When to Consult a Lawyer for a Truck Accident
The number of deaths in large accident truck crashes rose in 2022, with 4,764 people killed, up 2% from the fatalities recorded in 2021. Most of the deaths were the occupants of other vehicles (66%), as well as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders. 35% of fatal accidents involving trucks occurred on interstates and freeways, but the majority – 49% - happened on other major roads.
Texas is one of the three states with the most truck accident deaths – in 2022, it recorded 810 deaths, which is more than any other state.
Being involved in any kind of vehicle accident can be dangerous at times, but when one of the vehicles involved is a large commercial truck that weighs thousands of kilos when unloaded, and many more kilos when fully loaded, the situation becomes even more serious.
Truck accidents tend to cause more severe injuries than regular car crashes due to the huge size and weight difference between a passenger car and a loaded semi-truck. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced truck accident lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys as soon as possible.
Here's an overview of why hiring a truck accident lawyer Plano TX promptly is crucial after a truck crash and guidance on when exactly you should consult a truck accident injury lawyer.
When to Consult a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in Texas
In the aftermath of a truck collision, you’ll likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the trucking company. They may try to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement payout in order to close the claim fast.
Don’t accept any offer from the trucking company’s insurance provider without first discussing your case with a truck accident lawyer. Adjusters often make lowball offers in hopes of settling for much less than the claim is really worth. A Plano truck accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the faster they can start working to protect your rights and build your injury claim.
Consult an Attorney Before Providing Any Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters will commonly ask truck accident victims to provide a recorded statement about the crash details very soon after it occurs. Always politely decline providing an official statement until you have legal representation from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys. Anything you say can potentially be used against you later to try minimizing the insurance payout.
Wait until a lawyer can be present so they can advise you on responding appropriately to questions. An experienced attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys knows what details to provide strategically in the recorded statement to help maximize your settlement amount.
Get Legal Help Prior to Signing Any Documents
You should also avoid signing anything related to the truck crash without first having an attorney review it. This includes any settlement releases, medical authorizations, or other paperwork the trucking company's insurance provider may ask you to sign. By putting your name on certain documents, you may inadvertently give up your rights or compromise the value of your claim. A truck accident lawyer can verify that any paperwork is in your best interests to sign before you do.
Consult a Lawyer Before Accepting Any Settlement
As mentioned above, trucking companies and their insurers will commonly make low settlement offers quickly after an accident hoping injured victims will take the bait without exploring their legal options. Do not accept any settlement deal before consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney. Your lawyer will thoroughly evaluate your losses and damages to determine the true potential value of your injury claim. They can then negotiate a much fairer settlement that covers all your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Help Navigating Complex Claim Laws
There are complicated state and federal laws regarding liability and insurance coverage in commercial truck accident cases. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers have extensive legal knowledge they will use to minimize settlement payouts. An attorney levels the playing field and handles interpreting applicable regulations on your behalf. Your lawyer will know what evidence must be preserved, which parties can be held responsible, what insurance policies are in play, and other complex legal nuances specific to truck crashes.
Retain a Truck Accident Lawyer to Handle the Paperwork Burden
From gathering accident reports to corresponding with insurers, the paperwork burden on truck accident victims is immense. Your focus should be on recovering from your injuries, not learning legal claims processes. An experienced truck accident attorney has skilled staff who can take care of the administrative workload for you. Your attorney will compile evidence, file claim paperwork, record details, and handle all other documents and details efficiently.
Consult an Attorney to Estimate the Claim Value
There are many factors that influence what a truck accident claim may be worth, including medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering damages. It can be extremely difficult for an injured victim to self-calculate their rightful claim value after a truck collision, especially while trying to cope with the stress of injuries. Seasoned truck accident lawyers like us have handled hundreds of cases throughout their careers. Your attorney can provide you with a professional valuation of potential damages and overall claim worth after thoroughly evaluating your unique situation.
Hire a Lawyer to Negotiate Optimal Settlement
Successfully negotiating with insurance carriers takes skill, resources, and experience. Truck accident attorneys spend their careers gaining negotiation know-how to secure favorable claim resolutions from insurers. An experienced trucking accident lawyer will work relentlessly to obtain the maximum possible settlement or court award for your personal injury claim. Their negotiation prowess can result in a life-changing financial outcome.
Speaking to Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys after any kind of vehicle collision is wise. This is especially critical when a truck is involved due to the complexity of these claims and the aggressive legal tactics used by trucking companies. Let an experienced truck accident attorney from our firm protect your rights and handle every aspect of the claims process for you. Their expertise can make all the difference in recovering the maximum compensation you deserve.
We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, so call 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) today.
