Truck accidents can be catastrophic, leaving victims with life-changing injuries and even leading to death. When these unfortunate incidents happen, the need for a competent truck accident attorneys cannot be overemphasized. In 2019, large trucks were involved in approximately 11 percent of fatal accidents. Notably, California has experienced some of the most severe truck accidents in the nation. A single tractor-trailer or eighteen-wheeler can outweigh a passenger vehicle by 20 to 30 times, making commercial trucks highly hazardous and posing a significant risk of crushing smaller vehicles in the event of a collision.
Truck accidents are considerably more intricate compared to car accidents. As indicated by the findings of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the majority of fatalities resulting from large truck crashes involve occupants of passenger vehicles. In 2019 alone, a staggering 4,119 individuals lost their lives in crashes involving large trucks. Many of these truck accidents occurred in the San Francisco Bay Area.
For San Francisco residents, who have sustained injuries in truck accidents, a San Francisco truck accident attorney will be able to help victims protect their rights against the big insurance companies. They have the required legal knowledge and experience to navigate the intricacies of personal injury claims arising from commercial truck accidents.
Here’s everything you need to know about hiring a lawyer after a truck accident:
1. Don’t wait too long.
One of the biggest mistakes anyone can make after an accident is delaying getting in touch with an attorney. In most cases, you only have two years from the date of your injury or discovery thereof, whichever comes first, to file your claim in court in California.
As soon as possible after your ordeal, contact a truck accident attorney that has worked on similar cases in order to avoid missing statutory deadlines that could nullify valid claims.
2. Ensure your lawyer has experience with such type of case
Experience really counts when it comes to legal representation. You want a lawyer who has spent time going up against insurance companies for clients injured by large trucks so you don’t get taken advantage of despite paying huge premiums each year for coverage. If you’re a fellow driver on California roads, you are adjusting your risk tolerance under the uncertain times that we live in today because it is what we value most -- our health and well-being!
3. Look at Past Case Results
Not all personal injury lawyers specialize in handling 18-wheeler accidents – this is true regardless of which state or city because there are general practitioners who take anything thrown their way. But, reliable ones should be able to show off past successes related specifically to representing semi-truck collision victims who sustained damages such as medical expenses or lost wages, among other things. Make sure they`re willing to share what they`ve done in the past and let you ask questions about how that trajectory looks.
Here are some other considerations in choosing legal representation
-Honesty: Ensuring that your lawyer is transparent with you from the beginning is critical. Don`t work with someone who promises you everything under the sun without realistically analyzing your situation.
-Communication: Ask about communication, and know the expectations between both parties – this includes paralegals, as some larger firms might not have attorneys communicate directly but rely on a team`s combined effort.
-Fees: Discuss fees openly and truthfully. Many personal injury lawyers work off contingency fees based on a percentage awarded; details surrounding costs should be fully disclosed at your first sit-down meeting.
4. Be aware of who will handle your case
It’s essential to know who will handle your case when hiring an attorney after a truck accident. You don’t want to end up working with someone less experienced than lead partners or associates if they are delegating tasks. However, due diligence should reveal any potential shortfalls regarding responsiveness. This provides clarity upfront until expectation management calibrates over time as business cycles evolve -- especially if said parameters were clear beforehand!
In conclusion, prioritizing immediate medical treatment is paramount after being involved in an accident. However, it is equally crucial to promptly seek legal representation following the incident, especially from professionals experienced in handling truck accidents. These experts play a vital role in assisting victims who seek rightful compensation for their pain and suffering, countering the interests of insurance companies that profit from premiums paid by individuals like us who take calculated risks sharing the roads with large commercial trucks. This holds true throughout California, where drivers establish their unique comfort levels amid varying external conditions, as personal experiences and contextual factors shape each person’s perception of risk. Remember, safety should always be a top priority, so please take care out there!
Consider these factors when searching for a truck accident attorney who can represent you in court and protect your rights. The goal is to ensure the best possible outcome for your situation; a good lawyer can help make that happen. Don’t let an accident define your future – get the right legal help today!