How Can a Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Car accidents involving commercial trucks are often disastrous. In order to begin the recovery process in overcoming the crash, it’s best to seek the advice of an experienced Bakersfield truck accident lawyer if you were injured in an accident.
Although newer and faster means of transportation are being invented every day, the trucking sector continues to grow. Truck transportation is considered one of the most effective and efficient means to carry goods across states, with around 70% of all products arriving at their destination by various types of trucks.
According to National Safety Council Injury Facts, 5,005 trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2019, up to 2% from 2018 and about 43% since 2010. The rate of involvement per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is over 5% from 2018 and has increased 37% since 2010. Read on to learn more about truck accidents and how a truck accident lawyer in Bakersfield can be of help.
The Role of a Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking companies are governed by different federal and state laws than individuals involved in car accidents. As a victim of a truck accident, you may not be dealing with just an insurance provider, but you may also have to talk to their legal team, as well. A truck accident can be very costly for businesses, which is why they will make the effort to reduce liability.
Shortly after the truck accident, you may be presented with an offer from the other party’s insurance. Their goal is to get victims to settle the matter out of court without the involvement of an attorney. Don’t settle for the first settlement offer you get from the insurance company just to get it over with. An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to negotiate on a settlement to get you the compensation you deserve.
5 Reasons Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney to Represent You
Why should you hire a truck accident attorney to help you win a truck accident case? Here are five key benefits an attorney can provide clients with.
1. Carry Out In-Depth Investigation
A truck accident lawyer will conduct an in-depth investigation on your behalf. Evidence is vital in a case, and as with any other truck accident, an experienced truck accident lawyer knows what to look for such as its cause, who is at fault, if alcohol or drugs were factors, and more.
The lawyer will also look at the “truck’s black box,” which is a data recorder that shows specifics of speed, brakes, and steering before, during, and after an accident. The black box provides the attorney with tangible proof of fault and backs up your claim by providing concrete evidence and undeniable data. This information prevents your case from becoming “your word against theirs.”
2. Proving Who Was at Fault
In every truck accident lawsuit, the person at fault must be identified. A truck accident lawyer will know precisely how to prove fault, or how to recover a portion of your damages if both parties were at fault.
This can be accomplished by the attorney going over crucial pieces of evidence from your accident, such as but not limited to:
- The police report detailing the accident
- Pictures or videos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Black box data
- Records proving that the truck driver is a constant offender of traffic law violations
- The truck’s mechanical condition
3. Handle Complex Negotiations
While some insurance companies may offer a reasonable compensation fee, the majority do not. To get a fair settlement, the attorney will negotiate with difficult insurance adjusters. It’s possible that the insurance company will refuse to negotiate the settlement they offer. Negotiations will involve a lot of time-consuming work including a lot of counter-offering. If an offer is still deemed unacceptable, the last resort will be to file a personal injury lawsuit where the attorney will take your case to court.
4. Develop an Appropriate Legal Strategy
Your lawyer can do a thorough analysis of your case, locate the necessary evidence, collect testimonies from expert witnesses, and devise the best legal strategy to pursue. Depending on the case, a claim can usually be settled out of court. Other times, however, litigation may be the only option to fight for a satisfactory settlement. Your lawyer will know when that must be pursued.
5. Navigating the Legal Process
The judicial system is complex and intimidating. In a truck accident case, navigating the legal process on your own without professional legal assistance is a daunting task for any inexperienced person without a legal background. Your truck accident lawyer will be the one in constant communication with the insurers of the parties responsible on your behalf.
Truck accident cases are frequently complicated, and typically involve multiple parties including the truck driver, trucking company, and even the truck manufacturer. with conflicting interests. Hiring a truck accident lawyer in Bakersfield can help you level the playing field. Because trucking firms and connected parties are well-prepared to handle these matters, having legal counsel on your side who can assist you in maximizing your recovery is important.
Between truck drivers and the trucking company that employs them, it’s possible that an accident involving commercial trucks can be caused by any number of negligent actions. Our knowledgeable truck accident lawyers at Horizon Accident Lawyers can help you in determining who is to blame for your injuries and who should be accountable. Get in touch with us to speak with one of our truck accident lawyers.