The Most Important Thing You Can Do if a Semi-Truck Causes Your Accident
If you’ve been in an accident caused by a semi-truck driver, things can get complicated quickly. The semi driver’s insurance company likely employs a rapid response team that is deployed to the scene of the accident. Their job is to begin advocating for the semi driver while first responders are still on scene. They follow-up to secure evidence that is favorable to the semi driver, while evidence favorable to you gets overlooked or bypassed. Negotiating a favorable settlement in this scenario becomes very problematic unless you also bring in someone experienced very early.
An attorney with experience handling semi accidents will be able to make sure that evidence is properly preserved for a full and fair evaluation of who is at fault for causing the accident. This type of attorney will also be able to assist you to properly deal with the financial burden of lost wages and the sizable stack of medical bills you can’t afford to pay. You may not realize it yet, but you’re in for a potentially long, complex fight to get the compensation you are entitled to.
The Fallout from a Semi-Truck Accident Can Be Severe
The size and mass of a semi-truck can do major damage to passenger cars. Commercial vehicles are often heavy on their own, but even more so when carrying cargo. The weight and size of a semi-truck can make accidents with cars some of the worst on record. If the accident occurs at a high rate of speed, this damage can be even more severe. You’re lucky to be alive, and this accident wasn’t your fault. The last thing you need to worry about is how you’re going to financially get through this difficult time.
The Challenge of Dealing with Commercial Fleet Insurance Companies
The insurance companies used by commercial fleets are large and in addition to rapid response teams, they have impressive legal resources at their disposal to protect their assets. Even when the semi-truck driver was clearly at fault, the insurance company and their lawyers will do everything they can to pay out the smallest settlements possible. They may try to move your case from state to federal court, which is considered a more favorable venue for the insurance company. A full legal team alongside an insurance company working against an accident victim who is still recovering isn’t what we consider a fair match. It’s important for you to know you don’t have to fight this on your own.
What Can You Do?
The most important thing you can do after being involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle is to speak with an experienced semi-truck accident attorney.
Conversations with a legal team representing the commercial fleet can be very intimidating. An attorney representing you will handle these communications proactively and professionally by speaking to them on your behalf. They can help guide you on what to do next, as well as what not to do or say. When victims try to negotiate with large insurance companies on their own, they may inadvertently say or do things that can actually harm their case and make them ineligible for compensation. You don’t want to take that risk. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process, keep you informed on what’s coming next, and represent you and your best interests by knowing exactly how to:
- Preserve evidence from the accident before it disappears.
- Find witnesses to the accident and/or video footage from nearby cameras.
- Identify all potential sources of compensation.
- Identify ways to handle medical bills.
- Handle complex negotiations.
- Provide appropriate legal strategies.
- Ensure that fault laws are applied correctly.
- File a lawsuit and guide you through the legal process ahead.
If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck, it’s best to avoid any conversations with their insurance company and legal team without a trusted semi-truck accident attorney by your side. We’d like to help you through the process and get you the compensation you need to move forward as quickly as possible. At Arthur Law Firm, we fight hard for victim’s rights, and we’ll make sure you understand all the details of your case. Adequate compensation through a fair settlement is the least you deserve, and we’re here to help support you through this process. Contact us by calling (419) 782-9881 for a free consultation today.