Dealing with the whole process after the accident can be quite complicated. The situation is even more complex if you are a driver for a truck company. Unfortunately, road accidents are not so rare. That is the main reason to learn more about proper steps in such situation. First step is to always make sure that everyone is safe, and then to call the emergency.
After that, you will need a report that you can use in the process. On the other hand, there is always a chance for making a deal with another side. However, that can be difficult if that side is not accepting the same terms. Be sure to avoid stepping into a conflict. When settlement is not an option, you will have to prepare for a trial. In that case, finding a good lawyer is essential. If you need an experienced one in Denver, check out https://www.blgwins.com/denver-personal-injury-lawyers/truck-accidents/
There are many reasons why this is the best solution. First of all, not all lawyers are experienced in traffic accidents. Also, there are other important details to deal with, such as ensuring proper compensation, proving the responsibility, and more. Here are the main advantages of hiring a truck accident lawyer.
Proper Assistance in the Court
You could choose an option to represent yourself in the trial. However, keep in mind that it can be a quite complex process with a lot of different details. Therefore, you could make some costly mistakes. Also, another side might use some tricks to avoid the full responsibility or to lead you into leaving some details outside of the trial.
Moreover, you don’t need to worry about what you could say, and whether anything of that can lead to a worse outcome. An experienced lawyer will prepare the case in advance and provide you with essential advice about acting right and not forgetting any detail.
Battle With the Truck Company
If you are in a process against the truck company where you were a driver, and they are accusing you that you are responsible for an accident, there are some ways to turn that in your favor. For example, if you didn’t get the right training, or you had to drive more hours than it is determined by the law.
Besides that, maybe the truck manufacturer was responsible in case of a failure where you couldn’t control the truck, which led to an accident. For example, stuck steering wheel or brake failure. In this case, the responsible sides could be either the truck company or the manufacturer.
For someone without proper experience, it will be difficult to research all these details, or even to consider them in the first place. Therefore, only a reliable and well-known attorney will ensure that you, as a driver, won’t be responsible for things you couldn’t control or affect.
Lower Compensation
This is also a common issue, and insurance companies might try some trucks to catch you in a rush, and lead you into signing a paper where you will accept a certain deal. However, the issue is when such deal is not appropriate enough to cover all the damage and compensate for your accident in the right way.
That is the main reason why most lawyers advice their clients to never sign any paper in rush. You should examine all the details, and consult with a professional to make sure that the terms are valid. Even if the initial amount seems to be high, there is a chance that they missed some details like medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, additional amount of pain and suffering, and more.
Medical and Other Expenses
While ensuring that the other side or the insurance company will pay for your medical expenses, there are other details that you can use to increase the total amount. For example, the other side might try to rush you into accepting the deal where they will cover the repair of the truck and amount you had to spend in the hospital.
However, they might try to avoid adding other types of compensation, such as the one for emotional distress, medication that you might need for a longer time, lost wages that you will face if you are not able to work for some time, and more.
Always Stay Focused and Patient
As we already mentioned, rushing into a deal is not always the right solution. That is especially the case with another side is aware that you may be inexperienced. After the accident, there are some things that you must do. When you are sure that everyone is safe, and after you contact 911, you should step into the process of creating a set of proofs that will assist you in the court.
For example, you can take a set of pictures from different sides of the truck and another vehicle. Also, you will ask the police to create a report that will also represent a valuable proof. While doing so, you should contact the lawyer who will come to the spot and start assisting you in preparation of the case.
On the other side, even if settlement is a real option, you should never rush into. You can call a lawyer and ask for advice even in this case where there won’t be a trial. The expert will help you determine the right amount that will be good enough to avoid setting a trial.
Such a deal should also implement the additional amount for reckless driving, missing road signs, breaking for road laws, and more. Again, people will usually try to force a deal when they think that the other side may accept a settlement that will be lower than the one that would be given at the court.
The Bottom Line
It can be tricky and complicated to deal with this case on your own. The biggest risk is that you will miss some important detail that will significantly decrease the total amount of compensation. Therefore, always consult with a well-known professional to ensure getting the most out of the case or proving the correct responsibility.
