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A Tractor-Trailer Hit Me. Do I Need a Lawyer?

A Tractor-Trailer Hit Me. Do I Need a Lawyer?

If you’re lucky enough to survive a tractor-trailer collision, taking legal action may be at the front of your mind. Consider hiring an attorney to handle your tractor-trailer accident case and advocate for you.

Filing a civil lawsuit and pursuing compensation for your injuries can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Let an experienced lawyer represent you and guide you every step of the way. Learn more about trucking accident claims and what you may be able to expect while working with a personal injury attorney. 

Lawyers Review Evidence To Determine Liability

When a semi-truck hits your vehicle, you might be quick to blame the driver. However, multiple parties could be at fault. The only way to establish liability is to gather and review evidence. 

Experienced truck accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to identify liable parties. They examine evidence such as:

  • Police reports
  • Vehicle maintenance records
  • Witness statements
  • Professional testimony
  • Dash cam footage, if available

It’s possible that a tractor-trailer accident case could have multiple liable parties. For example, the driver could be negligent for exceeding the speed limit. When they attempt to slow down, the brakes fail, causing them to collide with another vehicle.

In this case, the driver’s actions could make them partially liable. Fault may also lie with either the brake manufacturer or the vehicle maintenance crew. 

An Attorney Could Handle Settlement Negotiations

A commercial vehicle crash can take a severe toll on someone physically, emotionally, and financially. Serious injuries could prevent victims from working and leave them with mounting medical bills. Their recovery from the traumatic incident may lead to severe mental anguish. 

Pursuing fair compensation for your losses could be difficult without legal representation. Lawyers calculate all economic damages related to a crash, including:

  • Emergency transportation costs
  • Hospitalizations
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Prescription costs
  • Home caregiver assistance
  • Lost wages
  • Vehicle repair or replacement estimates

Compensation may also be available for your pain and suffering. Insurance companies could offer a settlement, but how can you tell if it adequately reflects your losses? An attorney could negotiate with insurance providers in hopes of reaching a settlement agreement that more fairly reflects the extent of your damages.

Your Case May Go to Trial Where Legal Representation Is Crucial

If you decide to accept a settlement offer, your tractor-trailer accident case will resolve out of court. However, some parties can’t agree to settle despite ongoing negotiations. They must then prepare for a trial, leaving the outcome for a jury to decide.

Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side could strengthen your position, depending on the evidence they’re able to collect. Lawyers understand various defense tactics and argue against them by pointing to evidence. 

The litigation process can be time consuming and has many moving parts. By hiring a lawyer, you don’t have to endure the process alone. 

How To Find a Personal Injury Lawyer You Can Trust

Don’t delay bringing your tractor-trailer case to an attorney. Research local law firms handling truck accident claims and inquire about their case history. 

You should read client testimonials to see what others think of a firm’s legal team. Scheduling a consultation is the ideal way to learn how a lawyer would approach your case. 

Seek Legal Representation From Our Experienced Counsel

Bring your tractor-trailer accident case to Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers and learn about your options. Our attorneys have years of experience and treat every case with sensitivity and dedication. We’re committed to helping our clients pursue compensation and aren’t afraid to bring cases to trial, if necessary. 

Contact our firm today to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer. Submit our online request form or call (484) 351-0350 to schedule a free consultation.