Trucking accidents can be traumatic, as you might experience physical injury, emotional distress, and increasing financial burdens. In addition to that, insurance and legal issues can become overwhelming, but a truck accident lawyer will help when the time is right.
So, when should you call a legal expert?
Arguably, trucking accident cases are much more complex compared to other car accidents. This is because major trucking companies and significant insurance policies are usually involved, making it confusing to figure everything out. This means that you may not get the compensation you deserve without a lawyer.
However, there's no need to worry as this article will outline the six essential situations when hiring a truck accident lawyer is needed. knowing these situations will help you determine when to seek legal help.
1. Severe Injuries or Fatalities
Most truck accidents are usually disastrous because of commercial trucks' great size and weight. The usual injuries in such cases include TBIs, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Moreover, severe injury and fatality-causing accidents carry the highest stakes, and the victims often have to bear colossal medical bills, lost income, and, many times, intense pain and suffering.
Thus, if you happen to be involved in such a truck accident, then it's the perfect time to hire a truck accident lawyer. However, make sure to opt for a local lawyer as they are easily accessible and know the local laws well.
For instance, if you happen to be involved in a truck accident while in Little Rock, where major interstates intersect and commercial truck traffic is heavy, it's crucial to contact an experienced local Little Rock truck accident lawyer who understands local law and the regional court system.
All in all, a skilled truck accident lawyer will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve, coordinating with medical experts to determine the total cost of your injuries, including future expenses.
2. Disputed Liability
Figuring out who caused a truck accident isn't always as straightforward, and unlike in car accidents, multiple people or companies may be involved in a truck crash, such as the driver, the trucking company, maintenance teams, or even truck part manufacturers.
In addition to that, trucking companies and insurers may try to avoid paying by disputing who is at fault. They might say that the victim caused it or that some other party was altogether to blame. That is why a truck accident lawyer will be vital in such a situation.
Your attorney will carefully investigate and garner essential evidence from sources such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Black box data that monitors the truck's speed and braking
- Maintenance records
With such evidence, your attorney can prove who is at fault and push back against unfair claims from insurance companies. Without legal help, proving fault can be tough, reducing your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
3. Dealing with Insurance Companies 
Dealing with insurance organizations after a truck accident is one of the most challenging aspects of your case. Commercial trucks are covered under large, million-dollar insurance policies, so their insurers will stop at nothing to minimize payout amounts.
Besides, many of the tactics to which insurance adjusters resort are tricky ways to reduce the claim or refute it altogether. Thus, without a lawyer, you can easily fall victim to these plans and accept an insignificant part of what rightfully belongs to you.
A truck accident lawyer can handle such challenges as they will negotiate with the insurance organization to ensure you are treated fairly. If the insurer refuses a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can take the case to court and fight for what you deserve.
Therefore, having an experienced lawyer by your side means having someone who protects your interests and reduces your stress during this difficult time.
4. Violation of Federal or State Regulations
Trucking companies are among federal and state governments' most heavily regulated businesses. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets rules concerning many areas, including, but not limited to, truck maintenance, driver on-duty hours, and cargo loading.
Hence, in an accident, it is essential to determine if any of these regulations were violated.
For example, a truck driver who had worked more hours on the road than those allowed and, due to too much fatigue, caused an accident would be liable. A trucking company that had failed to maintain the truck properly could also be found responsible for the accident.
In such a case, a trucking accident attorney has knowledge of these various laws and even how to investigate regulatory violations. They might find evidence if broken rules cause the accident, which is usually key in keeping trucking companies responsible.
5. Involvement of Multiple Parties
Several parties may often share responsibility for the crash in large truck accidents. Some of these include, but are not limited to:
- Truck Driver: Whether he was distracted, negligent, or impaired.
- Trucking company failed to enforce safety rules or maintain the truck.
- Cargo Loader: The truck lost control if the cargo was not loaded appropriately.
- Manufacturer: If the defect in the truck part is the cause of the accident.
When multiple parties are involved, figuring out who is at fault can get complicated. Each party usually has its own insurance company and legal team, as they will try to shift blame onto others to avoid paying. Therefore, it is impossible to overcome these hurdles without a lawyer.
That said, a truck accident lawyer can investigate the truck accident, identify responsible parties, and hold them accountable.
Wrapping Up
Trucking accidents are very complex and involve detailed legal aspects. In case of a truck accident, one needs to know at what stage to seek the services of a lawyer. Be it serious injuries sustained, liability denial, pressure from insurance companies, rules or regulations breached, multiple parties responsible, huge losses, and so on.
A good lawyer's role should be to lead and get you the compensation that fits your needs.
