A car accident between two passenger vehicles may be a fender bender, but when it involves a large truck, the damage can be catastrophic. This is why it’s so important to hire an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents are more complex than car crashes, and there are often many different factors that can contribute to them. These can include trucking company negligence, driver fatigue, and improper maintenance of trucks. Additionally, there are federal trucking regulations that can affect liability in a crash. An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer knows how to examine the evidence and determine fault in a trucking crash.
An 18-wheeler accident is a very serious event that can result in severe injuries and death. In addition to the physical and emotional trauma, victims can experience substantial financial losses due to medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other expenses. An attorney can handle the complex legal issues that often arise in these cases, including determining if the trucking company is responsible for your damages and what the statute of limitations is for filing a claim.
In addition to helping you recover compensation for your losses, a Houston truck accident lawyer can also ensure that you receive maximum compensation from the trucking company and their insurance providers. Typically, the trucking company’s lawyers and their insurance companies will send their own investigators to the scene of the accident not long after it occurs to begin preparing their defenses. It’s best to let your 18 wheeler accident lawyer deal with the insurance companies, so you don’t make any mistakes that could hurt your chances of getting a fair settlement.
Take Photos and Document the Scene
The first step in a truck accident is to document the accident scene. This includes taking pictures of the truck, vehicle damage, injuries, and other evidence. It is also a good idea to talk to any witnesses and get their contact information. Additionally, it is a good idea to seek medical attention for any injuries that you have suffered. Symptoms like whiplash may not appear until a few days after the accident, so it’s important to visit a doctor and undergo an examination.
Contact an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Immediately after a truck accident, it is important to contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in order to ensure that all of the necessary evidence is preserved. A qualified attorney can help you gather vital evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, trucking company records, and black box data. An attorney can also hire an expert to reconstruct the accident and use that information in your case.
Moreover, an attorney can help you file a lawsuit within the required time limit for filing a claim. Generally, New Jersey has a statute of limitations of two years from the date of your injury. Therefore, it is important to speak with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer as soon as you can after your accident to avoid missing the deadline.