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If you were involved in a truck accident in Etowah, you may feel overwhelmed. An Etowah personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our goal is to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this difficult time. An Etowah truck accident lawyer from our team will work with you to help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Causes Of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be caused by various factors, including driver fatigue. When truck drivers don’t get enough rest, they can’t react quickly to situations on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
Equipment failure is another common cause of truck accidents. If a truck’s brakes or tires aren’t properly maintained, they can fail, leading to a loss of control. A truck accident lawyer in Etowah can investigate your accident and work to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Types Of Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can leave you with severe and life-altering injuries. You may suffer from whiplash injuries, which can cause neck and back pain. These can be debilitating and require extensive medical treatment.
Spinal damage is also a common consequence of truck accidents, and it can lead to paralysis or permanent disability. You may experience broken bones, head trauma, and internal injuries as well. These injuries can affect your daily life, making it difficult to work or perform everyday tasks.
You should seek medical attention immediately after a truck accident to get treated. A truck accident attorney in Etowah can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Why Do I Need an Etowah Truck Accident Attorney?
If you were injured in a truck accident, you will likely face a long, complicated process to get the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers offer professional advice and support that will improve your chances of a successful claim. Specifically, we provide:
- Investigative assistance
- Effective negotiation with insurance companies
- Representation in court (if necessary)
With our lawyers, you will get the guidance you need to make informed decisions. We’ll use our knowledge and experience to build you a strong case for full compensation.
Steps to Take After an Accident
After a truck accident, you should exchange information with the other parties involved, report the accident to the police, and seek medical attention for your injuries. You will also want to notify your insurance company and hire a lawyer to guide you through the legal process.
By taking these initial steps, you will be well on your way to securing compensation.
What Types of Evidence Do I Need?
A strong truck accident claim requires strong evidence. You will need to collect various types of evidence, including:
- Witness statements
- Photographic evidence
- Police reports
These will help you establish what happened and who’s at fault. You are responsible for collecting as much evidence as possible to build a strong case. Your attorney can work with experts whose testimony can support your case.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, each of whom may share responsibility for causing your injuries. Parties who may be held liable include:
- The truck driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence, they can be personally responsible for the crash.
- The trucking company: Employers can be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules.
- The cargo loader: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can make a truck unstable and lead to rollovers or lost-load accidents.
- The maintenance provider: Neglected brake repairs, tire replacements, or inspections can make a vehicle unsafe to operate.
- The truck manufacturer: Defective parts or mechanical systems may cause an accident.
Your lawyer can collect evidence such as black box data, driver logs, inspection records, and witness statements to pinpoint every liable party.
Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance carriers are not on your side after a truck accident. Their goal is to reduce what they pay out, which is why they may question your injuries or try to shift blame. You need to know how to handle these interactions to protect your claim. When dealing with insurers, you should:
- Avoid giving recorded statements: Adjusters may twist your words to minimize your damages or dispute liability.
- Don’t accept early settlement offers: Initial offers rarely reflect the full extent of your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
- Keep records of all communication: Emails, letters, and call notes can help your lawyer track what’s been said.
- Let your attorney handle negotiations: Experienced truck accident lawyers know how to counter lowball tactics and demand a fair settlement.
- Don’t post on social media: Insurers often monitor online activity to find posts they can use against your claim.
With legal representation, you can focus on recovery while your lawyer protects your financial interests.
How Does the Claims Process Work?
The claims process after a truck accident typically unfolds in several stages. Here’s how a typical claim progresses:
- Investigation: Your attorney gathers police reports, photographs, medical records, and other evidence to build a strong foundation for your claim.
- Liability determination: The lawyer identifies all responsible parties, which may include the driver, trucking company, and other entities.
- Filing the claim: A formal demand is submitted to the insurers outlining your damages and legal basis for compensation.
- Negotiation: Both sides exchange offers and counteroffers, aiming to reach a fair settlement without going to court.
- Litigation (if necessary): If the insurer refuses to pay a reasonable amount, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and take the case before a jury.
- Resolution: The process concludes when a settlement is reached or a court verdict is issued.
What Types of Damages Can You Seek?
If you were involved in a truck accident, you likely incurred significant losses. In these cases, economic damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, while non-economic damages may cover pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
A truck accident lawyer can guide you through the claim assessment process and help you recover the damages you are owed.
Consult Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Etowah
You will increase your chances of getting fair compensation by hiring a qualified lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC. We will guide you through the claims process, helping you with accident investigations and negotiations with insurance companies.
We will provide you with the support and guidance you need to obtain the compensation you deserve, working diligently to protect your interests throughout the process. Book a free case review to get started.
