While every traffic accident is frightening and dangerous, truck accidents take things to the next level. If a trucker leaves you injured in a truck accident, you likely have no idea where you should turn for help. The fact is that truck accidents are among the deadliest accidents on our roads, and the damage that ensues can be difficult to calculate adequately. If you or someone you love has been injured in a semi accident, there is some important information that it is helpful to know.
Truck Accident Insurance
The insurance that trucking companies carry on their rigs is similar to the insurance that we carry on our cars. The trucking company pays insurance premiums to the insurance company, and anytime the trucking company bears the responsibility for a truck accident, those premiums go up. Because truck accidents almost always involve large sums of money, both the trucking company and the insurance company are extremely motivated to minimize settlement amounts – or even to deny them outright. And they have the deep pockets to put up a good fight.
After being injured in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to allow an experienced personal injury lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. The insurance representative involved is trained to get you to say exactly what he or she needs you to say in order to better fight your claim – defer his or her inquiries to your lawyer.
What Do You Need to File an Effective Insurance Claim?
If you have been injured in a truck accident, the first order of business after obtaining the medical attention that you need is collecting evidence at the scene of the accident. If you cannot do this yourself, enlist someone to help you. Collecting evidence includes:
- Taking extensive pictures that document the details pertinent to the accident – do not forget to get shots that capture the big picture and the important details
- Gathering eyewitness testimonies and eyewitness contact information
- Recording your memories regarding how the accident happened (your memories can blur in the aftermath of a terrifying accident)
Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Truck accidents are a bit different than most other traffic accidents, including:
- Truck accidents are far more likely to involve more than one liable party, such as the trucker and the trucking company.
- Truck drivers and trucking companies are held to strict federal and state rules and regulations that often directly affect insurance claims.
- Truck accidents are extremely serious and often cause extensive damages that can be extremely difficult to calculate adequately.
These complications necessitate professional legal counsel.