While the average passenger vehicle weighs a little more than 4,000 pounds, large semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal regulations. When these heavy vehicles collide with smaller vehicles, the occupants of the passenger cars are much more likely to be seriously injured or killed due to the weight disparity. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a collision involving a big rig, we encourage you to work with an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer.
Why You Need an Experienced Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
To Successfully Compete with the Insurance Company
Trucking companies are required to carry insurance with very high policy limits. Depending on the type of cargo and truck, the minimum liability insurance can range from $750,000 to $5 million. Immediately after a truck is involved in a collision, the driver will report it to his or her employer, and the trucking carrier will then notify the insurance company. Because of the large amounts of money that might be involved, insurance companies typically send investigators to the scene as quickly as possible. These investigators will conduct thorough investigations: interviewing witnesses, taking pictures, making assessments of the damage to the involved vehicles, and collecting data for further analysis from the truck. The goal of the investigation is to immediately begin building defenses against possible claims.
Why do you need to hire an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the collision? He or she will understand the strategies that insurance and trucking companies may use to minimize or avoid liability. If you want to give yourself the best possible chance of securing fair compensation for your losses, you need an expert on your side.
To Take Action Quickly
Your lawyer can handle several crucial steps that should be addressed immediately. First, he or she can conduct an investigation of the collision. He or she may even work with an accident reconstruction expert and/or experienced investigators to collect critical data from the scene and interview witnesses. An experienced attorney understands how to complete an investigation to prove the liability of the driver or other negligent parties.
To Lift the Burden Off Your Shoulders
Insurance companies have teams of defense lawyers who are prepared to mount vigorous defenses to claims that are filed by victims, and trying to go up against this skilled team on your own can be very difficult. If you aren’t careful, you may even make costly mistakes that harm your claim. Instead, hire an experienced lawyer who can handle the case and negotiations while you concentrate on recovering and returning to your everyday life.
An attorney can handle all aspects of your case, including complex data, confusing paperwork, and any issues that arise. Your attorney will understand how to build a strong case of liability and can identify all of the potential recovery sources to maximize your compensation. Moreover, your attorney can use his or her knowledge of the state and federal laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucks and trucking carriers to ensure that your case is handled correctly.
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Have you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a semi-truck collision that was not your fault? Contact the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave today to schedule a free evaluation of your claim. You can call us at 417-322-2222 or send us a message online.