When Do You Need To Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Most people never have to deal with the consequences of a truck accident. Nevertheless, it can happen in the blink of an eye to anyone and result in serious injuries, property damage, and even death. 

Handling the fallout is no small task. Most truck accident victims struggle to know how to proceed, making it a highly stressful time. 

If this describes your situation and you are wondering if you should hire an attorney, you’re asking the right question. An attorney can provide a great deal of guidance and counsel that can help you navigate the legal system so that you can better manage the consequences of an accident. 

That said, a truck accident lawyer is not always needed. It depends on the specifics of your situation. Here, we are going to look at some of the reasons accident victims should hire a truck accident lawyer, including when you have suffered serious injuries, when insurance companies dispute liability, and more. 

If You’ve Suffered Severe Injuries

When you are seriously injured in an accident, it typically means you will be facing some significant medical bills. From hospitalizations and surgery to ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, these bills can quickly add up. 

The good news is that all of these bills may be the responsibility of another party if that party’s negligence or carelessness led to the truck accident that caused your injury. We will take a closer look at the issue of liability below, but suffice it to say that it can be a difficult thing to prove, calling for a full investigation that includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, working with expert mechanics and accident reconstruction experts, and more. 

The reason doing this the right way is so important is because of how high the stakes are. Accident victims should never be stuck with all of the costs associated with an accident that was not their fault, and a truck accident lawyer can help you keep the negligent party (or parties) responsible for their actions. 

If You Lost a Loved One

As with serious injuries, the wrongful death of a loved one who was involved in a truck accident can be extremely difficult from a financial perspective. You may have relied on your loved one’s income to pay your bills, save for the future, and maintain your lifestyle. 

While nothing can undo such a tragedy, you should not be left to deal with these consequences alone. If you can prove that the negligence of another caused your loved one’s passing, you may be able to recover compensation for the financial losses associated with their loss. 

Further, as with personal injuries, you may also be able to recover compensation for the non-economic losses you have endured and will continue to endure. Non-economic losses include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Accident victims must understand that they may be eligible to recover damages for these losses, which an attorney can help pursue. 

If Liability for the Truck Accident Is Disputed

There are several parties who can be responsible for truck accidents, including the driver, the trucking company, parts manufacturers, loading companies, and others. A truck accident lawyer will be able to gather and review the evidence to build a strong case to show who was responsible and why. 

That said, insurance companies will often fight liability, using their tremendous resources to deny or lessen your claim. One of the great benefits of working with a lawyer is that they have experience with these types of situations. They understand the tricks and tactics used by insurance companies and will know how to prepare and execute a case that gives you the best chance of recovering compensation in the face of disputed liability. 

If the Insurance Company Offers a Lowball Settlement or Refuses to Pay

If an insurance company disputes liability, they may refuse to pay you any compensation whatsoever. On the other hand, if they accept some degree of liability on behalf of their client, they may offer a settlement that is much less than you deserve for your damages – this is what we refer to as a “lowball” offer. 

Unfortunately, too many accident victims see a check offered and accept it, believing that it is the best offer they will get. An attorney, on the other hand, will know how much your claim is worth and will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve under the law.  

If Your Case Goes to Trial

If you do not receive a fair settlement offer from the insurance company, the best option may be to take your case to trial. That said, this means you will need to convince a jury that you deserve the compensation you are pursuing. 

This calls for significant experience, preparation, and resources – far more than most people unfamiliar with truck accident cases are able to provide. A good truck accident lawyer, on the other hand, will be able to step in and represent you in court, giving you the space you need to heal and recover while resting assured that your rights are being protected. 

Contact a Louisville Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents can be extremely traumatic events that result in substantial economic and non-economic damages. The stakes are high and the opposition will do what they can to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. 

At the Karl Truman Law Office, we are here to protect and fight for the rights of injured truck accident victims throughout Kentucky, providing the experienced, aggressive support you deserve.

If you are not sure if you need a truck accident attorney, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation where we can discuss your situation, legal options, and the best path forward. Please call us today at (502) 222-2222. Our lawyers serve truck accident victims in Louisville and throughout Kentucky.