The Experience You Need. The Attention You Deserve.
A Truck Accident Lawyer Makes Sure You Receive Compensation
A truck accident lawyer can protect your rights and improve your chance’s of a favorable outcome in court.
When you or a family member have been seriously injured in an accident with a semi-truck or other heavy equipment, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation. Most importantly, if a fatality was involved, you should speak with a skilled truck accident lawyer. Time is absolutely critical following an accident, as an investigation must be conducted immediately.
Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident is imperative. And not just any lawyer – you need someone who is knowledgeable about how things work and knows how to protect your rights. You will be contacted by trucking company representatives and insurance companies right after the accident. They want to get your statement and will most likely make a settlement offer.
Financial Compensation
If you have incurred medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering or other damages, you may file a lawsuit for damages and other compensation. Importantly, you should not accept any settlement offers prior to speaking to an attorney. In the event of a denial or any attempt to reduce the value of your claim, having a truck accident lawyer to refute those actions is vital to your interests.
Discovery & Assessing Liability
When multiple parties are involved in a truck accident, each party could potentially be held liable. This is different from other types of vehicular accidents, such as a one-vehicle car accident where only one driver is involved. In a truck accident, in addition to the driver of the truck, liability may be assigned to the driver’s employer, the truck and trailer’s owner, the manufacturer of the truck and the trailer, and more. A competent truck accident lawyer uses the discovery process to determine all of the liable parties.
Comparative Negligence
Like many states, Missouri has comparative fault laws that affect the amount of compensation you can recover in a personal injury lawsuit. Referred to as “Comparative Negligence,” it means when a plaintiff who is partially responsible for his own injuries may only collect damages in proportion to the defendant’s degree of fault. An experienced truck accident lawyer will be well-versed in the application of this law and will know how to build a strong case that helps ensure the law is applied fairly.
Negotiations
A significant advantage of having a truck accident lawyer on your side is to negotiate on your behalf with all the other involved parties, including opposing attorneys, company owners, and insurance providers. They will have teams of lawyers to protect themselves from having to pay.
Negotiating with other lawyers and large insurance companies, simultaneously with all the other parties, can be an intricate balancing act. Your chances of recovering fair compensation increase when you have a veteran truck accident lawyer who is highly skilled in the negotiating process.
Governance of Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs the trucking industry. All commercial trucks are required to undergo systematic inspection, repairs, and maintenance to ensure their vehicles are safe. The FMCSA also mandates that the motor carrier maintain records of these inspections. Likewise, driver training and licensing are subject to FMCSA laws and regulations.
Talk To A Truck Accident Lawyer First
Truck accident claims are complicated and can easily be overwhelming, especially if you have not experienced it before. Having an attorney by your side can help reduce your stress. You will have peace of mind knowing that your best interests will be protected. You need to call a truck accident lawyer right away.