If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other damages through a truck accident claim. Hiring a lawyer to handle your claim can improve your chances of obtaining maximum compensation. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of knowing a legal professional is looking out for your best interests so you can focus on healing from your injuries. But, when should you hire a truck accident attorney?
There are a few ways to interpret that question. Let’s explore it in two different ways:
- Under what circumstances should you hire a lawyer, and
- How soon after your accident should you retain one
Under What Circumstance Should You Hire a Lawyer for Your Truck Accident Case?
The claims process can be complex, especially in accidents involving commercial trucks. Here are some situations when having a truck accident lawyer handling your claim proves most beneficial:
You are Unfamiliar with the Legal Process
The legalities involved in truck accident claims are complex. Personal injury lawyers go through years of graduate-level schooling and hone their skills by working under experienced mentors to gain an understanding of the intricacies of the law. They know the legal process and deadlines for filing these claims, how to gather evidence to support demands for compensation, and have developed the negotiation skills needed to go head-to-head with at-fault parties and their insurance companies. For these reasons, having a lawyer can greatly increase your chances of a positive outcome in your truck accident case.
Your Accident Involved Serious Injuries
Truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, leading to more severe impacts and resulting in more serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. Many truck accident victims suffer long-term or permanent disabilities and need rehabilitation, special equipment for mobility, or accommodations to their homes or vehicles. The medical bills can add up quickly. You shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden of injuries caused by a truck driver’s negligence. A lawyer can ensure that your claim accounts for all the damages the accident caused you, now and in the future.
Your Injuries Prevent You from Returning to Your Job
You should be able to claim any lost income or earnings, including sick leave or medical benefits if you or your loved one could not work while recovering from the injuries. But if one of you is unable to return to your job in the same capacity as before the accident or is unable to return to work at all because of the injuries, the injured person and their family may be eligible to seek compensation for loss of future earnings. A lawyer can assess your injuries and consult with experts to determine if and to what degree the injuries are impacting the injured party’s earning potential.
The Accident Resulted in Fatal Injuries
It’s heartbreaking to lose a loved one, especially in a truck accident. No amount of money will ease your loss. However, surviving family members obtain justice and closure through a wrongful death lawsuit. Through this legal action, your lawyer may be able to recover coverage for damages such as funeral and burial costs and the financial support your loved one would have provided to the family had they not suffered fatal injuries in the accident.
Discuss Your Truck Accident Case with an Experienced Attorney Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident involving a commercial truck, you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. Insurance companies are quick to deny or devalue accident victims’ claims. If a truck driver caused or significantly contributed to your accident, you are entitled to full and fair compensation.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer from the Francis Firm today for your free case consultation. With over 25 years of experience representing truck accident victims, we have the experience and resources to see your case through to the best possible outcome.