When a collision involving a commercial truck occurs, victims should consult with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer Nashville. These legal professionals stand out among the rest due to their specialized attention to large truck accidents, which can often involve legal complexities that aren’t always present in accidents with other types of vehicles.
A lawyer can help victims understand their legal rights and options and hold all the responsible parties liable for the incident. Furthermore, they can provide additional guidance in the aftermath of such a devastating accident. Here are some of the top reasons to hire a truck accident lawyer after a collision.
Navigating Complex Regulations
The trucking industry is heavily regulated with various rules and safety regulations that govern vehicle operation, driver requirements, and other safety standards. Truck drivers and their companies must respect these regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of all traffic participants.
When a collision with a commercial truck vehicle does occur, compliance with these regulations is thoroughly examined to rule out any instances of non-compliance. A truck accident lawyer knows these regulations very well, which can aid your case. Instances of non-compliance can be used as a method to prove fault and liability, which can strengthen your claim against the negligent driver or other parties involved.
Thorough Accident Investigation
Accidents involving commercial trucks require a more thorough examination than other vehicles, especially due to the abovementioned regulations. First and foremost, you must uncover the reason behind the collision and link it with the event, injuries, and other damages.
A truck accident lawyer knows what to look for to establish the fault of the truck driver, company, or third-party entities such as service or manufacturers. When there is sufficient evidence to hold multiple liable parties responsible, the personal injury victim will have a higher chance of receiving a fair settlement for their losses.
Your lawyer can help you gather proper evidence against all such entities and even work with other professionals, such as accident reconstruction experts, to strengthen your case further.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies in the trucking industry know how to minimize payouts and may attempt to undervalue or outright deny claims. Victims often accept a lesser settlement amount because they don’t know better or understand the true extent of their injuries and their worth.
Early offers might seem like a good thing to victims. But, unfortunately, they most often are just a means to end a case quickly and hand out a lesser payout that does not accurately reflect the damages suffered by the victim.
A truck accident attorney, however, knows how to spot a bad offer. They can handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf and represent your best interests and rights.
Having a truck accident lawyer by your side does not necessarily mean that you will reach the court stages of your personal injury claim against the truck driver. However, it’s a way to showcase that you are serious about your claim and intimidate the at-fault party. Most truck accidents settle outside of court, but your lawyer can help you initiate a lawsuit and represent your rights and interests in court if an agreement cannot be reached.
Maximizing Compensation
Truck accidents often involve catastrophic injuries and significant financial losses. A skilled truck accident lawyer knows how to prepare your case and seek compensation that adequately reflects your losses.
For example, you might think you can seek compensation for your property damage and medical bills. You can seek compensation for your lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To know what damages you should seek and might qualify for, consult with a lawyer.