What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating incidents on U.S. roadways. In Michigan crash statistics from 2020, 10.4 % of serious injuries involved heavy trucks and buses. The physical injuries that result from a passenger vehicle being struck by a semi-truck are often debilitating and the pain and suffering overwhelming. Insurance companies know how harmful a truck accident is to you as a victim, so it is in their best interest to settle a claim before you understand the full extent of your condition.
It is essential to know your rights, so you don’t lose out on your chance to receive fair compensatory damages. Mike Morse Law Firm is the largest personal injury firm in Michigan. Our years of experience with truck accident cases mean we have the knowledge and skills to handle your case efficiently and effectively. Don’t wait if someone else’s negligent actions leave you injured. We take on serious legal matters while you take the time needed to rest and heal.
How Do We Help Your Case?
The days and weeks after an accident deeply worry victims and their families. You may not be able to work or know whether you can continue with life as you did before being hurt. The emotional and mental stress can be as life-shattering as any physical injury.
A personal injury lawyer provides vital support in this time. Without legal help, it can feel like everything is stacked against you, but you don’t have to go it alone. Here’s what a truck accident lawyer does regarding your accident claim.
Gives Your Case Personal Attention
When you select an attorney to handle your case, you need to work with a reputable firm that has a proven record. You want an attorney who listens to you, appreciates your concerns and gives you and your case personal attention. As the process moves forward, you will likely have questions arise that you want to discuss with your truck accident lawyer.
Our attorneys have low caseloads, so there is adequate time to respond to client needs. Additionally, they are assisted by teams who help gather and process information. Personal injury cases are filled with complexities, and we are meticulous about finding critical details that matter to the outcome of your case.
Handles Insurance Matters
Phone calls from an insurance company start soon after you are hurt in an accident. This is no small matter. If you have a conversation with a representative, you could risk your chance of a damage recovery. Insurers use information cleverly to their advantage. Any misstatements can spell trouble for accident victims.
Almost all personal injury claims are settled outside of court. For this reason alone, you shouldn’t discuss any aspect of your accident with anyone before consulting with a lawyer. A lawyer who handles your case will deal with insurance companies for you.
Investigates the Accident
Truck accident crash scenes require careful examination because the debris field is typically large. The force of impact between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle scatters crucial evidence, and collecting materials and cataloging information is essential.
An experienced attorney knows how to organize and conduct a crash scene investigation to build your case. Your attorney will enlist the services of an accident reconstruction specialist if necessary. In a commercial vehicle accident, this is some of the information an attorney requests as part of an inquiry:
- hours of service logs
- dash camera footage
- onboard computer information
- driving record
- maintenance history of the CMV
- nearby security camera footage
The amount of information that must be gathered in a truck accident investigation is immense, and the stakes rise considerably if other parties share liability for your injuries with the truck driver. You decide which personal injury firm you hire to represent you, and it’s one of your most important choices.
Identifies Liable Parties
Determining liability in a commercial vehicle case can be a challenging matter. Many parties that are part of the commercial trucking industry affect vehicle operations on roadways aside from a driver. These are other parties who may bear responsibility for your accident:
- Trucking companies
- Maintenance crews
- Shippers
- Warehousers
- Manufacturers
- Vendors and contractors
With multi-party liability, it takes a practiced lawyer to negotiate or litigate your case. Some may be out-of-state companies, and you need an attorney who knows how to research and apply local, state and federal laws that support your claim and hold parties accountable for negligent actions.
Proves Your Case
As an accident victim, you may think you have an open-and-shut case, but the burden of proof in a personal injury case is significant. An attorney will see if your case meets the conditions of these four necessary elements:
- Duty of care: You must show that a defendant had a duty of reasonable care that would be expected of anyone else in the same situation.
- Breach of duty of care: You must show that a defendant breached that duty of care by acting negligently.
- Causation: You must show how the defendant’s negligence was the cause of your injury.
- Damages: You must show that you suffered actual damages due to the defendant’s lack of reasonable care. If there are no damages, there is no right to a damage recovery.
During your initial meeting, your lawyer tells you whether these factors apply to your case. These criteria must be met to proceed with a claim.
Represents You in Court
If a settlement isn’t reached, your case will go to trial. There is no substitute for a tested litigator in a courtroom. It is essential to keep the process moving forward, and you need a lawyer who can handle all that a trial entails. Presentation is equally important, and an organized and skillful attorney stands out in the courtroom setting. Don’t hesitate to ask about experience level in your introductory meeting.
Files Your Case on Time
You might have heard of the statute of limitations in legal cases. This is the time you are allowed by law to file a lawsuit. In Michigan, you have three years to file suit after an accident, with only a few exceptions to extend that period.
However, when you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you need to seek legal help immediately. There is too much at stake to wait. A lawyer ensures your case is filed on time, and you do not run out the clock on your chance for a damage recovery.
Hire the Right Michigan Truck Accident Attorney To Represent You
Mike Morse Law Firm is ready to provide the legal representation you deserve. We have skilled attorneys who objectively review the details of your accident and tell you if you have a provable claim. Understanding all that a personal injury lawsuit involves and what to expect is essential. A truck accident lawyer communicates and consults with you throughout the legal process, so you know the status of your case and can make informed decisions.
We don’t add to the burden of your financial stress because there are no fees unless we win for you. The way to start is with our free case evaluation. Within two hours, you know whether you have a case. Contact us to fill out a quick form, and we will be in touch shortly.