Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident, whether it happened with a commercial vehicle or not, you are not required to have an attorney to settle your claim with the insurance company. Accident liability is a complex issue, so it might be wise to consult with an experienced truck lawyer before settling. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and get more money for other problems that occur after the settlement is made. The insurance company isn’t acting in your best interest. The first offer they make might be low, just to get you to go away.

Determining Responsibility

After an accident, the person at fault should compensate the other parties for injuries and damages. In a truck accident, there could many parties fighting over who was responsible for the accident. It’s not only the truck driver and his or her insurance company. The employer may share liability, depending on the contract between the driver and company. If the driver was a contractor, it may change liability. The manufacturer of the truck or company that loaded the trailer may have played a part in liability. When all these companies fight over who will pay for the accident, it could leave the injured party without anyone taking responsibility.

What If You’re Partially At Fault?

Some states have what is called comparable negligence laws, which means that if you are partially responsible for the accident, it could limit your ability to get compensation. The laws vary by jurisdiction. In a few states, if you are at all responsible for the accident, you can’t get any compensation. In most states, your damages are simply reduced by the percentage of fault. If it’s determined that you are 20% responsible for the accident, your damages will be reduced by 20%. Thus, it’s in the other driver’s interest to share fault.

Choosing the Best Strategy

While you don’t need a truck lawyer to settle a claim, it’s often in your best interest to discuss your case with someone familiar with the law and who can help you determine your options. You can choose your legal strategy more effectively to get the best possible outcome in your situation. Not every case will go to trial. You may be able to settle out of court with the other insurance company. Having a truck accident lawyer in Canoga Park, CA on your side will help you sort out the legal matters and give you more information about the possibilities of recovery. You want to know as much as a possible about your case before you settle.

Thanks to Barry P. Goldberg for their insight into personal injury cases and the benefits of having an attorney after a truck accident.