7 Reasons Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

Since commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than average passenger vehicles, collisions often result in significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Victims are left facing long recoveries, mounting medical bills, and lost income. For many people, the complexity of truck accident claims can make it difficult to know what to do next. Truck accident claims may involve multiple liable parties, evidence in the possession of possible defendants, overlapping commercial insurance policies, and numerous state and federal regulations. If you were injured in a crash, we explain seven reasons why you may need a truck accident lawyer to handle your claim after a collision.

Why Is Determining Liability More Complicated in Truck Accident Cases?

Many people assume the truck driver is the only person responsible for a truck accident. In reality, these cases often involve more than one party. A thorough investigation may uncover additional sources of liability that are not immediately apparent after a crash. Potentially responsible parties beyond the truck driver may include:

• The trucking company
• The vehicle owner
• A cargo loading company
• A maintenance provider
• A manufacturer of defective truck parts

Identifying every liable party is an important part of seeking compensation. Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation designed to identify all parties whose actions contributed to an accident.

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Why Is Evidence So Important After a Truck Accident?

Evidence often plays a central role in determining how a truck accident occurred and who should be held responsible. Unfortunately, some of the most valuable evidence may be difficult to obtain. Important evidence in a truck accident claim may include:

• Driver logs and electronic logging device records
• Black box data
• Witness statements
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Photos from the crash scene

Evidence does not stay available forever. Surveillance footage may be deleted, records may become harder to obtain, and witnesses may forget important details over time or become impossible to locate. Taking action sooner rather than later makes it easier to preserve the information needed to understand how the accident happened.

Why Do Trucking Companies and Their Insurance Carriers Respond So Quickly After a Crash?

Trucking companies and their insurance carriers often begin investigating accidents immediately. Their representatives understand that the outcome of an investigation may significantly affect their exposure and settlement values. It is not unusual for an insurance adjuster to contact you soon after a truck accident. While the conversation may seem informal, it is important to remember that the adjuster is gathering information about the claim with the goal of defeating or minimizing the value of the claim. Something that seems like an innocent comment at the time could later be used to dispute the extent of your injuries or your version of events. A truck accident lawyer will take over communications with insurance companies and other parties involved in the claim. This allows injured individuals to avoid potentially problematic conversations and spend more time focusing on their medical treatment and recovery.

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Why Do Truck Accident Injuries Often Result in Higher Financial Losses?

The size and weight of commercial trucks often result in severe injuries when collisions occur. Victims may face lengthy recoveries, extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant time away from work. Truck accident damages often include:

• Emergency medical care and hospitalization
• Follow-up treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost income
• Reduced earning ability
• Long-term care needs
• Pain and suffering
• Impaired quality of life

The financial impact of a serious truck accident is not always limited to the expenses a person faces right away. When injuries result in lasting medical needs or affect future earning potential, experts may be brought in to assess the long-term consequences. These experts sometimes include medical professionals, vocational rehabilitation specialists, life care planners, and economists. Understanding the complete scope of damages is essential when seeking compensation under the law.

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Why Do Truck Accident Cases Involve Unique State and Federal Regulations?

The trucking industry is subject to numerous state and federal regulations intended to promote safety on the road. These rules govern many aspects of commercial transportation, including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and hours-of-service requirements. Evidence of a safety violation can play an important role in a truck accident case. For example, records showing that a driver spent too many hours on the road or that a truck was not properly maintained may point to factors that contributed to the crash. Because these regulations are often complex, truck accident cases typically require a more detailed investigation than many other motor vehicle accident claims. Understanding how regulatory requirements apply to a particular case is often an important part of building a strong claim. 

Why Is It Important to Know the Value of Your Truck Accident Case Before Accepting a Settlement?

After a serious accident, a settlement offer may seem appealing, especially when medical bills and financial pressures begin to accumulate. However, accepting an offer before understanding the impact of your injuries can create significant problems. Insurance companies often attempt to resolve claims for as little as possible. Typically, settlement agreements are called general releases. Once a general release is signed, the injured person generally cannot pursue additional compensation related to the accident later. Before agreeing to any settlement, it is important to understand the complete value of a claim. This includes current losses, anticipated future expenses, lost income, and other damages supported by the evidence. Our personal injury lawyers carefully evaluate each case to determine a value based on the specific circumstances involved.

Why Should You Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer As Soon as Possible?

The period immediately following a truck accident is often one of the most important stages of a potential claim. Taking prompt action allows lawyers to:

• Preserve evidence
• Interview witnesses
• Identify liable parties
• Communicate with all parties on your behalf
• Develop a stronger claim by investigating the underlying circumstances, consulting with expert witnesses or other work tailored to the unique facts of a given case

Delays can make it more difficult to locate witnesses, obtain records, and preserve important evidence. The sooner an investigation begins, the better positioned your legal team will be to gather the information needed to support your claim. Truck accident claims are also subject to legal deadlines. It is also very important to note that a shorter statute of limitations may apply to your situation, depending upon the circumstances of your case. Speaking with a lawyer can help clarify which deadlines apply and what legal options may be available. Because every truck accident presents unique challenges, speaking with a lawyer early provides valuable guidance regarding your rights, options, and next steps. 

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers at Friedman & Simon, L.L.P.

The aftermath of a truck accident is often overwhelming. During this difficult time, having legal advocates in your corner can make a meaningful difference. Since 1991, our truck accident lawyers at Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. have represented injured people throughout New York with personalized attention, consistent communication, and determined advocacy. We keep our clients updated on their cases, identify liable parties, communicate with all parties on their behalf, gather evidence, and determine a value for each case. Call for a free consultation. You are welcome to call today to discuss your situation and gain a clearer understanding of your legal options and the steps available to address your concerns.

Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form