The Importance of Obtaining Legal Representation After a Trucking Accident

Commercial truck accidents are some of the most devastating crashes that occur on our streets and highways. According to statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, there were 108,000 large truck injury crashes in 2020. Approximately 5,000 fatal truck accidents were reported during this same time period.

A tractor-trailer accident can lead to major injuries such as head trauma, broken bones, fractures, internal injuries, spinal cord trauma, scarring, disfigurement, and more. If you or a loved one have been affected by a truck accident in the United States, you should always seek legal help right away. With serious injuries and your future at stake, there is too much to lose by not having a qualified attorney on your side. There may be important deadlines that need to be met in order to keep your case on track.

Many truck accident victims will make the unfortunate mistake of trying to represent themselves in their legal claims. The result of this is an outcome that fails to fully compensate the victim for their losses. At Burg Simpson, our national truck accident lawyers will make sure that your legal rights are fully protected and that you always receive the compensation you deserve. We have recovered over 2 billion dollars for injured victims. Our attorneys will fight for you every step of the way.

The Tactics of Trucking Insurance Companies 

Truck accident injuries are normally serious in nature, leading to high settlement demands. Not surprisingly, insurance companies use a variety of tactics to try and reduce their payment to injured victims. Some common examples include:

• The early settlement offer. If the insurance company believes that they may have liability for the accident, they will usually come in with an early settlement offer. The offer might even seem fair at first and will be tempting to accept. After all, you can resolve the case and put it behind you. Settling too soon is often problematic because the full extent of your injuries is not always known. Once you sign a settlement agreement, you waive all further claims.
• The low-ball offer. Similar to the early offer, the low-ball offer comes after the crash. If you do not have an experienced attorney working for you, you may not understand that this offer is not in your best interest.
• Denying your claim. The insurance company may sometimes outright deny your claim. Not all insurance company denials are done in good faith. In some cases, the adjuster has not properly investigated the facts surrounding the crash. Other times, they are just trying to avoid liability altogether.

Speaking with a national truck accident attorney right after the accident is the best way to avoid these common mistakes. With something as serious as a truck crash, you want to ensure that you are taking all the proper legal steps.

Common Legal and Strategic Issues in Truck Crashes

In addition to dealing with the insurance company, there are several common legal issues that are best handled by an attorney.

• The Statute of Limitations. Every truck accident case will have its own statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is a legal deadline by which an injured victim must file their case. The statute of limitations varies by state and jurisdiction. If it is missed, the consequences are severe, as your claim is gone forever.
• Negligence. Like other traffic accidents, truck crash cases depend on the negligence of one or more individuals or entities. Proving negligence can be complicated in certain situations, and trucking companies are usually quick to deny their role in an accident.
• Gathering evidence and investigating. A crucial part of truck accident litigation is gathering all relevant evidence regarding the crash. Did the trucking company comply with FMSCA standards? Did the company engage in negligent hiring practices? Was there a manufacturing defect with the truck? These questions and others can be answered with a thorough evidence-gathering process.
• Negotiation. Truck accident cases often end with a negotiation between your attorney and the insurance company. Having a skilled lawyer who can present a compelling case to the adjuster helps to ensure that your case settles for its true value and on your terms.

Truck Crash Litigation

Sometimes the insurance company doesn't play fair even if you have an attorney. In these instances, there is little choice but to file a lawsuit against the truck driver, trucking company, and any other parties who could be held legally responsible for your injuries.

Truck accident litigation can be extremely contentious. We have found that many trucking companies will simply refuse to pay a fair value for injury claims. When this happens, the case must proceed to trial in front of a jury. The jury will then decide if the trucking company should be held accountable for its negligence.

Unlike other law firms, at Burg Simpson, we are not afraid to take a case to trial. Our firm has recovered more than 2 billion dollars in compensation for our clients. Whether your case ends in negotiation or involves litigation and trial, we stand ready to do what it takes to get the recovery you deserve.

Hire a National Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck crashes are often life-altering events. The injuries sustained can leave you with the inability to work and enjoy your daily life. With everything on the line, you should not trust your legal claim with just any law firm. Instead, you should choose a law firm that is committed to its clients and has experience protecting the legal rights of truck accident victims.

Here at Burg Simpson, we focus our practice on representing injured individuals. When you work with us, you are getting a dedicated team of lawyers and legal professionals who will be with you every step of the way. Our firm offers a free consultation and case evaluation for all potential and prospective clients. There is no fee until we obtain a recovery on your behalf.

To speak with a nationwide truck accident lawyer, please contact us by using our online intake form or give us a call at (888) 895-2080.