In the time it takes for a heart to beat, your entire life as you know it can change from one truck driver’s actions.
From lost wages to medical expenses, living through a trucking accident is only the beginning of the long road to recovery from the traumatic experience.
To make matters worse often times insurance companies will offer a settlement that is lower than what will actually help you recover.
The decision to hire a lawyer isn’t one to take lightly. But, when your life and future hangs in the balance, you need someone that is going to be on your side to fight for you.
Read on to learn why you should consider lawyering up after a trucking accident, and when to do so.
Why Hire an Attorney?
Almost immediately after an accident, valuable evidence to prove negligence and establish causation risk being lost or destroyed.
Companies and their insurance providers have good reason to keep you in the dark about the details of the accident. It is important to have somebody there to build a solid case for what occurred.
An attorney can interview experts, retrieve black box evidence, and investigate every aspect of the accident to ensure you fully understand the scope of what happened, and who is at fault.
Best Time to Hire a Lawyer After a Trucking Accident
The ideal time to hire a lawyer after a trucking accident is as soon as physically possible. The longer you wait to do so, the more likely it is that the story will become skewed, the investigators bias, and the evidence disheveled.
What to Do After the Accident
As soon as you call the police and receive any necessary medical services, call an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve for the pain and suffering caused.
Common Causes of Trailer Accidents
Each year, about 500,000 accidents involving trucks occur. There are a few common causes that contribute to the high number of accidents, which include:
- Tired Driver – The nature of the job requires them to be awake for many hours at a time, but there are certain regulations in place to ensure they stop and rest. If violated, a case for negligence is stronger.
- Intoxication – Drugs and Alcohol are responsible for many trucking accidents each year.
- Improper Training – Laws must truck drivers to have CDL’s as well as adequate support from their company.
- Distracted or Careless Driving – Speeding is another frequent cause for accidents, as well as other forms of reckless or distracted driving.
- Malfunction of the Truck – In some cases, there is a mechanical issue or defect with the truck that led ultimately to the accident.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Rights
Overall, it is very important that you hire an attorney after your trucking accident to protect your rights, and ensure you get what you’re owed.
Pushing for a settlement can help with the many bills and hardships accidents can cause, and help you come out on top.
If you are in search of a reputable attorney for your trucking accident, contact us today for a free consultation.