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According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 107,000 large trucks were involved in injury crashes in 2020. If you or a loved one suffered bodily injuries or property damage in a collision with a large truck, you should speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Even seemingly minor injuries could quickly become more serious. A lawyer can help ensure that you receive the medical treatment and financial compensation you deserve.
The personal injury lawyers at Judd Shaw Injury Law understand the complexity of truck accident cases, but we can take on the challenge. We are committed to pursuing justice and maximum compensation for our clients, and we can help you too.
Our law firm offers free initial consultations, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at absolutely no risk to you. Call our truck accident lawyers today at 732-888-8888.
Reasons to Consider Hiring a Lawyer Following a Minor Truck Accident
It is important to keep in mind that even if a truck accident seems minor, it could be more harmful than you initially realize.
Consider the following reasons why it may be in your best interests to consult with a lawyer, even after a seemingly minor accident.
The insurance company may be unfair
If the truck driver was responsible for the accident, you may just assume that you will file a claim with the trucker’s insurance company and be issued a check. Unfortunately, it may not be that easy.
The insurer may outright deny your claim or the insurance adjuster may try to pressure you into accepting a settlement far below the actual worth of your claim. The initial offer the insurance company makes may not even cover the cost of your car repairs and medical treatment. What may seem like a minor truck accident could turn into a major legal battle that you may not be equipped to handle on your own.
Your injuries may worsen over time
You may be unaware you are injured immediately following a minor truck accident when adrenaline masks the symptoms. Since you may not think you are hurt, you may not go to the doctor.
However, in the days and weeks following the minor accident, you may find that you have suffered injuries that you had not noticed initially. You may begin by feeling some minor aches and soreness, but then the full scope of your injury becomes apparent.
Symptoms of soft tissue and head injuries can take weeks to develop. You do not want to accept an insurance settlement that does not even cover the cost of the medical treatment you need.
You may be able to file a claim against multiple parties
Truck accidents, even minor ones, often involve more than one defendant. Your lawyer will be able to identify all liable parties and help you file a claim against them.
You could be able to file a claim against:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Mechanics
- Other drivers
- Government entities
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
A lawyer will meet the legal deadlines
A truck accident attorney will make sure that all paperwork is filed on time. Insurance companies set deadlines to file a claim after an accident. When pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, each state has a statute of limitations or legal deadline that must be met.
Failure to comply with these requirements could mean the permanent dismissal of your claim. If you are unsure of the deadlines that apply to your case, a lawyer can let you know how long you have to file a claim.
The truck driver may try to blame you for the accident
After being involved in a trucking accident, you may feel the trucker was clearly to blame. However, the truck driver or his employer may try to distort the facts and place all or part of the blame on you.
Unfortunately, truck drivers and the companies they work for often have powerful insurance companies and law firms backing them up, so you need strength on your side as well. You want to be sure to have an experienced personal injury lawyer protecting your legal rights.
Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance adjuster
There are various reasons why negotiating a settlement on your own may be risky. One reason is that you may not be aware of the actual value of your claim. A truck accident lawyer will be able to inform you of damages you could be entitled to but could have been overlooked, such as pain and suffering or lost wages.
If you choose to negotiate a claim on your own, you have to be cautious as to what you say to the insurer. Insurance companies are notorious for taking casual statements a personal injury victim makes while discussing the accident and using it against him or her. An insurer may even take something out of context and use it as an excuse to deny or reduce the value of your claim.
Recoverable Compensation After a Minor Truck Accident
Even if your truck accident is considered to be minor, it is still worth consulting with a personal injury lawyer from Judd Shaw Injury Law to learn what damages you may be entitled to receive.
Examples of damages you may be able to claim after a minor truck accident include:
- Property damage: Tractor-trailers are massive vehicles, and even a minor accident with one could cause damage to your vehicle. If your car was damaged in the collision, you could make a property damage claim.
- Medical expenses: A minor truck accident can leave victims with whiplash or other injuries. You should be able to receive compensation for any medical bills incurred as a result of injuries you sustained in the accident.
- Loss of income: For most people, their jobs are their livelihood, and even a few days of missed work may cause financial difficulties. If the accident or your injuries have forced you to miss time from work, you can file a claim for lost wages.
- Pain and suffering: A truck accident, even a minor one, can be a harrowing experience. These types of damages are awarded to compensate for the mental and emotional stress you may be experiencing after an accident.
Consider Hiring a Lawyer Following a Minor Truck Accident
If you are unsure whether you should hire a truck accident lawyer for a minor accident, the legal team at Judd Shaw Injury Law can advise you on your best course of action. Should you choose to hire us, we will do all we can to make the claims process as easy as possible for you.
Our law firm offers truck accident victims the opportunity to meet with us for a free consultation. At no cost to you, we will review your claim and advise you on how we can help. You may be surprised at the damages a personal injury lawyer can pursue on your behalf.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we strive to be our clients’ knights in shining armor. If you have questions about your truck accident claim, contact us today for a free consultation or call us 24/7 at 732-888-8888.