What to Do When You Get Hit by a Big Rig: Your Legal Rights
Big rigs are essential for keeping goods traveling from one location to another. Although most big rig drivers practice safety and follow the rules of the road, there are issues that can cause a truck accident. Injured victims of a big rig crash need to be aware of the options they have for pursuing compensation. When a person is aware of their legal rights after an accident, they are more likely to protect them successfully.
What Rights Do Truck Accident Victims Have?
Rights are afforded to truck accident victims by the law. One of the first rights injured victims have is hiring an attorney. Hiring an attorney is wise because it allows individuals to learn more about their rights and take the steps that are necessary for protecting them. Hiring an attorney after a victim is hit by a big rig is highly important.
Another right truck accident victims hold is seeking compensation for their injuries and damages. Injured victims may pursue monetary damages for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, damaged property, and more. In some cases, punitive damages may be allowed.
Hiring an Attorney Is Important After a Truck Accident
Hiring a truck accident attorney is one of the most important things a person can do when they have been injured in an accident. It is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible because of the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations limits the amount of time an injured victim has to file a lawsuit.
Working with a personal injury lawyer ensures an injured victim’s rights are protected at all times. The attorney becomes an advocate for an injured client and works to get them the best possible settlement available.
Questions to Ask a Truck Accident Attorney
Before hiring an attorney, individuals need to carefully research their options. This is not a time to rush the process of hiring an attorney. The following are some questions injured people should ask of an attorney before they decide.
- Who is responsible for my big rig accident?
- How do I file a lawsuit?
- Have you represented cases like mine before?
- What is your track record in trials?
- How much is the value of my claim?
- What steps are involved in filing a claim?
- What are your fees?
Asking the above questions of the attorney will allow an injured victim to learn whether the attorney will be able to offer them the highest level of advocacy. Once a big rig accident victim is working with an attorney, the attorney takes over the steps that will be involved in the claims process.
What to Expect From Hiring an Attorney
Working with an attorney is important for allowing injured victims to receive the fair compensation they are owed for their measurable damages. The attorney will handle the following steps.
- Investigate the big rig accident
- Gather evidence
- Help their client file a claim with the insurance company
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Advise their client on settlement
- File a lawsuit on behalf of the client if it becomes necessary
Scheduling a Consultation Is Wise
It is helpful if an injured truck accident victim schedules a consultation appointment to learn more about their rights and legal options. Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultation appointments and may even offer contingency arrangements. If the injured victim does not win their case, they do not owe attorney’s fees.