Do I Need an Attorney After a Tractor-Trailer Accident?

Statistics collected by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) show that there are more than 3,000 fatal truck accidents in the US each year. Even when these massive vehicles are driving at or below the posted speed limit, they are still capable of widespread destruction if they crash.There are instances where truck drivers or their employers could be held liable for a crash. In some cases, victims of these accidents or their family members may be unaware that they could file a claim against the responsible parties. If you are reading this blog because you or a loved one were recently harmed during a truck accident, then it is important to understand how an attorney can help your situation.

1. An attorney can investigate what happened. First, an attorney could investigate the merits of your claim to inform you of eligibility for filing a lawsuit. During the discovery phase of a lawsuit, an attorney will attempt to obtain evidence from multiple sources. They may request internal documents from the company who employed the driver that caused your crash. In addition, they could also request data from the truck’s electronic control module (also called the black box). An attorney could help determine all of the parties who may be liable for your accident.
2. Trucking companies will fight your claim. Large trucking companies or equipment manufacturers may have access to powerful financial and legal resources. Filing a claim against a commercial trucking company does not guarantee you will receive the resources you need to recover from a catastrophic injury or loss. An attorney with experience handling truck accident cases has experience fighting these business interests.
3. An attorney can help with insurance adjusters. Adjusters from your and the trucking company’s insurance provider are likely to contact you after the accident. These individuals may play on your ignorance of the law and desperation to ensure you receive as little as possible for your claim. An attorney can negotiate with insurance adjusters to help you receive the maximum amount from your claim.

Attorney Mike Love operated a commercial trucking business before opening his Lufkin personal injury law firm. Our attorneys not only have firsthand experience working in the trucking industry, we also have experience helping victims of tractor-trailer accidents. You can call our law firm for a free initial consultation with a truck accident attorney that may explain your rights and possible legal options.