5 Times You Need to Hire a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney

4,119 people died in semi-truck accidents in the U.S. in 2019. This number has been on the rise in recent years.

Accidents involving semi-trucks are particularly deadly because of the size and weight of the trucks. Many of these accidents are caused by the negligence of semi-truck drivers and trucking companies.

If you were involved in an accident with a semi-truck, you may need to hire a lawyer. Keep reading to learn more about 6 times you need to hire a semi-truck accident attorney after a crash.

1. When You Were Injured

Anytime you are injured in an accident that wasn’t 100% your fault, you need to speak with an accident attorney right away.

This is because even if you were partially at fault for what happened, you may be able to recover a percentage of your damages. Some vehicle accidents are the fault of both drivers. An accident attorney can help you figure out whether you might be able to recover any compensation.

Semi-truck accident injuries can be debilitating and expensive. If you haven’t yet sought medical attention after your accident, it’s not too late. Many car accident injuries aren’t apparent right away. Or, you might’ve noticed something was off and thought it was no big deal. Medical professionals are trained to identify accident injuries that might not show symptoms right away.

Prompt treatment can help you recover more quickly and build your case. If you can’t afford medical treatment, an accident attorney can help you get set up with a physician who understands the circumstances of your case. Remember that injuries from an accident can include mental and psychological injuries as well as pain and suffering.

2. When You Need Ongoing Treatment

If you were injured in a semi-truck accident and your injury will require ongoing treatment, you need to hire a semi-truck accident lawyer.

Complicated injuries that require long-term treatment are more likely to be scrutinized by the insurance company for the semi-truck driver. The insurance adjuster for your case may try to argue that you don’t need treatment or try to devalue your claim. The insurance company may even hire their own doctor to try to undermine your own treating physician.

Serious injuries are more likely to result in permanent disabilities and you don’t want to try to make that case on your own. When you hire an experienced semi-truck accident attorney, they will start building your case from day one and provide ongoing legal assistance and support during the claims and trial process.

You usually won’t be able to resolve your claim until you are done treating. Insurance companies will push you to accept a less than fair offer so they can close their file. Your attorney will look out for your best interests and make sure that doesn’t happen.

3. When You Can’t Work

If your injuries from the accident are serious enough that you can’t work, you need an accident attorney on your side.

Your attorney will help you prove that you aren’t able to work as a result of the accident and help you recover your lost wages. When you can’t work because of an injury, you lose your income while your medical bills keep piling up. The last thing you want to do is worry about dealing with an insurance company.

A good semi-truck accidents attorney will do the work for you while you focus on recovering.

4. When Liability is Disputed

If there is any dispute as to whether or not the semi-truck driver was at fault for the accident, you need to hire a semi-truck accident attorney.

Sometimes police reports can be vague or altogether incorrect. The insurance company for the semi-truck driver is representing their own interests – not yours. If they can pin even a small portion of liability on you, they can pay you less for your claim.

Proving liability can be difficult, especially if you don’t know the law. Experienced semi-truck accident attorneys know how to prove liability and deal with insurance companies. If the insurance company is trying to say the accident was your fault, you need to talk to an attorney right away.

Accident attorneys generally offer free case evaluations with no obligation to you.

5. When the Insurance Company Isn’t Paying

If you’ve filed a claim with the insurance company for the semi-truck driver and they aren’t paying, you need to hire a lawyer.

It’s a common tactic for insurance companies to deny claims or offer low ball settlements just to see if you’ll go away. You can show them you’re serious and know your rights by hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer.

Insurance adjusters will pick through your case to find anything they can refuse to pay. You should never accept a less than fair offer from an insurance company. When you hire a lawyer, they will take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.

Talk to a Semi-Truck Accidents Attorney Today

Were you involved in an accident with a semi-truck?

If you were in an accident with a semi-truck and any of the above-mentioned circumstances apply to your case, you need to talk to a semi-truck accident attorney today. The sooner you get an attorney on your case the better.

Click here to schedule a free consultation with a semi-truck accident attorney today to learn more about your legal rights.