Should I Get a Truck Accident Lawyer?
By Lark Lewis, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed February 04, 2025
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A truck accident can be a harrowing experience. You may need a lawyer.
Truck accidents can lead to:
- Serious injuries
- Overwhelming medical expenses
- The wrongful death of a loved one
An accident with a big rig (also known as a semi-truck) can leave you reeling and uncertain about your legal options and legal rights.
This article will explain why you need experienced legal representation from a personal injury attorney for your truck accident case. It discusses insurance companies and adjusters. It also addresses the complexity of truck accident cases and dealing with serious injuries.
Insurance Companies and Their Adjusters
Immediately following a motor vehicle accident, insurance companies and their insurance adjusters enter the picture. These entities often aim to minimize their payout. Without the help of a truck accident lawyer, you may get less compensation than you deserve.
Insurance companies often have vast resources and legal teams. The average person might find it impossible to face insurance companies alone. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can level the playing field and enable you to assert your rights effectively.
Complexity of Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases are notably more complex than car accidents. A commercial truck accident often involves several liable parties. These may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Truck manufacturers
Each of these parties will likely have their own insurance and legal representation.
Your truck accident attorney will understand the ins and outs of the trucking industry, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and the federal regulations that govern the trucking industry.
An attorney will:
- Gather evidence
- Handle the many layers of insurance coverage
- Identify all responsible parties
This boosts your chances of securing compensation for your losses in a truck accident claim.
Calculating the damages in a truck accident claim, especially for pain and suffering, requires a deep understanding of personal injury law. Estimating these amounts on your own could lead to settling for less than what your case is worth.
Dealing with Serious Injuries and Medical Expenses
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries. These injuries can include traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage. Truck accident injuries usually demand extensive medical care.
Catastrophic injuries from a truck accident can lead to:
- Huge medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- A decrease in your earning capacity
A truck accident lawyer will help you estimate your current and future medical expenses. They will also help you calculate pain and suffering damages and reduced quality of life.
Detailed Investigations and Expert Witnesses
An experienced truck accident lawyer is familiar with accident scene investigations and uses the skills of expert witnesses when necessary. A skilled attorney can:
- Collect relevant evidence, such as photographs from the accident scene depicting tire skid marks
- Analyze the police report
- Bring in expert witnesses for crash reconstructions if you go to court
Protecting Your Legal Rights
A truck accident lawsuit must get filed within a certain timeframe. This is the statute of limitations. Given the complexity of truck accidents, early legal intervention can be critical.
Prompt action allows your lawyer to preserve evidence and identify potential defendants. A truck accident lawyer will also handle interactions with insurance companies and insurance adjusters and protect you from harmful tactics. An attorney can help ensure that any settlement negotiations are fair and just.
Get Legal Advice for Your Personal Injury Case
Facing a truck accident case alone is challenging and potentially disadvantageous. If you or a family member is a truck accident victim, hiring an experienced truck accident attorney could be the difference between securing the most compensation for your losses and suffering financial strain.
A legal professional will know how to navigate personal injury law and commercial vehicle accidents, as well as the tactics of large insurance companies to represent your interests.
Speak to a personal injury lawyer to start your personal injury claim after a truck accident.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf
- Accident and injury claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
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