Truck accidents often cause multiple victims and very high economic damages. For people injured in such accidents, the biggest worry is how to pay for the very expensive medical treatments they need to recover. This is where an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer at The Weinstein Firm steps in to advocate for you.
Here are just a few of the things an attorney will do for you during a claim:
1. Obtaining Evidence
Some of the most relevant pieces of evidence in a truck accident case cannot be obtained by the average person. You need to be a licensed professional, such as a lawyer, to have the right to request:
- Access to the information stored in the EDR (event data recorder) of the truck – similar to a black box in a plane
- Access to the trucker’s criminal record, which may indicate a history of traffic violations, including driving under the influence
- The trucker’s mobile phone log, which may prove that they were texting and driving at the moment of the crash
These items may prove crucial in proving not only the trucker’s fault, but also the vicarious liability of the trucking company employing them.
2. Advising You to Avoid the Insurance Adjuster’s Trick Questions
As soon as the truck driver reports the accident to their employer, the trucking company will notify their insurance company. These large companies work with the biggest insurers, which employ some of the most experienced insurance adjusters.
You will likely get a visit from an adjuster while you are still in hospital, recovering from your injuries. The adjuster will use all their experience and skill to determine you to accept a lowball offer or persuade you that you don’t have the right to file a claim.
Even if you are able to stand your ground, the adjuster will ask trick questions, which will make you admit fault or contradict yourself. If you have a lawyer, you can postpone the discussion with the adjuster until you manage to discuss with your legal representative. The attorney will explain to you which questions you should refrain from answering, and how to formulate simple answers, which cannot be interpreted against you.
3. Evaluating Your Damages Accurately
Many accident victims who contact an Atlanta truck accident lawyer say that they only want their hospital bills and cost to fix their car reimbursed. They are not aware that personal injury law gives them the right to get compensation for lost wages, as well as for pain and suffering (non-economic damages).
An attorney knows exactly how much you have the right to recover from the truck driver and their employer. They will evaluate all the eligible damages you are entitled to recover, such as:
- Loss of earning capacity
- Cost with physical therapy and counseling
- Cost with assistive devices (cane, walking frame, wheelchair)
- Cost with ongoing nursing care
- Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium
4. Checking that Your Paperwork Is Complete and Accurate
Many truck accident claims are denied or take a lot of time to conclude due to small clerical errors in the paperwork. If you hire an attorney to help you file a claim, you can be sure that every document is carefully checked before being submitted.
Correct and complete documentation can significantly speed up the process to reach a fair settlement and avoid the need to file a lawsuit.
5. Negotiating with the Insurance Company
This is probably the most difficult part of a truck accident claim, one where knowledge of law and strong negotiating skills are a must. For this reason, people without lawyers often get their claim denied or obtain only a fraction of the compensation they are entitled to.
Attorneys know how insurance adjusters think and what tactics they use in the attempt to reduce the value of a claim. They know what kind of arguments rebut the adjuster’s claims and make them accept to settle for a fair amount of money.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer!
A truck accident can change your life in a moment and you will need all the support you can get to obtain the compensation you deserve. It is not about being greedy, but making sure that you receive the medical care you need without getting yourself and your family in debt.
At The Weinstein Firm, you will find a team of dedicated and experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers with a proven track record. We always push for the maximum compensation our clients deserve – and win.
Get the compensation you deserve after your accident. Call us to schedule a free case evaluation at 770-HELP-NOW!
