There are 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads. And 2 million semi-trucks comprise all commercial commuters in the country. Unfortunately, there are an estimated half a million semi-trucks accidents every year in the U.S. Semi trucks have to share the road with much smaller cars and passenger vehicles. When a semi-truck is involved in an accident, the damages are quite severe, and often include several cars. Even though semi-truck drivers have to undergo stringent licensing requirements and training, driver error still occurs. Sometimes, the results are fatal. Of all semi-truck accidents, 8% will involve a fatality.
If you’ve had the misfortune of experiencing a semi-truck accident, you know how harrowing it can be. After the crash, dealing with medical bills and insurance companies while trying to heal is another unpleasant matter. It’s vital that you get help from a team of qualified semi-truck accident lawyers. They’ll be able to get you the compensation you deserve. How can a personal injury attorney help you after a semi-truck accident? Find out below.
1 They Work on Contingency
Your semi-truck accident lawyers only work on a contingency-fee basis. What this means is that you do not have to pay them an upfront fee. They will collect a percentage of your settlement after they’ve secured it for you. Medical bills are stressful enough. Being able to hire any qualified attorney regardless of your ability to pay is a relief. Contingency fees can range anywhere from 25% all the way up to half of your settlement fee. Shop around, research attorney websites, and ask your network for referrals to find the best attorneys for your case.
2 They Gather Evidence
Semi-Truck accident lawyers are skilled at finding and gathering evidence to support your case. You can take the time you need to heal and get back on your feet while your attorney and their team does the legwork for you. They’ll track down witnesses, gather police reports, and photos of the accident. Your attorney will also collect medical reports and your doctors’ testimony. Also, if you’ve missed work, they’ll gather employment records and calculate the wages you’ve lost because of the accident.
3 Negotiate
Insurance companies will deny, delay, deflect and bully accident injury victims when a claim is made. They are trying to protect their bottom line. Dealing with the insurance companies on top of healing from your injuries and trying to stay calm about lost wages and medical bills is a terrible thing to endure. Your attorney will act as your shield against the insurance company. They’ll be the one negotiating with them, so you don’t have to. By having your attorney handle negotiations, you mitigate the risk of saying something incriminating to the insurance company, and thereby, jeopardizing your claim.
4 Craft and Send Demand Letters
After gathering evidence, your semi-truck accident lawyers will send a demand letter to the insurance company. The demand letter contains the facts of the crash and how much compensation you want for your damages and pain and suffering.
5 Prepare Any Pleadings
In a lot of cases, the insurance company won’t offer you a fair settlement. If this happens, your attorney will prepare a complaint against the defendant. The complaint outlines the legal argument for why the defendant is guilty of causing your injuries. Also, the complaint will include the damages you’re seeking. Usually, a defendant and their insurance company have 30 days after receiving the complaint to prepare their rebuttal.
6 Discovery
Your attorney will start what’s called the discovery process. During the discovery process, they will send out interrogatories to the defendant that ask for specific information. Information can include witness and expert reports.
7 Represent You at Trial
If a settlement can’t be reached, the case will proceed to trial. Your attorney will represent you in court.
Semi accidents are a serious affair. If you’ve been injured, you need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Don’t hesitate to contact one today and get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.