How Can I Maximize Compensation for a Truck Accident
Do you ever tense up when you have to change lanes in front of a semi-truck? Do you feel anxious when they approach at fast speeds in your rearview mirror? You’re right to feel apprehensive and be on extra alert. A minor “tap” from an 80,000-pound fully loaded 18-wheeler will cause the average car to spin out and end up in a severe wreck. If you find yourself in this scenario, you need to speak with a skilled attorney to determine how to maximize your compensation for a truck accident.
Assigning Liability
When a trucking accident causes bodily harm and property damage, liability has to be assigned to the at-fault party. The first person to be held accountable would be the truck driver. However, there could be additional parties that contribute to the accident. Those parties include the following:
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading crew and company
- The truck manufacturer
- The maintenance team that services the truck
Strategies to Maximize Compensation for a Truck Accident Claim
One of the most important things you can do in order to maximize compensation in a truck accident claim is to retain the services of an experienced attorney. The legal team at the Trucking Injury Law Group exclusively works in truck accident claims across numerous states. We understand what it takes to achieve a successful outcome for our clients.
Here are some of the important strategies you and your attorneys need to deploy for your claim action:
Gather Comprehensive Evidence
In the aftermath of a truck accident, you need to get medical attention for anyone who needs it. You also need to document the accident scene. The photos and videos you take on your cell phone can become vital pieces of evidence for your claim. You want to take wide and close-up shots of the damage, the road conditions, and any other relevant elements.
You also need to get contact information from the truck driver. That includes the company he works for and the type of cargo they were hauling. Finally, you want to get information from the witness. You can even video their account of the accident.
Document All Your Injuries
You will need copies of all your medical records from your first visit to the emergency room to your ongoing therapies. Additionally, you should also keep a pain journal that documents how intense the pain is from your accident injuries and how it is impacting your life.
Line Up Expert Witnesses
Your legal team will have a network of accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals who will provide authoritative testimonies about your version of what happened in the accident. That testimony is not reserved for a civil trial. It can also be part of your initial insurance claim. That kind of support can help maximize compensation for a truck accident.
Make an Accurate Calculation of Damages
It is essential that you work with your attorney, doctors, and financial experts to come up with a fair and reasonable summary of your damages. That needs to include all your economic and non-economic damages for now and in the future.
Utilize State and Federal Specific Laws
Each state has its own statute of limitations. In Nevada, the statute of limitations is two years, and failure to comply with those laws can mean you won’t be able to get any compensation.
Federal rules and regulations also apply to the trucking industry. For instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets hours of service regulations for every truck driver. When a truck driver ignores those rules, they could drive fatigued, which can lead to an accident. Applying these rules can help establish negligence.
Negotiate Effectively
The moment your attorney sends your demand letter to the insurance company, the negotiations begin for your settlement. Your attorneys will be handling these negotiations on your behalf. It is a safe bet that they’ve already gone up against these same insurance companies. They understand how they operate and what they consider a reasonable damage remedy.
When these strategies are implemented, you can maximize compensation for a truck accident claim.
The Civil Lawsuit Option
After going through several rounds of negotiations with the insurance company, there might be an impasse. A civil lawsuit might be the only viable option if the insurance company denies the claim or offers a lower figure than you deserve. Here again, your legal team will step up to take the lead as they will file the official complaint and set in motion a trial where your evidence and story will be presented in front of a jury.
Once a civil lawsuit is filed, the insurance carrier and at-fault parties named in the lawsuit will have to respond. At that point, they might want to avoid a lengthy and costly trial. That could have them coming back to the negotiation table with a better offer. That offer can even come in once the trial gets underway.
Challenges in Truck Accident Claims
Taking on the challenges in a truck accident claim is not something you want to do on your own. The Trucking Injury Law Group is ready and willing to provide information and guidance about your options. Even a “slam dunk” case still needs to follow the requirements for filing claims and pursuing the potential court case. We recognize the complexity of these cases, and if we agree to represent you, we’ll provide support and information every step of the way.
Our help begins with a free case evaluation. Call to schedule that vital conversation today.