take into account before deciding whether to take your case.
The Awards Have to Justify the Costs
Part of the reason you may not want to hire a lawyer is attorney’s fees. The cost of employing a lawyer may not cover the awards you could receive. Thus, the reason you should not need to hire a truck accident lawyer for a minor accident. In fact, lawyers follow an ethical code when it comes to setting their fees, per the American Bar Association.
Alternately, though, if your injuries are extreme, such as major physical injuries requiring hospitalization and time away from work to recover, then there is the possibility that the losses you could claim can justify hiring a truck accident lawyer.
You Are Having Difficulties Working with the Insurance Companies
If your injuries are extensive and require a long rehabilitation period, and the accident destroyed your car, you are probably requesting a large settlement from the insurance companies.
You may be feeling resistance from an insurance company and receiving low-ball offers that do not cover your current losses, let alone any future needs. In this instance, you may want to consider having a truck accident lawyer to represent you so that you may heal.
There Can Be Multiple Liable Parties in a Truck Accident Claim
Many people may not consider this, but your truck accident may have multiple insurance companies involved in your claim. There is not just the driver of the truck to consider. There is also the owner of the truck, the shipping company who loaded the truck, the maintenance crew that serviced the truck, the manufacturers who supplied parts for the truck, and even the local municipality that maintained the roads.
Each of these parties could share in the liability of the accident. For the average driver, discerning who is liable can be a difficult task, especially for someone who is healing from their injuries. A truck accident lawyer can help you through this as well.
Meeting Deadlines and Understanding the Law
Another consideration for hiring a lawyer is being sure you file all your paperwork on time. Insurance companies will set deadlines to file a claim after any accident. There are also legal deadlines for filing lawsuits known as the statute of limitations in each state. Plus, there is a multitude of federal trucking regulations and the state’s civil code on pursuing a personal injury lawsuit if negotiations fail with any of the insurance companies. A lawyer can assist you with these matters.
How a Lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Can Help You
A lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can offer services that can help you with your own truck accident claim. A lawyer can assist you with:
- Keeping you posted on any developments in your claim
- Advising you on what to do or say
- Gathering medical documents and police reports
- Investigating the accident by collecting photos and videos
- Researching any previous complaints or violations of any of the parties involved
- Speaking with eyewitnesses to your accident
- Consulting with experts, such as medical and accident reconstruction
- Identifying all liable parties
- Explaining any legal jargon or laws
- Calculating your total losses, both current and possible future needs
- Filing your claims
- Negotiating with the insurance companies to secure a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if you cannot reach a fair settlement
Call Us Today for a Free Case Review
Depending on the situation, you should not need to hire a truck accident lawyer for a minor accident. If you have been in a truck accident that resulted in significant bodily injury or caused a loved one’s death, and if you want to explore your legal options, call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (800) 235-0444 for a free case evaluation.
When you call us, we can review the circumstances of your truck accident case. If we represent you, we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we negotiate a fair settlement or receive a court award on your behalf.
