According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration there were 3,891 crashes involving a commercial vehicle in 2021 in Indiana alone. And while that number has decreased since 2020, that still totals out to nearly 11 truck accidents a day.
Any time an accident involving a semi-truck or other large vehicle occurs, the outcome can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering what your options are and what a truck accident lawyer can do for you. At Broadwing Legal, our truck accident attorney team is dedicated to representing our clients to the full extent of the law. Keep reading to learn more about what our team of truck accident lawyers in Indianapolis does.
What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
A truck accident lawyer is responsible for working with their clients to help them file a claim to receive money for injuries, suffering, lost wages, or other expenses following an accident. There are a number of tasks that an accident lawyer does to work toward this goal, including gathering evidence, identifying liable parties, making negotiations with insurance companies, finalizing settlements, and representing clients in court when necessary.
Here is more information on how a truck accident lawyer can help your case in each of these situations.
Gathering Evidence
Truck accident cases can be complex. When serious injuries are sustained or multiple vehicles are involved, there is a lot of evidence to collect. Truck accident lawyers will collect evidence including police reports, tire or skid marks at the scene of the accident, video footage or photos, data from the truck’s black box (their onboard information system), statements from any witnesses, medical reports, and more.
Identifying Liable Parties
After an accident, you may be wondering: “Are truck accident drivers always at fault?” Determining liability following a semi-truck collision can be difficult because so many factors are at play. Any of the following parties may be held liable following an accident: drivers involved in the accident (including truck drivers or other auto drivers in a multi-vehicle crash), trucking companies, brokerage companies, freight companies, mechanics, or local government or transit authorities.
Making Negotiations
Following an accident, discussions and negotiations with insurance companies, trucking companies, medical offices, and others will likely be necessary. Lawyers for truck accidents manage and guide clients through the process of communicating with each of these parties. They also use the information they gathered to build a strong case, file a claim, and negotiate a fair settlement. While this process can be done without an attorney, having one present can help ensure you are fairly represented during financial negotiations.
Finalizing Settlements
For most truck accidents, finalizing a settlement is the final step in the process. During this process, there are various documents that must be signed, including the settlement agreement. These legal documents may contain time limits, confidentiality statements, payment plans, and more. As such, a truck accident attorney can help you understand what you’re agreeing to before you sign.
Representing Clients in Court
Fortunately, most truck accident cases are settled outside of court. However, should it become necessary to take your case to court, it is important to have a commercial accident lawyer with experience in the courtroom. They should be able to walk you through the process of going to court, answer any questions you may have, and represent you to the full extent of the law during the trial.
How Do I Find a Good Truck Accident Lawyer?
When seeking legal assistance following a truck accident, it is crucial to find an experienced, capable, passionate lawyer to have on your side. Use this checklist to find the right attorney for your case.
- Has Expertise in Truck Accidents: Lawyers and firms have specialty areas, and following a truck accident, you need someone who specializes in truck crashes so they understand the complexity of these types of cases.
- Communicates Clearly and Effectively: When working with an attorney, it is essential that you feel comfortable with them. Ensure that whomever you choose puts you at ease, understands your story, and can explain legal processes in terms you understand.
- Is Up Front About Costs: Attorneys are required by law to disclose their fees to clients. However, you should still seek a lawyer who is willing to explain how their costs may affect your settlement.
- Offers Free Consultations: Law firms like Broadwing Legal offer free consultations for prospective clients to understand their case and determine if it’s the right fit—for both the lawyer and the client.
Broadwing Legal: Indiana Attorneys You Can Trust
At Broadwing Legal, our team is dedicated to justice. Our team is committed to making sure you are informed, educated, and equipped to make the best decisions possible. Sometimes that is a settlement, and sometimes that is a trial. There’s no one-size-fits-all; there is only what is best for you.
With Broadwing Legal, you’ll work directly with an expert attorney who specializes in truck accident law. Ready to talk? Contact Broadwing Legal for a free phone consultation today.
