If you are involved in a truck accident, you will likely need to file a lawsuit to seek compensation. A successful claim will allow you to recover for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, disfigurement, and other damages. In order to build your case, your attorney will need to carefully investigate the crash. This may include examining the driver’s logbook, trucking company safety inspection reports, on-board camera footage, and other relevant documentation.
A thorough investigation will also involve working with experts to determine how the accident occurred. For example, your attorney will work with specialists to examine skid marks and the direction they point, as well as the weight dimensions of each vehicle involved in the accident. They will also conduct other tests to help reconstruct the accident and find out how it happened.
The investigation will also reveal all parties that are liable for your injuries. Depending on the cause of the crash, liability could rest with individual truck drivers, their employer, a trucking company that hires them, cargo manufacturers, or other companies. It is important to have an attorney who understands the complexities of the trucking industry and insurance systems in order to identify all liable parties.
After preparing sufficient evidence, your Truck accident lawsuit process explained by professionals will file a complaint and summons with the appropriate court. This begins the formal process of a lawsuit, which can take anywhere from one to several years. During this time, your attorney will continue to gather and analyze evidence and interview witnesses. In addition, your lawyer will request information from the defendants’ attorneys through a process known as discovery. This allows both sides to exchange relevant information, including witness statements, insurance policy documents, medical records, and expert testimony.
Your attorney will review the evidence in your case to prepare a demand for compensation. Typically, this will include a list of all your current and projected future medical expenses, as well as any losses resulting from the crash. It is common for experts to be called in to testify about the costs of your injuries, such as a medical specialist or economic expert.
In many cases, the parties will attempt to negotiate a settlement agreement. This can be a lengthy process, and it is essential that you have an experienced lawyer on your side to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your damages.
If negotiations are unsuccessful, your lawyer will advise you that it is time to go to trial. Your attorney will have fully investigated your crash, built a compelling case, and hired the right expert witnesses to present at trial.
A jury or judge will then rule on the disputed issues in your case, such as who is at fault for the accident and how much compensation you should receive. It is important to note that, in some cases, the parties will agree to bypass mediation and move directly to trial. This is often done when the plaintiff’s demands are not met by the insurance company or if the insurer refuses to offer a fair amount of money.