The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that in single-vehicle collisions between a truck and one other vehicle, large trucks were the cause of the accident in 44% of cases. This shows that basically truck accidents are caused by either party at nearly the same rate. No matter if you are a truck driver or the driver of a passenger car involved in a truck accident, getting a good truck accident attorney is vitally important. We’re looking at how a truck accident lawyer can help you and how to find the right attorney for your case.
What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
A truck accident lawyer often represents drivers and/or passengers in vehicles hit by a commercial truck (read more about getting a truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis for this circumstance), but also can represent an independent truck driver that is struck by a passenger vehicle or another tractor trailer.
A trucking accident attorney can help you:
- Collect Evidence
There are many details that can be missed with a truck accident, especially if people already have an idea in their head of “the story.” Your attorney will know how to explore the details further and collect the facts of your case. This may include:
- Accessing to the truck’s black box data
- Asking for medical records and driving records
- Collecting eyewitness interviews
- Organizing accident reconstruction
- Preserving evidence like vehicles or roadside debris
- Identify Negligent Parties
There are many factors of negligence, ranging from inattentive drivers to poorly maintained equipment or even improperly designed roadways. In fact, more than one party can be negligent. An attorney can help untangle the facts of what happened and help highlight any negligence that occurred.
- Negotiate With Insurance
A truck accident lawyer can negotiate with every relevant insurer in the case, including your insurance company. This can help you achieve a successful settlement with a greater payout than you could negotiate on your own.
- Take Your Trucking Injury Case to Court
Most cases settle out of court, but in the rare instance that it goes in front of a jury, your attorney is here to support you and present the facts of the case so that you can get compensation.
Trucking accidents are a complex and long process and an attorney will help you navigate this. That’s where Broadwing Legal comes in.
Is It Worth Getting an Accident Lawyer?
Yes, it is. For people who have been the victim of a truck hitting them, it can be difficult to navigate the legal system, especially if there are injuries or loss of life that has occurred. Getting a truck accident lawyer can definitely be worth it to make sure your case is fully explored and presented correctly to get the justice you deserve. For truck drivers, it’s important to protect yourself and your livelihood. Being a truck driver who is not at fault for an accident can be an uphill battle, trying to get people to see the truth of the situation and obtain the compensation that you deserve.
How Do You Find a Good Truck Accident Attorney?
One of the best ways to find a good truck accident attorney is to ask your friends, family, or colleagues for their recommendations. Be careful not to share too many details about your case publicly on social media, as this can harm the strength of your case. However, looking at the experience, awards, and professional organizations of attorneys are other ways to find potential representation.
Remember that a good lawyer will have extensive experience with trucking accident injury cases, and a personality and communication style that meshes well with yours. Here at Broadwing Legal, we have decades of experience representing truck drivers and trucking accident survivors. We’ve been on both sides of the table, and are passionate about advocating for our clients.
When Should You Call a Lawyer After an Accident?
Any time you are injured in an accident, you should consider calling a lawyer. The sooner an attorney is involved, the earlier they can start working on your case and gathering vital information that is at risk of being lost or misinterpreted. The longer you wait to call a lawyer, the more risk and responsibility you place on yourself.
How Is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined?
Determining fault can be tricky but there are variables that are looked at to figure out who is responsible. Evidence that helps determine fault includes:
- Scene of the accident
- The truck’s black box
- Maintenance records
- Each driver’s medical and driving history
- Eyewitness testimony
- Accident reconstruction
- Expert witnesses
Broadwing Legal: Truck Accident Attorneys in Indianapolis Who Care
As a victim of an accident, you deserve an advocate. We are in your corner because we believe in what we do, and believe in getting you justice. We’ve set up our firm to do things differently, with you and your case as the center of everything we do. If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Indiana, you need an advocate determined to get you justice. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Indiana truck accident attorney.
