After you get into a truck accident, you must complete a few actions before contacting a lawyer. Once you have filed an accident report, attended to your injuries and recovered, and exchanged information with the other drivers, you should contact a lawyer. An attorney can help you file a claim, gather evidence for your case, and fight for your settlement.
A settlement can help you pay for medical bills and other costs that arise from the accident. However, getting an attorney at the right time is essential to the success of your case. Our Texas truck accident attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm explain when to get a lawyer after a truck crash and how one can help build a strong case.
Determining Fault When There Are Multiple Parties Involved
When you get into a truck accident, there are often multiple parties involved that could share fault. Usually, the insurance company will be responsible for determining fault. However, their judgment of fault is likely biased against you.
The primary party in a truck accident is the truck driver, but multiple other parties that weren’t at the scene of the accident can still be liable. Other parties that you can seek compensation from in a truck accident include:
- Truck manufacturer
- Trucking company
- Mechanic who serviced the truck
- Cargo company
- Another driver
This is one of the instances where hiring a truck accident attorney after an accident can help. They can identify the parties that are at fault while fighting for your interests. Your lawyer can help identify in which ways each party was negligent, such as speeding or driving while fatigued.
You Need to Negotiate a Settlement
When it comes time to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, things can get complex in a short amount of time. When you go to the insurance company, their first offer is most likely going to be very low. That’s why having a dedicated truck accident attorney by your side can ensure that all the damages that your case qualifies for are taken into account.
Without a lawyer, it’s easy for the insurance company to take advantage of you. The insurance company industry uses certain tactics to try to trick you into accepting their low settlement. They may even pull at your emotions by talking about all the damages you will have to pay and push you to accept their lowball offer.
This is where getting a lawyer after a truck accident can help and combat the deceptive tactics the insurance adjuster is using. If you are not able to reach an agreement on the settlement amount, your lawyer can start the process for a lawsuit so you can get the settlement you deserve. If your case ends up going to trial, the settlement you receive will be much bigger than what the insurance company offers you.
When You’re Overwhelmed After Your Accident
Getting into a truck accident is already overwhelming enough without adding a lawsuit to the mix. If this is your first time getting into a truck accident, you may not be sure where to start. A Texas truck accident attorney can help you start building a strong case.
If you are concerned about how much a truck accident lawyer costs, there’s no need to worry. A majority of truck accident attorneys work on contingency, so you don’t owe them any money unless they win your case. You don’t have to pay them out-of-pocket either because the legal fees will be deducted from your settlement.
You Need Help Determining What Damages You Can Recover
The weight of commercial trucks can lead to severe damage to your body and your vehicle. Paying for these costs can be expensive, but you may be able to recover damages that will lessen the financial burden. Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible to recover the following damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Prescriptions and medical devices
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs or replacements
- Wrongful death damages
A truck accident attorney in Texas can help you ensure that you are recovering all the damages that apply to your case. Since there are multiple potential parties that you can recover compensation from, a lawyer can help identify them all and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Texas Truck Accident Attorney at the Buzbee Law Firm
After you’ve completed the necessary steps at the scene of the accident, call a lawyer to help you start your Texas truck accident case. Our lawyers at the Buzbee Law Firm are passionate about getting you the truck accident settlement you need to get back on your feet.
And if you need to take your case to court, we’re ready to go. Give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website to start your free consultation today.