Truck Accident Attorney: Finding Fault And Adjusting Settlements
If you're the victim of a truck accident, restoring your life and property can feel overwhelming. From filing a lawsuit to negotiating with insurance adjusters, an experienced truck attorney can ensure that you receive the compensation and care you need.
Here are some of the things to consider when you contact a truck accident lawyer to represent you.
Fault Lines
Most truck accident cases hinge on fault. If the truck operator is completely at fault for the accident, his or her insurers and company are responsible for all the resulting damages. However, most truck accident cases aren't this clean-cut.
Police Report
This document will likely serve as the official record of the accident. Any facts, witness statements, or photographs included in the police report will be used by the parties involved in the case to divvy up fault and liability for the accident. Your truck accident attorney will pour over this document to ensure that your role in the accident is accurately assessed. Depending on the state where the accident occurred, proving that your fault in the accident is less than 51 %, means that your liability is greatly reduced. Your truck accident attorney can also challenge the official police report by gathering new evidence or hiring experts to independently review the assessment included in the report.
Adjusting Settlements
Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating aspects of recovering from a truck accident. From completing forms to negotiating settlements, your truck accident attorney speaks insurance lingo and knows all the tricks in their arsenal.
Deductibles
The deductible limits associated with your policy and the policy of the other driver(s) will often serve as a baseline for settlement negotiations. For instance, if your deductible for bodily injury and property damage is $25,000, your insurance company's claims adjuster will offer a settlement in the range of this total. In many cases, the adjuster will make an initial offer that's much smaller in the hopes that you'll settle for less. Your truck accident attorney can threaten litigation and build a case to prove to the insurers associated with your case that you're entitled compensation that restores your health, pays for your suffering, and restores your property. It's critical that you consult with your truck accident attorney before you sign any documents generated by an insurance adjuster. Your truck accident attorney will pour over any legal documents to ensure that the insurance company doesn't compel you to admit fault or settle any aspect of your case.
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