After a truck crash, you naturally have many questions. What does the future look like? Who will pay your bills? What do you do next?
One common question is whether you should hire a truck accident lawyer to handle the legal side of things. The answer to this question is that you should always consult an attorney who can assess whether or not you need their services.
Truck accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that consultations are free, and they only charge legal fees once they successfully obtain compensation for you. For this reason, a lawyer will only take your case if they believe you have a valid claim and legal representation is necessary.
Seeking a consultation costs nothing, and there is no risk, so never hesitate to discuss whether to hire a truck accident attorney with a law firm near you today.
Hire an Attorney if You are Diagnosed with Injuries
If you have been diagnosed with injuries following a truck accident, your next step should be to hire a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple fractures, can have long-term effects on your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. An attorney will advocate for your best interests and ensure you receive the necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation while fighting for the compensation you deserve.
In addition to representing your interests in negotiations with insurance companies, a truck accident attorney will also explore all possible avenues of compensation. This may include filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party, pursuing a claim against the trucking company for negligent hiring or maintenance practices, or seeking compensation from a third-party manufacturer if a defect in the truck or its components contributed to the accident. An attorney will leverage their experience and resources to build a strong case on your behalf.
Call a Truck Accident Attorney Before You Speak with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses whose primary goal is to minimize costs and protect their profits. Shortly after your crash, an adjuster might reach out to ask questions and request recorded statements about the accident and your injuries. While the adjuster might seem friendly enough, they can misinterpret your statements and potentially use them to reduce or deny your claim.
Consulting with a truck accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies allows them to handle all communications so you do not inadvertently provide information that might work against you.
An attorney will handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies, leveraging their knowledge and experience to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
Never Accept a Settlement Offer Before Speaking to a Lawyer
As mentioned, insurance adjusters are likely to contact you after a truck accident to gather information, and they might offer a settlement. Understand that these initial settlement offers are often far below the amount you may be entitled to. Without the guidance of an attorney, you may unknowingly accept a settlement that does not adequately compensate you for your injuries, damages, and ongoing medical expenses.
Accepting a settlement offer without consulting a truck accident attorney can have long-term consequences. Once you accept a settlement, you generally waive your right to seek further compensation, even if your injuries worsen or unexpected complications arise. Insurance companies know this and may use various tactics to pressure you into accepting a quick low-ball settlement offer.
A truck accident attorney will thoroughly evaluate each settlement offer to ensure it adequately covers your past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other damages you have incurred. They will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, leveraging their knowledge of the law and their experience handling truck accident cases to secure a fair settlement.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will be ready to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Delays in Hiring a Lawyer Can Hurt Your Case
Following a truck accident, act quickly to consult a lawyer. Delays in hiring a lawyer can significantly affect your case and potentially harm your chances of receiving fair compensation. Here’s why it’s essential to seek legal representation without delay.
Firstly, you need to preserve evidence. Truck accident cases often require thorough investigation, including gathering evidence such as accident reports, photographs, and witness statements. The longer you wait to hire a lawyer, the higher the chances that valuable evidence can be lost or compromised. An experienced attorney can promptly initiate the evidence preservation process and ensure no crucial information slips through the cracks.
Secondly, statutes of limitations apply to personal injury cases, including truck accidents. These are deadlines set by law, limiting the time you can file a lawsuit. If you miss the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to pursue a claim altogether. By hiring a lawyer promptly, you can avoid the risk of missing these deadlines and preserve your legal options for seeking compensation.
The importance of hiring a lawyer without delay after a truck accident cannot be overstated. By acting promptly, you can ensure the preservation of critical evidence and protect your legal rights. Don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney who can guide you through the complex legal process and help maximize your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
The Time to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney is Now
If you have been in a truck accident, the time to hire a personal injury attorney is now. Delaying seeking legal representation can result in crucial evidence being lost, witnesses becoming unavailable, and statutes of limitations expiring. By acting quickly and enlisting the help of an attorney, you can protect your rights and your claim, and ensure your case is built on a solid foundation.
Consultations are free, and you will have a chance to ask any questions of the truck accident lawyer. Contact a law firm in your area as soon as possible.