Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Truck Accident Case in Riverside?
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by someone else, you could be entitled to compensation. Pursuing that compensation on your own while you are injured or recovering from your injuries might not yield the desired results.
Truck accidents are different in several ways from other crashes. Seeking the money you deserve from the at-fault parties is more complicated and time-consuming due to the unique characteristics of large commercial vehicles and the trucking industry. An attorney familiar with truck accident cases could guide you through your claim or lawsuit while protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation.
Here are more reasons to consider hiring a lawyer for your truck accident case in Riverside.
Increased Severity of Injuries and Losses
Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than cars, and when they are involved in accidents, the impact can be much more forceful, leading to more severe injuries or even fatalities.
The larger size and weight of trucks can also result in more extensive property damage, including damage to other vehicles, structures, and road infrastructure.
Complex State and Federal Regulations
Commercial trucks are subject to federal and state regulations that don’t apply to passenger cars. The State of California also has guidelines for commercial vehicles.
These regulations govern various aspects of trucking, such as driver qualifications, hours of service, weight limits, maintenance requirements, and more. A truck accident lawyer could show investigate to determine whether and how violating these regulations caused your injuries.
Multiple Liable Parties
Determining liability in a truck accident is complex, as multiple factors may include driver error, equipment failure, and maintenance issues.
Parties who may share liability in a truck accident include:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Truck owner
- Maintenance provider
- Another driver
Most people do not have the legal training to identify and hold all liable parties accountable.
Higher Insurance Coverage
Commercial trucks are typically required to carry higher insurance coverage than passenger vehicles due to the increased risks they pose.
Trucking companies and their insurers might hire insurance or accident investigators who try to downplay the severity of your injuries and the cost of your injuries and losses. It is in their best interest to offer you as little compensation as possible or make it difficult to collect compensation in a claim or lawsuit.
Evidence Collection and Preservation
Truck accidents require thorough investigation and evidence collection to determine the cause of the accident and establish liability. Evidence from a typical truck accident might include the following:
- Data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD)
- Driver logs
- Maintenance records
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Traffic-camera videos
A truck accident lawyer in Riverside has the resources and knowledge to collect and preserve evidence to build a strong case.
Accurately Assess Your Damages
A lawyer could help you understand the full extent of your damages. Each truck accident case is different, but common losses include the following:
- Medical care and treatment (immediate and long-term)
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
You only have one chance to seek compensation after a truck accident. A truck accident lawyer would conduct an objective and experienced review of your injuries and other losses to pursue appropriate financial recovery.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often have teams of lawyers and adjusters who may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. A skilled lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected as they pursue fair compensation for your damages.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Riverside
Pursuing compensation after you were injured in a Riverside truck accident someone else caused is daunting for anyone. It is particularly overwhelming for someone recovering from severe injuries and emotional trauma. Let a truck accident attorney with Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP, help you. Since 2004, we’ve protected the rights of countless injured people and held liable parties accountable. Call us at 951-686-4800 or contact us online today so we may get started on your case.