When a tractor-trailer or truck collides with any smaller vehicle, the damage can be devastating, especially for the car’s occupants. If you suffered injuries caused by a truck or 18-wheeler, you will want to speak with a truck accident attorney right away since the trucking company will consult with its attorneys right away.
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has practiced only injury loss since 1985 and have obtained over $100 million in jury verdicts and settlements. Our clients pay no hourly or upfront fees and get free consultations. The firm does not accept every case, but when your case is accepted, you can rest assured you can rock solid truck accident lawyers fighting for you to maximize your recovery. Call our firm at 833-997-1774 for a free and confidential consultation.
What Is the First Step a Truck Accident Lawyer Takes After Being Hired?
The initial step for a truck accident lawyer is conducting a comprehensive consultation and case evaluation. During this stage, the lawyer will gather all the necessary information from you, such as details about the accident, medical records, and any evidence you may have collected, like photographs or witness contact information.
Once the lawyer understands your situation, they’ll begin investigating the accident. This includes reviewing the police report, obtaining trucking company records, and analyzing black box data (if available). The lawyer will also identify all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, or manufacturers of faulty truck parts.
At this stage, the goal is to build a strong foundation for your case, ensuring that no important detail is overlooked. This thorough preparation is critical for navigating the complexities of truck accident claims.
How Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Collect Evidence to Support My Claim?
Truck accident lawyers have specialized resources and strategies for gathering and preserving evidence. First, they issue spoliation letters to the trucking company to prevent the destruction of crucial records, such as driver logs, maintenance schedules, and GPS data. These records can reveal whether federal regulations were violated or if negligence played a role in the accident.
Lawyers also work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash scene. These experts can recreate the accident to determine fault, providing critical testimony if your case goes to court. Lawyers may also gather testimony from eyewitnesses and secure traffic camera footage or surveillance videos, which can provide a visual account of the accident.
Medical records and expert opinions from doctors are also obtained to document the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. This evidence demonstrates the full scope of your damages, which is vital for negotiating a fair settlement or presenting your case in court.
What Steps Does a Lawyer Take to Negotiate with Insurance Companies?
Negotiating with insurance companies is one of the most important steps in resolving a truck accident claim. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so having a skilled lawyer on your side is crucial to ensure you’re treated fairly.
The process starts with your lawyer submitting a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter outlines the details of the accident, the evidence supporting your claim, and the compensation you’re seeking for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Insurance companies typically respond with a counteroffer, and this is where negotiations begin. Your lawyer uses their experience to push back against lowball offers and highlight the strength of your case. If necessary, they’ll bring in expert opinions, accident reconstructions, and medical evidence to justify your claim’s value.
This negotiation process can take time, but your lawyer’s objective is to secure a settlement reflecting the full extent of your losses. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare to take the case to court.
What Happens If My Truck Accident Claim Goes to Trial?
If negotiations fail to result in a satisfactory settlement, your truck accident lawyer will move forward with filing a lawsuit. The trial process begins with pre-trial litigation, during which both parties exchange information and evidence through a process called discovery.
Your lawyer will prepare your case for trial by developing legal arguments, gathering additional evidence, and identifying expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf. During the trial, your lawyer will present your case to a judge or jury, explaining how the truck driver or other parties were negligent and how their actions caused your injuries.
This process can include cross-examining witnesses, presenting expert testimony, and making compelling arguments to support your claim. While going to trial can be more time-consuming, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve may be necessary.
In many cases, however, the threat of litigation prompts the other party to settle before the trial begins. Your lawyer will advise you on whether to accept any last-minute offers or proceed with the trial based on the strength of your case and the compensation being offered.
How Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Help?
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, do not try to deal with the trucking company and its insurance company on your own. Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help get you the compensation you are entitled to. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.