
Every year, over 168,000 truck accidents are recorded in the country. Out of these, 3% lead to fatalities and 32% result in injuries. When you are involved in a truck accident, proving who is responsible is not always simple. These cases are more complex than regular vehicle crashes because of numerous factors.
Victims are advised to seek help after a commercial truck accident from an attorney who is experienced in handling similar cases. Keep reading to understand why legal experience matters when it comes to proving liability in a truck accident case.
- Truck Accidents Often Involve Multiple Liable Parties
A truck accident can involve several parties beyond the driver. This can include:
- The trucking company
- Maintenance crew
- Cargo loaders
- Truck manufacturer
Since all these could be partly responsible, determining who bears the most fault is complicated. An experienced attorney knows how to investigate all potential liability sources and not just the obvious ones.
- Trucking Laws and Regulations Are Complex
The trucking industry in the U.S. is heavily regulated by state and federal laws for good reasons. Additionally, there are rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
A skilled truck accident lawyer understands how to identify any violations of these laws. For example, they will look at how the driver violated the hours-of-service rules, if the trucking company cut corners in analyzing the driver’s qualifications, or if the vehicle was maintained to the required standard. All these may help to prove negligence.
- Identifying and Preserving Critical Evidence
Time is of the essence after an accident. Crucial evidence like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records can disappear or be destroyed if not preserved quickly. Truck attorneys know how to request such evidence and the techniques they can use to legally force trucking companies to hand over the information before it is too late.
- Access to Experts Who Strengthen Your Case
Truck accident claims heavily rely on expert opinions. For example, accident reconstruction experts can piece together what really happened based on the evidence available. On the other hand, medical professionals can explain how your injuries relate to the crash.
An attorney has the right connections and resources to bring in these professionals and build a strong case.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies
We have heard stories of how insurance companies can be incredibly frustrating when it comes to settling claims. Trucking companies and their insurers have entire legal teams working day and night to minimize the amount they should pay you. They may use tactics like:
- Shifting the blame to you
- Delaying communication in an attempt to frustrate you
- Offer a quick settlement that is less than what you deserve
A knowledgeable lawyer sees right through these tactics and knows how to push back to ensure you get a fair settlement.
- They Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes
In the days after an accident, one wrong move, like giving a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster, can affect your case. A lawyer ensures you do not unknowingly weaken your claim. They will guide you through each step of the legal process to ensure everything is handled the right way.
- They Are Skilled Negotiators and Trial Advocates
An experienced truck accident lawyer knows how to negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial if necessary. They will fight for the full compensation you deserve, whether that is through a strong demand letter or a compelling argument in court.
Through discovery tools like subpoenas, depositions, and interrogatories, your attorney can dig deeper and uncover records that are essential to your case.
Conclusion
Truck accidents are serious, and proving liability can be complicated and strenuous. With multiple parties involved, complex regulations, and aggressive insurance companies, don’t risk trying to handle the case alone. Instead, get an attorney who will bring the right expertise.