If you have been involved in a truck accident, you may have been seriously injured during the incident, especially if you drive an average-sized vehicle. The weight and girth of a large truck can cause severe damage to a car and its occupants. Still, you may not know whether or not to pursue an accident case. Here are a few reasons not to talk yourself out of hiring a truck accident lawyer:
No Upfront Costs
If you are concerned about out-of-pocket legal expenses, don't allow your apprehension to keep you from getting legal representation. Most truck accident lawyers are willing to accept payment based on contingency. If you do not receive compensation, the attorney receives no pay.
The lawyer agrees to accept a portion of your settlement, which is a predetermined percentage that you and the attorney agree upon before you hire him or her, as payment for the legal services provided.
Legal Expertise
People who represent themselves after a trucking accident are usually not prepared for the settlement process. Large trucking companies are represented by high-powered attorneys who fight for the best interest of their clients.
These attorneys may even show up at the hospital as you are recovering from your injuries. It is important never to sign paperwork that they may present without having an attorney present. You may not understand the legal jargon on the forms, and without realizing it, you could limit the liability of the trucking company and forgo your right to a settlement.
When a truck driver is behind the wheel, he represents the company for which he is working. If a driver is shown to be at fault in an accident, the company may be liable not only for your accident-related expenses. It could be responsible for fines and restrictions if trucking regulations, such as proper load weight and driving times, were violated.
A truck accident lawyer knows that truckers are only allowed to drive 11 hours per driving stretch without stopping to rest. In addition, the drivers cannot exceed 77 hours of driving per week.
Lengthy periods without rest can cause sleep-deprivation, and truckers who are sleep-deprived have slower response times when driving. Thus, they are more likely to cause an accident on the road.
If you have been injured due to a collision with a large truck, don't risk reduced compensation by not hiring an lawyer. Contact a truck accident lawyer in your area to schedule an appointment. The initial consultation is likely to be free of charge.
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