If you or someone you care about was hurt in an accident
with a truck, you are probably in pain and trying to figure out what to do
next. A semi truck accident attorney can investigate the
incident, interview witnesses, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance
company, and even take the matter to court on your behalf if required. A truck
accident lawyer can care for you while you focus on getting better or helping a
family member who was hurt in an accident that wasn't your fault.
What Makes Truck Accidents Happen?
Several different things can cause a trucking accident. When
a commercial truck is involved in a car accident, it is very different from
when two passenger cars are involved. The size and weight of a semi-truck
significantly affect how much damage can be done to property and how bad
injuries can be in this type of accident.
Truck drivers must follow specific federal safety rules on
the road. Accidents happen when these still need to be done. Driver fatigue is
still one of the main reasons why semi trucks get into car accidents. There are
strict rules to ensure truck drivers get enough sleep in between the long hours
they spend on the road. If you don't record these breaks and rest times
correctly, it's against federal safety rules and puts everyone on the street in
danger.
How Much Time It Take To Resolve An Accident?
When you sue a trucking company, there is no single answer
to how long it might take to settle the case. It might take as little as six
months or a few years. Some of these factors are how well negotiations with the
company go, how much evidence there is about what caused the accident and who
was at fault, and how many people were involved.
But if the other side won't negotiate pretty and insists on
going to court to try to scare team of truck accident lawyers, they won't back
down. Settlements can happen at different times, even during a trial before the
final verdict is made. When the other side sees that you're ready to hold them
accountable, the settlements that come later are often higher than the first
offer.
Do Semi-Truck Accident Cases Go to Trial?
There is a chance that your case involving a commercial truck accident will go to trial, but if it does, your semi truck accident attorney will handle all aspects of trial preparation so that they do not interfere with your daily life.
While trials take more time than settlement negotiations,
the financial judgments are sometimes substantially more significant since a
judge or jury has more leeway to award punitive damages. For example, on top of
the money you deserve for your injuries and losses, "punitive
damages" may be added to your total. This money can help keep your family
financially stable in the future.
Call An Attorney Or Insurance Company First?
Before you talk to the insurance company, you should consult
a semi truck accident attorney. When you hire a lawyer right away, it is harder
for insurance agents to take advantage of your situation.
Insurance firms are first and foremost businesses. It is
their job to make money. When you pay out on legitimate claims, it cuts into your
profits. Even though the contract says they have to give you the coverage you
paid for, they will try to find a way to get out of it.
