How to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit
Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries, expensive medical bills, a lot of lost work time, and physical and emotional damages that impact the victim’s quality of life for years if not for a lifetime. The victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party in a truck accident lawsuit.
The settlement amount varies and depends on many different factors. Those factors include the severity of the injuries, whether the injured person will experience a permanent change in their ability to perform normal daily activities, the total cost of hospitalization and recovery from their medical condition, and the effect on the victim’s quality of life and future earning potential. If the at-fault driver’s actions were incredibly negligent or outrageous, the victim could also be entitled to punitive damages designed to punish and deter similar behavior in the future.
A reputable attorney will engage the right medical experts to ensure that they have a complete understanding of the impact your injuries have had and will continue to have on you in the future. This will allow the lawyer to calculate your true losses and seek the appropriate compensation.
In some cases, the at-fault parties and their insurance companies may agree to a reasonable settlement amount. If not, the case will be scheduled for trial by a judge or jury. The injured victim’s attorney will attend all court proceedings, including depositions and the trial itself, on behalf of their client.
It is important to note that any lawsuit must be filed within a specific deadline, known as the statute of limitations. Attempting to file a claim or lawsuit after this date will result in your case being dismissed. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you reach out to a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the fresher your memories will be of the details of the accident. Additionally, there may be deadlines for filing with the trucking company’s insurance carrier or the court that you must meet.
Once a qualified truck accident attorney is involved, they will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurer and other relevant parties on your behalf. This will help to prevent you from making any mistakes that might negatively impact your compensation. For example, you should not give a detailed statement, sign any releases for your medical records, or accept any settlement offer from an insurer until you have consulted with your lawyer.