If you have been the victim of an accident involving a large commercial truck, you may be entitled to a personal injury settlement. Filing suit against a trucker may be more complex than the average car collision, because it’s likely that their employer will be involved in the claim as well. Personal injury attorneys can help with filing all the necessary paperwork for the claim and providing representation throughout the legal process.
Trucks Must Follow Federal and State Regulations
When operating a “big rig,” there are many regulations that must be followed in order for them to be insured. There are requirements around the amount of time a driver needs to rest and the amount of weight that a truck can transport.
It’s important to know if the driver, the company they are employed by, or both violated any of the regulations required. Most of the time there is more than one defendant involved: the driver and their employee or even the manufacturer of a faulty piece of equipment that caused the crash.
How a Lawyer Can Help
An attorney, who has knowledge of truck accident personal injuries, will be of particular service to you as you prepare to file a claim. An attorney will help you in filing your personal injury claim with the courts in a timely manner, communicate with the insurance companies involved, gather medical records, help you collect the evidence needed to prove your claim and settle your case as quickly as possible. Attempting this process without the service of an attorney will be difficult, as regulations and requirements can vary by state. With multiple defendants involved, the process could become very confusing. Insurance companies may be contacting you to discuss your terms. All of this communication can be directly funneled to your attorney to manage. They will be able to ensure that you do not make any agreements that are not in your best interest and that you are awarded the maximum claim possible.
What Evidence is Needed?
It’s important to have all of the necessary documents in place when you are preparing to submit your settlement claim. An attorney can make sure that you have everything that you need to precede and will hire a private investigator if more information is required surrounding the accident. A few of the documents they will help you to gather include:
- Details about the driver who caused the accident
- Check for any video footage
- Gather a list of people who may have witnessed the accident
- Obtain the police report
- All records related to how you’ve been impacted financially:
- Medical Records
- Lost Wages
There can be a lot required when filing a personal injury claim. It becomes even more complicated when the claim involves a commercial truck accident. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney such as a truck accident lawyer to make certain that everything needed for your claim is in place and submitted in a timely manner.
