Truck accidents in Alpharetta can have devastating ramifications, usually resulting in serious injuries, severe property damage, and deaths. If you have suffered a serious injury in a truck crash, you must understand what to do when filing a truck accident claim or lawsuit, so you can seek monetary compensation for your damages. In general, this lawsuit falls under personal injury law, which compensates injured victims for the damage that results from the negligence of another party. A Ponton Law truck accident attorney will ensure your lawsuit covers all major components such as liability, negligence, and damages. After a truck accident, below are steps you must take to have a strong claim:
Seek Medical Attention
After a truck accident, you must seek medical attention immediately to ensure your safety. Also, seeing a doctor allows for the creation of medical records that can help strengthen your claim. These records will show the extent of the injuries you have sustained and the need for monetary compensation.
Call the Police
If possible, report the accident to the police. This way, there will be an official record of the crash that you can use when filing a lawsuit. The official police report will have information on the collision, including the parties involved, preliminary evaluations of fault, and witnesses.
Collect Evidence
Gathering evidence is an important step in building a solid truck accident case. Examples of evidence you need include the following:
- Photos and videos. Take photos or videos of the crash scene, road conditions, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Statements from witnesses. Get contact details and statements from people who witnessed the accident. Their accounts will be invaluable for your case.
- Medical records. Records of the medical treatment you receive, your diagnosis, and related expenses will serve as evidence for your claim.
- Police report. Get a copy of the official accident report from the police.
Speak with an Attorney
The legal complexities of truck accident lawsuits are hard to navigate without the guidance of an attorney. By consulting with an attorney who has extensive experience in handling truck accident cases, you can obtain information that can help you make the right decision for your case. An attorney understands your rights, assesses your case, and guides you through every step of the claims process.
A truck accident attorney has the experience and knowledge to handle complicated legal matters and negotiate with insurers. They can thoroughly investigate the accident to collect evidence like truck maintenance records and driver logs to determine liability. Also, they can give you trial representation if settlement negotiations fail to result in a favorable outcome.
Determine Liability
Truck accidents can involve several parties that may be liable for them. Liability in this type of accident can be assigned to a trucker, a trucking company, a truck manufacturer, or a cargo loader. Your attorney can identify the parties liable for your damages and build a solid case against each of them.
File a Claim
Before you file a truck accident lawsuit, you may want to bring a claim with the insurer of the at-fault party. Your attorney can draft a demand letter that spells out your damages, injuries, and the compensation amount you seek.
Negotiate with the Insurer
Truck accident claims are usually settled without going to court through negotiations between parties. Your attorney will negotiate with the other parties for you, ensuring your settlement covers your damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
File a Lawsuit
If you and the other party cannot reach a settlement, your attorney can take your case to trial. At trial, they will present your case persuasively to convince the judge or jury that you deserve a certain amount of compensation.
