When to Consult a Lawyer for a Truck Accident
The best time to consult a lawyer for a truck accident is immediately after the crash when key evidence is fresh, witnesses are more easily available, and the statute of limitations is far in the distance. Getting started early can help you get ahead of insurance company investigations, level the playing field, and give you a leg up in settlement negotiations.
The skilled Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC can help you quickly build a strong case and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries. Call us today at 215-642-2335 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Signs That You Should Consult a Lawyer After a Truck Accident
Truck accident cases can quickly become more complicated than standard vehicle crash claims. Due to the sheer size of the vehicles involved, the injuries from truck accidents are often severe, potentially leading to massive medical bills. On top of that, you might also lose the ability to work, with a permanent disability significantly damaging your earning potential.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury after a truck accident, consulting a lawyer can be the best strategy to ensure you get the compensation you need for your medical expenses and lost income.
It can also be tough to navigate the claims process alone. The liable party and their insurer will likely pressure you to accept a settlement worth much less than the value of your damages. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can serve as your ally throughout this process, standing up for your rights and refusing lowball offers.
“If you're involved in a trucking accident, you should notify a lawyer immediately. It is important that we start our investigation almost immediately because the insurance company or the trucking company sends their own investigators and team to the accident scene to try to gather evidence and produce their liability.”
Understanding the Unique Challenges of Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents tend to result in more damage because of the size and weight of the vehicles involved. However, that’s not the only reason truck accidents are usually more complex than car crashes.
There is often more than one liable party involved in a truck accident, including the driver, trucking company, shippers, freight loaders, parts manufacturers, and maintenance companies. Determining each party responsible for a truck accident and pursuing compensation from them can be complicated, requiring an in-depth investigation.
Trucking companies must abide by federal and state regulations regarding how long their drivers can work without rest, how often their vehicles need to be serviced or inspected, and more. Retrieving and reviewing maintenance logs and other records to identify violations can be complex and grueling, but it might be necessary to establish liability.
Severe injuries often mean higher damage awards, so insurance companies will likely aggressively fight any claim and downplay your injuries. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you stand up to insurers and demand the compensation you deserve.
What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
A truck accident attorney will handle every aspect of the claims process for you, saving you time, energy, and stress so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Your lawyer will gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and review the circumstances of the accident to determine liability and build a strong foundation for your case.
Your attorney will advocate for you during settlement negotiations with the liable parties and their insurers, seeking to win the full amount of damages you’re entitled to. They will also take your case to trial if necessary, using their legal knowledge and resources to fight for your interests in court.
What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident
The most important step to take in the aftermath of a Pennsylvania truck accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t believe you’ve suffered a serious injury, some might not be immediately apparent after an accident. It is vital to attend follow-up appointments, continue your treatment, and further document your injuries.
Once you’re safe, report the accident to the police. Doing so will lead to an official report and create a paper trail that will be crucial evidence in your case. If possible, you can gather more evidence by documenting the accident scene and taking photos of your injuries and any wreckage. Try to obtain contact information of any witnesses or other involved parties.
Avoid further contact with the liable parties or their insurers without consulting with a truck accident lawyer first. Do not admit fault to anyone before speaking with an attorney, and do not post any information about your case on social media.
Common Types of Compensation in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident victims can seek compensation for a variety of damages. Economic damages, or those with a set financial value, include the following:
- Medical bills and future expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Property damage
Non-economic damages, or those compensating for intangible and subjective effects on your life, include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment and other quality-of-life issues
Punitive damages are also available in rare cases where the liable party acted intentionally or egregiously.
Our dedicated truck accident attorneys can help you identify all the damages you’re entitled to based on the extent of your injuries and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Get a Free Consultation with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania
In the law, local matters—and our team has over 30 years of experience fighting and winning for Pennsylvania injury victims. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients like you and won’t stop fighting until you get justice.
You only have one chance to get compensation for your injuries, so it’s important to start early and have the right legal team on your side. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, our nationally-recognized lawyers can help.
Contact us online or call us today at 215-642-2335 for a free consultation.
