If you’re in a car accident with a large truck, you might want to seek legal assistance. First, a lawyer can help you determine who is legally and financially at fault for your injuries and other damages. Furthermore, he or she can help you obtain funds to pay medical bills and lost wages if you are unable to work.
A good truck accident attorney can also assist you with obtaining costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle. In some cases, they can also get you an award for pain and suffering damages. But how do you get help from a lawyer after a car accident with a large truck?
Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident with a Large Truck
The laws that apply to car accidents with a large truck are different from accidents between two passenger vehicle drivers. In fact, truck drivers must follow strict federal guidelines in order to ensure they are driving safely. For example, trucking companies and truck drivers must properly maintain their vehicles, secure their loads, and undergo other safety measures. They should also ensure that truck drivers do not drive while they’re fatigued or distracted. Moreover, truck drivers are legally required to undergo drug and alcohol testing if certain conditions arise. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in truck accidents will be familiar with such protocols.
Fighting For Your Case
A good truck accident lawyer will fight for your rights all the way through trial, if necessary. They will know specifics about car accidents with large trucks such as federal law requires trucking companies to preserve certain evidence. An attorney can help you obtain and ensure the maintenance of such evidence.
Evidence commonly used during truck accidents lawsuits include:
- Photographs of the vehicles involved in the accidents,
- Tire and skid marks on the road near the accident,
- Witness statements,
- Truck drivers’ documented hours of service,
- Expert witnesses,
- Dashcam footage,
- Black box data,
- Bills of lading,
- Truck drivers’ training and driving history,
- GPS data,
- Truck inspection and service station records,
- Results of alcohol and drug screens,
- Truck drivers’ licenses and qualifications,
- Load and cargo records,
- Trip envelopes, and
- Dispatch instructions.
Because the evidence listed above can make or break a personal injury case. It is important to find a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that the trucking company maintains this important evidence. Doing so will ensure that it is available during the lawsuit.
Paying Your Attorney: No Need to Go Out-of-Pocket
After you have a preliminary consultation and decide to work with a personal injury attorney, you may be wondering how you will be paying your lawyer. Personal injury lawyers are often paid on a contingency basis. This means that you would not be expected to pay up-front. Legal fees are paid when you receive a settlement or receive a verdict in your favor. Your lawyer would then take a percentage of the award to cover his or her costs.
In the event you or a passenger suffered injuries during a car accident, a lawyer can often help you receive a reward. This reward is usually a greater award than if you merely filed a claim with your insurance carrier. In fact, most insurance companies are dedicated to ensuring that they pay out as little money on your behalf as possible. A lawyer, on the other hand, is dedicated to ensuring you receive the greatest award possible. As a result, be sure to discuss any car accident with a truck with a skilled attorney. The skilled attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas are here to help you protect your legal rights after a car accident with a truck. Call us for a free consultation today.
