When you are injured in a truck accident, your life can be turned upside down. Your injuries are often serious, and the financial repercussions can be devastating. Medical bills can add up quickly and can be exacerbated by the inability to work. When a commercial vehicle collides with you, it’s important to speak with a qualified New York truck accident lawyer immediately to protect your rights. A skilled attorney can help you recover compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company.
The first step in a truck accident case is to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Photographs of the crash scene, including close-ups of all vehicles and damage to surrounding areas. This can include skid marks on the road surface, damage to nearby buildings and structures, and any other visible signs of the crash.
Copies of all relevant medical records and bills, including the known and anticipated costs of your treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement. Your medical bills are a key element of your claim for economic damages, and an experienced attorney can ensure that they are fully compensated.
Your lawyer will also need a copy of any police reports generated by the incident. These can be used to determine who was at fault and what the extent of your injuries are. The police report will also be helpful in determining the types of damages you can receive from your claim.
Insurance companies may attempt to reduce their payouts by blaming you for the accident. The attorney you choose should be able to cut through these ploys and prove that the truck driver is completely liable for your losses.
A good truck accident lawyer can also negotiate a fair settlement for you. They can do this without having to take the case all the way to trial, which will save you time and money.
If you do have to go to trial, make sure that your attorney has courtroom experience. It’s not uncommon for cases involving large trucks to be litigated in the courts, and you want your attorney to be prepared for this.
Another factor to consider is the attorney’s caseload. The more cases a lawyer is handling, the less attention and time they can give to each one. It’s best to find a law firm with a reasonable caseload that allows them to devote the necessary resources and energy to your case. A lawyer with a high caseload could be overwhelmed and miss critical details. You should also inquire about their fee structure, as many attorneys charge on a contingency basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case. This is a great option for someone who does not have the financial ability to hire an attorney upfront.