Accidents involving 18-wheelers, also called semi-trucks or big rigs, can be catastrophic. Weighing up to 80,000 pounds, a collision involving such a huge vehicle is likely to pose a grave threat to an automobile, motorcycle, or pedestrian. The size and complexity of these vehicles have made accidents with 18-wheelers likely to cause worse injuries, higher medical expenses, and more complicated lawsuits. The aftermath of such an accident is a straightforward scenario that is followed by fighting for compensation as well as getting justice. There is a specialized 18 wheeler accident lawyer who can make all the difference in the whole scenario. In this article, the crucial reasons to hire an experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer and how expertise can be helpful for the victims recovering from horrible outcomes of trucking accidents is explained below.
1) Knowledge of Trucking Laws and Regulations:
One of the primary reasons to seek the services of a specialist 18 wheeler accident attorney is the in-depth knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations. The trucking business is governed heavily by laws such as Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, covering qualifications for drivers, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and much more. All of these regulations have been enacted to keep truck drivers and others on the roads safe, but when they are violated, accidents happen.
An 18 wheeler accident lawyer will fully know such regulations and with their aid, quickly conclude if violations contributed to accidents. An example is about hours of service regulations when a truck driver is adhered to strict rules set up in regards to number hours one can drive prior to taking rest. If the truck driver was too tired or overworked when the accident occurred, an attorney may use this violation in your favor. It is usually not applicable in building a strong case to understand the nuances of these regulations.
2) Special Knowledge about Truck Accident Investigations:
18 wheeler accidents are mostly more complex than the normal car accidents, usually ranging from driver error to mechanical failure, improper loading of cargo, and even poor road conditions. Determination of liability shall have to be ascertained through a comprehensive investigation, in which the specialized 18 wheeler accident lawyer holds the tools and experience to carry out such an investigation effectively.
An experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney will know:
i) How to retrieve and analyze "black box" trucking data that captures information such as: speed, braking, and hours of service.
ii) To investigate driver's logs, maintenance records, and other hiring practices by the companies to look for any unsafe practices that may be breaking safety regulations.
iii) Collaborate with accident reconstructionists to try to re-piece together the events of how the crash occurred.
iv) Interview eyewitnesses, gather police reports, and collect surveillance video if it recorded the accident.
A good attorney practicing truck accident law examines all possible causes and identifies who is liable, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or even the manufacturer of some defective part of the truck.
3) Assignment of Responsibility Complex Cases:
Liability in an 18-wheeler accident is much more complicated than it would be in a regular car accident. Often, multiple parties will be liable, like the truck driver, the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo, or the manufacturer of a faulty truck part. And each of them can blame the other. The legal process is really quite tough for the victim, because they may find it very difficult to decide where the liability lies.
An experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney specializes in handling multi-party cases like this. He will be diligent in the pursuit of all liable parties and will ensure that each party is held accountable for their contribution to the accident. This is particularly relevant because insurance policies involved in trucking accidents are generally larger than those involved in car accidents, and therefore multiple insurers may be implicated. The experience a truck accident lawyer possesses about truck accidents will let you know how to tackle multiple insurance companies in order to acquire your deserved compensation.
4) Maximizing Compensation for Your Losses:
An accident caused by an 18-wheeler can be economically destructive. The victim incurs serious medical costs, loss of wages, and costs incurred during rehabilitation and funeral if the accident leads to fatalities. Further, emotional and pain and suffering suffered after the accident weigh heavily on the victims and their loved ones.
A specialized 18 wheeler accident lawyer does everything to maximize your compensation by exercising a thorough assessment of the scope of your damages. Some of the things they take into consideration are as minor as economic or non-economic losses such as:
i) Medical costs:
Present and future hospital charges, doctor consultations, surgeries, medicines, medical treatments, and rehabilitation.
ii) Lost wages:
Reimbursement of the earnings you have lost because of the mishap, as well as prospective earning ability if you cannot return to work.
iii) Pain and suffering:
The physical and emotional pain as a result of the accident and injuries that you suffered
iv) Property damage:
Recovery to fix or replace your car and other personal belongings that are damaged due to the accident
v) Wrongful death:
The death of a loved one due to the 18 wheeler; the claim provides compensation for funeral expenses along with the loss of companionship and care.
A specialized attorney would ensure that all possible damages are covered and you would get the full compensation to which you are entitled.
5) Professional Negotiation with Insurance Companies:
Insurance companies have a reputation for looking for ways to pay out the least amount possible, especially when dealing with major accidents that involve 18-wheelers. They can get you to accept less compensation in many ways, such as pushing for a quick settlement shortly after the accident or placing the blame on your side. Without an attorney who is familiar with the specifics of these cases, it's easy to get caught up in their tactics and settle for anything rather than risk losing the case.
A dedicated 18 wheeler accident lawyer has the expertise to handle the tactics of the insurance companies. He will negotiate aggressively on your rights so that you do not accept a lowball offer. In case the insurance company still refuses to provide a reasonable settlement, then your attorney would prepare your case for taking it to court and will fight for your deserved compensation.
6) Representation in Court:
Most truck accidents are resolved out of court, but some may require a trial so that a proper outcome may be achieved. If you have to proceed to the courtroom, you would require a specialized lawyer for accidents involving an 18 wheeler. They can represent you in court with a valid case before a judge and jury to show liability and the extent of your injuries.
An attorney familiar with trucking accidents knows procedure in a courtroom, knows how to probe and challenge witnesses, and can deliver powerful expert testimony which strengthens your case. The law process and an attorney's art of building a great case greatly go a long way towards winning the battle.
7) Peace of Mind during a Trying Time:
After an accident involving an 18 wheeler, victims and their families are usually overwhelmed with the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the event. Hiring a specialized 18 wheeler accident lawyer lets you focus on your recovery while knowing that your case is in capable hands. Your attorney will handle every aspect of the legal process, from investigating the accident and filing paperwork to negotiating with insurers and representing you in court if necessary.
It would be worth it to have that peace of mind in such a stressful time, so you could take your time focusing on your health and wellness while your lawyer fights for justice and compensation on your behalf.
The Final Words:
If you or a family member has been involved in a trucking accident, then it is crucial that you hire the right attorney-one who specializes in handling 18 wheeler accidents. From all these, a lawyer can be very instrumental for an increased chance of success when all the trucking laws have been understood and digested. He will make negotiations with insurance companies bearable and will stand before you in court.
Write a comment