Daniels Law

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help Your Case?

September 11, 2023 · Truck Accidents
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Were you recently involved in a truck crash in California? The Golden State has some of the most beautiful -- and busiest -- roadways in the country, and traffic accidents happen every day.

The days and weeks following a collision can be a blur. You're trying to heal, but you also have to deal with logistics, such as opening a truck accident case.

Instead of handling everything yourself, it helps to partner with an experienced attorney who knows California's legal system from front to back. Hiring an accident lawyer for a truck crash can help you navigate your next steps and help you achieve the settlement you deserve.

Today, we're taking a look at a few of the top ways a truck accident lawyer can benefit your case, and how to find one today.

State-Specific Legal Understanding

How well do you know the traffic laws in California? What about the legal process for filing a case? Without the proper knowledge, it can be difficult to move forward on your own.

A serious truck accident lawyer will not only be well-versed in the basic rules of the road, but they'll also have an in-depth understanding of how California's traffic system works. They can review these laws to understand if the truck driver acted illegally or performed any action that could have contributed to the crash.

Trying to study all of these regulations yourself can be exhausting and time-consuming. It's also easy to miss a critical piece of the puzzle. For instance, did you know that California has two designated truck-only lanes?

Information like this can help you understand how the accident occurred, and who was at fault. Truck accident injury attorneys will know how the law applies to your case, so you don't have to pull an all-nighter over the DMV Handbook.

Case Logistics Support

Regardless of whether your case is simple or complex, there is a lot of legal legwork that has to be done before you can close it. This includes steps such as:

  • Completing and filing paperwork
  • Contacting authorities
  • Managing data
  • Organizing medical records

Without a semi crash lawyer by your side, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of documents you need to sign and file. When you work with an attorney, they'll take care of most of those behind-the-scenes logistics for you. This way, you can focus on healing.

Communication With Insurance Company

When you're working through the aftermath of a truck accident, the last thing you want to do is go through the details of the event with an insurance agent. Chances are, your memory of the details is fuzzy, and recalling the crash could also be traumatic.

If you do have that conversation, the settlement offer you receive will likely be far less than you need or deserve. Often, this happens because drivers misspeak over the phone or divulge information that works against their claim. Some of the things you say could be taken as an admission of guilt, even if the collision wasn't your fault.

One of the best parts about working with a serious truck crash lawyer is that they'll handle all of those negotiations for you. They'll be the primary point of contact with the insurance agencies, and they'll fight to make sure you get the full compensation you require. They know how lowball offers work, and they'll protect you from such tactics.

Full Calculation of Losses

How much do you really think you lost as a result of your truck accident? You might think that the only expenses you need to cover are your medical bills and the time you have to miss from work.

However, this doesn't capture the full scale of your losses. In addition to your medical expenses and lost wages, a lawyer can help you see all of the other costs you've incurred since the collision, such as pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and even future expenses you haven't realized yet.

These costs can typically be divided into two categories: direct and indirect. While direct costs are straightforward and easier to calculate, indirect ones can be a little tricky. After all, how do you put a price tag on emotional distress?

Your lawyer will know how to compute those emotions and turn them into concrete amounts. Then, they'll work with the insurance company (or take your case to a jury) to make sure you receive the full amount you need.

Support With Complex Claims

Many times, truck accidents are more complicated than they seem at the beginning. This is especially the case if they involve multiple parties, including drivers and passengers.

It can add even more complexity if the accident also affects pedestrians or nearby property owners. Everyone brings their own perspective and needs to the case, and trying to juggle it without legal support is nearly impossible.

The same goes for cases that involve more than one claim. For example, in addition to the truck accident claim, someone in the accident may also need to file:

  • A personal injury claim
  • A property damage claim
  • A wrongful death claim

Your lawyers in a truck accident can easily juggle all of these different elements. No case will be too intricate or layered for them.

Help Proving Fault

Right after your truck accident occurred, you were likely confused and in shock. You might have remembered to take photos and videos of the scene, or you may have been too disoriented.

Even now, as you think back on what happened, your memory of the event might be blurry. This can make it difficult to pinpoint exactly what happened, and who was at fault.

A semi accident lawyer will work with multiple parties to create a full picture of what happened, and whose actions led to the crash. This may include speaking to eyewitnesses, reviewing the police report, and going over your notes.

California is considered an at-fault state, which means that the person responsible for causing the collision has to pay for any injuries or property damage that resulted from it.

This process begins with proving fault. Your lawyer can play an integral part in determining what happened, and who was responsible.

Professional Industry Connections

To help build and strengthen your case, tractor trailer accident lawyers may need to occasionally reach out to other industry experts they know. This includes accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, economists, and others.

These expert witnesses give credibility to your case. They will give an unbiased perspective of what happened, and how it affects the settlement you're seeking.

For instance, an accident reconstruction specialist can clearly detail for a jury how the events leading up to the collision contributed to the crash, which helps prove blame. A medical specialist can explain the full scale of your injuries, and how long it may take you to recover.

All of these accounts can be helpful, especially if there's any doubt about how the accident occurred.

Save Time and Money

Some people avoid hiring a lawyer for a trucking accident because they think the legal costs will be too high. While this is a common misconception, we're here to put it to rest.

Most lawyers work on what's called a contingency basis. This means they don't get paid unless you receive a settlement. Then, their fees will simply be calculated as a portion of your earnings.

In addition to being more affordable and accessible than you might have thought, a lawyer can also save you a significant amount of time, money, and stress. They'll work on your case efficiently, making sure everything is submitted correctly and on time.

Achieve Valuable Peace of Mind

Finally, arguably the top reason to hire truck accident injury lawyers is to achieve precious peace of mind while you recover from your traumatic collision. There's an incredible amount of value in knowing that someone experienced and capable is handling every aspect of your case for you.

In addition to handling all of the fine-print legal details, they'll also be there to offer emotional support and professional guidance as you walk this journey. They'll reassure you, comfort you, and explain even the most complicated procedures in layman's terms so you can understand.

They've worked in many cases similar to yours in the past, so they know what to expect. They can use these insights to help you prepare for what's to come. This allows you to devote your full attention to your recovery and well-being.

Hire an Accident Lawyer for a Truck Crash Today

If you've been involved in a truck accident, the next steps you take are critical ones. The actions you make and the people you speak with directly following a collision can impact the outcome of your entire case.

Thankfully, you don't have to take those steps alone. When you hire an accident lawyer for a truck crash, you can rest assured that you'll have a professional by your side every step of the way.

Our team at Daniels Law specializes in many practice areas, including truck accidents. We'd love to speak with you to learn more about your case and explain how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a meeting!

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