How To Successfully Navigate A Truck Accident Claim

Although a vehicle accident is already scary, a huge truck collision can be more frightening than ever. This is because a truck fully loaded with more than 80,000 pounds can cause catastrophic injuries, resulting in more severe losses. So, if you’ve been injured in a truck collision, you may pursue compensation by filing a claim.  

However, dealing with an accident claim can be confusing. Without adequate knowledge and preparation, you might compromise your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve for your losses.  Hence, keep reading this article to familiarize yourself with how to navigate a truck accident claim successfully.  

• Ask For Medical Attention Immediately 

Proving that your injury was caused by a truck accident is crucial to the success of your claim. Failure to do so can reduce your odds of attaining a more favorable outcome. With this in mind, it’s essential to seek immediate medical care after the crash.  

Aside from treating your injury and getting better, the medical treatment you receive can help establish the causation between your injury and the accident successfully. All you need to do is secure copies of your medical records to collect the evidence you need.  

• Hire An Attorney  

Like other injury cases, a truck accident claim is a legal matter that requires the application of the law. Unless you’re a legal expert, you probably need to hire a dedicated attorney to help you with your case. They can make a difference in maximizing the amount of money you receive as compensation. They can also evaluate your claim and guide you through the process of successfully navigating your case.  

For example, they can prepare all the paperwork needed for your claim and advise you about the statute of limitations you should comply with. This is to avoid losing your opportunity to sue the at-fault party. However, if you want to better understand how an experienced lawyer can effectively handle the case, you can check out joestephenslaw.com and other reliable legal websites for more information.  

• Gather Evidence Regarding The Accident  

To have a valid truck accident claim, you need to prove the elements of negligence on the part of the at-fault driver and other liable parties. However, you can only do it by collecting pieces of evidence concerning your case. They can be used to strengthen your claim and ensure you can sue the responsible party or parties for compensation for your injury.   

The following are some steps involved in the evidence-collection process: 

• Check the medical reports to establish the severity and extent of your injury and how it has affected your life. For example, if you sustained a life-threatening injury, presenting your medical records can help support your claim.  
• Have a copy of the official police report to help determine who was at fault for the truck collision.  
• Take photos and videos of the collision scene since they can help identify what happened during the accident.  
• Examine mobile phone records to determine whether the driver was guilty of distracted driving.  
• Review the driver’s logbooks to know how much time the truck driver spends behind the wheel. Doing so can help you determine if they operate more than what is allowed by the law.  
• Get statements from the witnesses who saw the accident scene, as they can also help substantiate your case.  

 Negotiate For A Settlement  

When you seek compensation for your injury through a truck accident claim, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go to court and bring the case to a full trial. This is where the settlement negotiations come into play. Generally, settlements refer to out-of-court agreements entered into by the at-fault party’s insurance service provider and the injured party.  

However, negotiating with the insurer can be challenging as they’ll also strive hard to minimize your payout. For example, they may use your statements or anything you do against you to ensure you get a lower settlement. In such a case, it’s best to get represented by a lawyer to help you negotiate a fair settlement. You can improve your chances of receiving the money you deserve with them at your side. Lastly, entering into a settlement with them can save you from the hassle associated with a court trial.  

• Bring Your Case To Trial  

If your truck accident claim fails at the negotiation level, it’s time to bring your case to trial by filing a lawsuit in court. But to have a successful case, you need to prove that the truck driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries. Unfortunately, there are instances in which multiple parties can be held accountable for what happened. For example, you can sue the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or the maintenance service provider if there’s evidence showing they were also negligent.  

In this situation, it’s crucial to have a lawyer represent you in court and present evidence to establish the responsible party or parties’ fault. Remember, the more you prepare for the trial, the higher your chances of winning your truck accident claim.  

 Bottom Line  

An injury from a truck collision may change your life forever. Depending on its severity, you may have to stop working or do what you usually do each day. Therefore, if you want to get compensated for all the economic and non-economic losses you’ve sustained, keep the information mentioned above in mind. By doing so, you could navigate your truck accident claim successfully.