In 2019, a heartbreaking 4,119 individuals were killed in semi-truck accidents in the United States.
Semi-truck accidents are especially lethal due to the size and weight of the vehicles. Many of these incidents are the result of semi-truck drivers’ and trucking firms’ irresponsibility.
If you were involved in an 18 wheeler accident, you may need to contact a lawyer. Continue reading this article to learn more about when hiring an 18 wheeler accident lawyer is non-negotiable!
When You Are Injured
Truck accidents are frequently serious and fatal. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible following an automobile accident—minutes can be the difference between life and death.
The first thing you should do is contact 911 to notify emergency medical responders and police officers of the collision location.
Call 911 even if you feel you are not wounded or if your injuries are minor.
18 wheeler accident injuries can be costly and even life-threatening in some cases. If you are wounded in an accident that was not your fault, you should contact an accident attorney right away.
This is because, even if you were somewhat to blame for what occurred, you may be able to recover a portion of your losses. Some car accidents are caused by both drivers. A semi-truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining if you are eligible for compensation.
Remember that accident injuries can involve both emotional and psychological ailments, as well as pain and suffering.
If possible, gather evidence at the accident scene. Take pictures of the collision location, the junction, the other vehicles, the damage to your car, and the truck’s license plate and number.
Gather eyewitness information and communicate with police officials to ensure a thorough police report is completed. However, don’t put yourself in danger only to get proof.
When Your Require Prolonged Treatment
If you were wounded in a semi-truck accident and require continuous care, you should consult with a semi-truck accident lawyer.
Complicated injuries that need long-term care are more likely to be investigated by the semi-truck driver’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster assigned to your case may attempt to suggest that you do not require treatment or to undervalue your claim. The insurance company may even employ their own doctor to challenge your treating physician.
Serious injuries are more likely to result in lasting disability, which you do not want to try to prove on your own. When you engage an expert semi-truck accident attorney, they will begin preparing your case from the beginning and will give continuing legal assistance.
You won’t be able to settle your claim until you’ve finished treatment. Insurance firms will press you to accept a low-ball offer so that they may close their case. Your attorney will watch out for your best interests and prevent this from happening.
When You Are Unable to Work
If your injuries from the accident are severe enough that you are unable to work, you will need the assistance of an accident attorney.
Your attorney will assist you in proving that you are unable to work as a result of the accident and in recovering your lost pay. When you are unable to work due to an accident, you lose your income while your medical expenditures continue to mount. The last thing you want is to have to deal with an insurance company.
A skilled semi-truck accident attorney will handle the paperwork while you focus on healing.
When Liability Is Disputed
If you are unsure if the semi-truck driver was to blame for the collision, you should consult with a semi-truck accident attorney.
Police reports might be ambiguous or even wrong at times. The semi-truck driver’s insurance company is looking out for their own interests, not yours. They can pay you less for your claim if they can lay even a little percentage of the blame on you.
Proving culpability may be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the law. Experienced semi-truck accident lawyers understand how to establish culpability and negotiate with insurance companies. If the insurance company tries to blame you for the accident, you should contact an attorney immediately.
When Your Insurance Won’t Pay
If you’ve filed a claim with the semi-truck driver’s insurance company and they’re not paying, you should seek a lawyer.
Insurance firms sometimes deny claims or give low-ball settlements only to see if you’ll go away. Hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer can demonstrate to them that you are serious and aware of your rights.
The insurance company does not have the authority to decide what occurs in response to your claim. They cannot deny or limit your lawful entitlement to compensation. If you allow them, this is what they will do.
A skilled lawyer is a guardrail that protects your right to full and fair compensation. The sooner you put up the guardrail, the more difficult it will be for the insurance company to drive your case over the brink.
Insurance adjusters will sift over your case looking for anything they may use to prevent payment. You should never accept an insurance company’s offer that is less than fair. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement, your lawyer will take your case to trial.
Hire an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer
If you were in a semi-truck accident and any of the aforementioned factors relate to your case, you should contact a semi-truck accident attorney right once. The sooner you retain an attorney, the better.
Were you recently involved in an 18 wheeler accident? Get represented by requesting a consultation at the link so that you can receive the justice you deserve.