When traffic collisions occur, the larger vehicle typically fairs much better. The average passenger vehicle is no match for a commercial truck’s massive weight and size. Even unloaded, these big rigs can weigh in at over 35,000 pounds. The average weight of a car is a mere 4,000 pounds, and when involved in a crash with one of these beasts of the road, the driver of the bigger vehicle could walk away unscathed.
If you’ve been injured in a crash with a big rig commercial truck, speak to a Florida personal injury lawyer about how to receive compensation. During a free consultation, one of their compassionate legal experts can help guide you towards justice.
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Strategies a Personal Injury Lawyer Will Use Against Large Trucking Companies
The victims of a collision with a large commercial truck typically have devastating results. The injuries sustained from a crash with a much larger vehicle could take months or years to recover from. Unfortunately, many are left with permanent disabilities and may be unable to earn a living. To seek compensation from a team of savvy trucking company insurance lawyers would be foolish. You’ll need an equally savvy personal injury lawyer on your side to receive a successful settlement.
It is of utmost importance to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer with a background in litigating against large trucking corporations. They have the know-how to win a successful settlement and to hold the company accountable. Here’s how they do it.
The Gathering of Evidence
As the plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit, you’ll have the burden of proving that you weren’t the cause of the truck accident, that it caused you injury, and that the injury or injuries have caused you hardships. With the help of your lawyer and their team of experts, you can gather the necessary evidence to prove these three things. Typical evidence can include the following:
- Police accident reports
- Photos of the accident and your injuries
- Surveillance camera footage, if available
- Eyewitness testimony
- Hospital bills and medical records
Determining Liability
One of the challenges of a personal injury truck accident case is determining liability. While many may feel that it’s the driver of the commercial truck who is at fault, other factors and enterprises could be involved. For example, if the truck driver’s company insists on cutting corners regarding a truck’s preventative maintenance, they could be liable for the accident.
Many instances exist when multiple parties could be held responsible for a truck accident. Some of them can include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The employees who loaded the cargo
- The truck manufacturer
Truck accident personal injury cases involving multiple entities or persons can make it difficult to assess who was negligent or who was responsible for the crash. An experienced truck accident attorney will have the knowledge and resources to determine exactly who was at fault.
Building a Strong Case
Imagine going up against a team of ruthless insurance company lawyers without the help of an experienced legal team of your own. Without a personal injury attorney by your side, they’d most likely bully you into accepting a subpar settlement if they’d even offer you anything. Your lawyer will build a strong case against the negligent parties and pressure the defendant’s legal team to offer you the best possible settlement.
To build a strong case, your attorney will use much of the obvious evidence to prove negligence, injury, and damages. These could include those listed above, but other evidence may be required to build the strongest case possible. To have an ironclad case, your attorney may also use as evidence:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical and psychological expert testimony
- Professional analysis of the truck’s Event Data Recorder, aka black box
Strategies Your Personal Injury Lawyer Uses for Truck Accident Cases Explained
Victims of a commercial truck accident could have a long road to recovery ahead of them. Unable to earn an income, many not only have a mounting pile of medical bills alongside the costs of living. Seeking compensation could prove to be difficult without an experienced personal injury attorney by your side.
Never attempt to seek compensation after a truck accident without a legal team of your own. Commercial truck accident cases can be complex and should never be attempted alone.
