Contact Truck Accident Lawyers
How To Contact Truck Accident Lawyers In America Today? If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may want to contact a truck accident lawyer. Who can help you get the compensation you deserve? A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney who has experience and expertise in handling cases involving commercial trucks and the complex regulations that govern them. A truck accident lawyer can investigate the cause of the accident, identify the liable parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
There are many truck accident lawyers in America today, but not all of them may be suitable for your case. To find the best one for you, you should look for a lawyer who has:
- A proven track record of success in truck accident cases
- Membership in a reputable organization such as the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA)
- A contingency fee arrangement that means you only pay if they win your case
- Free consultation to evaluate your case and explain their fees
- A good reputation and positive reviews from past clients
Now you can search online for truck accident lawyers in your area, or ask for referrals from friends, family, or other lawyers. You should also compare different lawyers based on their qualifications, experience, fees, and communication skills. You should choose a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and confident about your case.
18-Wheeler Truck Accident
An 18-wheeler truck accident is a collision involving a large commercial truck that has 18 wheels. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. As a result, 18-wheeler truck accidents can cause severe injuries and fatalities to the occupants of other vehicles, as well as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 4,014 people killed in large truck crashes in 2020, of which 68 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles. There were also 344,000 injury crashes involving large trucks in 2017. Some of the common causes of 18-wheeler truck accidents are:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Improper loading
- Mechanical failure
- Brake failure
- Weather conditions
- Road hazards
- Blind spots
If you have been involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, you may face challenges in proving liability and dealing with insurance companies. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer who can protect your rights and interests.
What Do I Do If I Have Been Hit Semi Truck?
If you have been hit by a semi-truck, you may be feeling scared, confused, and overwhelmed. You may have suffered serious injuries and damages to your vehicle. You may also be wondering what to do next and how to protect your rights. Here are some steps you should take after a semi-truck accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Your health and safety are the most important things after an accident. Call 911 or ask someone else to call for you if you are injured or in pain. Even if you think you are not hurt, you should still get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, but they can get worse over time. Getting medical attention will also create a record of your injuries and link them to the accident.
- Have someone document the scene. If you are able to do so safely, try to take pictures or videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any other relevant details. You can also ask a witness or a passenger to do this for you if you are unable to. This evidence can help prove what happened and who was at fault for the accident.
- File a police report. The police will usually arrive at the scene of a semi-truck accident and investigate what happened. They will also write a report that contains important information such as the names and contact details of the drivers, witnesses, and insurance companies involved, as well as any citations or violations issued. You should cooperate with the police and give them an honest account of what happened, but avoid admitting fault or blaming anyone else. You should also get a copy of the police report for your records.
- Contact an attorney. Semi-truck accidents can be complex and challenging to handle on your own. You may face multiple parties who may be liable for your damages. Such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, or the truck manufacturer. You may also have to deal with insurance adjusters who may try to minimize or deny your claim. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights. They can also help you calculate your damages and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Keep an ongoing log of events. After a semi-truck accident, you should keep track of everything that happens related to your case. This includes keeping copies of all your medical records, bills, receipts, correspondence, and other documents. You should also write down how your injuries affect your daily life, such as your physical pain, emotional distress, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. This information can help you prove your damages and support your claim.
- Take care of yourself. A semi-truck accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience that can affect your physical and mental health. You should follow your doctor’s advice and get the treatment you need to recover from your injuries. You should also seek counseling or support from your family and friends if you are feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed by the accident. Taking care of yourself can help you heal faster and cope better with the aftermath of the accident.
Do I Need A Lawyer If I Have Been Injured In A Truck Accident?
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer to handle your case. The answer depends on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and the amount of compensation you are seeking. However, in most cases, it is worth hiring a lawyer if you have been injured in a truck accident for the following reasons:
- A lawyer can help you determine who may be held responsible for the accident. In many truck accident claims, more than one party may be liable for the crash. Such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, or the truck manufacturer. A lawyer can investigate the cause of the accident and identify all the potential defendants and their insurance policies.
- A lawyer can help you calculate your damages and negotiate a fair settlement. Truck accidents can cause serious and long-term injuries that may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income. A lawyer can help you document your damages and demand compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. A lawyer can also deal with the insurance adjusters who may try to minimize or deny your claim.
- A lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary. If the insurance companies do not offer you a reasonable settlement, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. A lawyer can gather evidence, hire expert witnesses, file motions, and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Overall
Hiring a lawyer for a truck accident can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve and reduce your stress and hassle. A lawyer can handle all the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery. Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Which means they only get paid if they win your case. Therefore, you have nothing to lose by consulting with a lawyer after a truck accident.
How Long Do I Have To Pursue My Claim?
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a claim after a truck accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Therefore, it is important to know how long you have to file your claim and act promptly.
The statute of limitations for truck accident claims varies depending on the state where the accident occurred. Each state has its own laws that determine how much time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable parties. In general, the statute of limitations ranges from one year to six years, with most states having a two-year or three-year limit.
To Find the Statute of limitations for your truck accident claim
For example, if your truck accident happened in Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If your accident happened in Florida, you have four years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If your accident happened in Kentucky, Louisiana, or Tennessee, you have only one year from the date of the accident to file your claim.
There may be some exceptions or extensions to the statute of limitations in certain circumstances. For instance, if you were a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until you reach the age of majority. Or if the liable party left the state or concealed their identity after the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended until they are found or identified.
To find out the exact statute of limitations for your truck accident claim. You should consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you determine the applicable deadline for your case and advise you on how to file your claim before it expires.
What Are The Most Common 18-Wheeler Accident?
18-wheeler accidents are collisions involving large commercial trucks that have 18 wheels. These trucks can cause devastating damage and injuries to other vehicles and road users due to their massive size, weight, and speed. There are many factors that can contribute to 18-wheeler accidents, such as driver error, mechanical failure, road conditions, weather, and cargo issues.
Some of the most common types of 18-wheeler accidents are:
- Jackknife accidents: This happens when the truck’s cab and trailer slide away from a parallel position to each other and form an angle. This can be caused by sudden braking, turning, or loss of traction. A jackknifed truck can block multiple lanes of traffic and hit other vehicles.
- Rollover accidents: This happens when the truck tips over and rolls onto its side or roof. This can be caused by speeding, taking sharp curves, overloading, shifting cargo, or hitting an obstacle. A rolled-over truck can crush or trap other vehicles under it.
- Blind spot accidents: This happens when the truck driver fails to see another vehicle in their blind spots and changes lanes or turns into them. Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides that can hide smaller vehicles from the driver’s view. Other drivers should avoid staying in these blind spots for too long and always signal their intentions.
- Rear-end collisions: This happens when the truck hits another vehicle from behind. This can be caused by tailgating, distracted driving, brake failure, or poor visibility. Trucks need more time and distance to stop than cars due to their weight and momentum. A rear-end collision with a truck can cause severe damage and injuries to the front vehicle.
- Tire blowouts: This happens when the truck’s tire bursts or loses air pressure suddenly. This can be caused by defective tires, overloading, underinflation, punctures, or road debris. A tire blowout can make the truck lose control and swerve into other lanes or off the road.
- Head-on collisions: This happens when the truck collides with another vehicle head-on. This can be caused by crossing the center line, driving the wrong way, or losing control of the truck. Head-on collisions with trucks are often fatal due to the high impact force and speed involved.
- T-bone accidents: This happens when the truck crashes into the side of another vehicle at a right angle. This can be caused by running a red light, failing to yield, or making an improper turn. T-bone accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries to the occupants of the side-impacted vehicle.
Overall
If you have been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills. Lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, you may face challenges in proving liability and dealing with insurance companies. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer who can help you protect your rights and interests.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An 18-Wheeler Lawyer?
The cost of hiring an 18-wheeler lawyer depends on the fee arrangement that you agree on with your lawyer. Most 18-wheeler lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. A contingency fee is a percentage of the recovery. That you receive from the settlement or verdict. The percentage can vary depending on the lawyer and the complexity of the case, but it is usually between 25% to 40%.
For example, if your lawyer charges a 33% contingency fee and you recover $100,000 from your 18-wheeler accident claim, your lawyer will receive $33,000 and you will receive $67,000. If you do not recover anything from your claim, your lawyer will not receive any fee.
A contingency fee arrangement has several advantages for 18-wheeler accident victims. Here, it allows you to hire a lawyer without paying any upfront fees or costs. It also aligns your interests with your lawyer’s interests, as they have the incentive to maximize your recovery. It also reduces your financial risk, as you do not have to pay anything if you lose your case.
At Last
However, a contingency fee arrangement does not cover all the expenses that may be involved in your case. You may still be responsible for paying some costs such as court fees, filing fees, expert witness fees, medical records fees, and other out-of-pocket expenses. These costs can add up depending on the duration and complexity of your case. Some lawyers may advance these costs for you and deduct them from your recovery at the end of the case. Others may require you to pay these costs as they arise.
You should discuss these costs with your lawyer before signing a fee agreement. Before hiring an 18-wheeler lawyer, you should compare different lawyers based on their qualifications, experience, reputation, and fee arrangements. You should also ask them about their track record of success in 18-wheeler accident cases and their communication style. Now you should choose a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and confident about your case.
