When Should I Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?

If you have been injured or if you lost a loved one in a truck crash, speaking with a semi-truck accident attorney should be near the top of your list of next steps. Navigating the path forward after an accident can be overwhelming, to say the least. One of the most important decisions you will make is how to handle your claim for compensation and, if necessary, take your case to court.

Every truck accident claim is different. There may be several parties involved, the damages may be severe, and you may find yourself up against deep-pocketed insurance companies that will do whatever they can to minimize how much they pay out.

This is why working with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer can be so beneficial. An attorney can provide honest, insightful guidance during this challenging time and help you make informed decisions while pursuing the just compensation you deserve.

To discuss your situation with a semi-truck accident attorney at Burg Simpson, call us today at 303-792-5595 or contact us online for a FREE case evaluation. Our team proudly serves clients in Denver, Englewood, and throughout Colorado.

When Do I Need to Hire a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney?

While it is always a good idea to speak with a truck accident lawyer after a crash, certain scenarios are particularly difficult to navigate. These include situations where:

The Crash Involved a Semi-Truck

Any accident with a commercial truck can quickly become complicated. There are often several parties involved, including the driver, the trucking company, parts manufacturers, and others, and the damages are often quite high. As such, consulting with an attorney as soon as possible can help you navigate the claim and ensure your rights are protected.

There Were Severe Injuries or a Fatality

In cases where there are catastrophic injuries or a tragic wrongful death, the value of the claim will likely be very high. Typically, this means that the insurance companies involved will put up a strong defense and try to mitigate the value of your claim in any way possible.

Liability Is Contested

To recover compensation, you must be able to show how another party was negligent and therefore responsible for the accident and subsequent damages. If it is unclear who was responsible or if the insurance company disputes your claim, an experienced attorney will know how to strengthen your case and negotiate effectively to give you the best possible chance of winning the compensation you deserve.

You Are Being Pressured to Settle Quickly

If liability is clear and the other party’s insurance company knows you have a viable claim, they may try to limit your compensation by offering you a quick settlement. This may seem like an easy resolution, but these offers are generally far lower than you deserve. Before accepting a settlement, you should fully understand the extent of your short- and long-term damages, which is something a lawyer can help you calculate.

The Cause of the Crash Is Difficult to Prove

If you suspect the cause of the accident was driver fatigue, DUI, mechanical failure, or improperly loaded cargo, you may find it difficult to gather the necessary evidence on your own. For example, proving driver fatigue could require showing that the trucking company forced drivers to stay on the road longer than allowed under federal law. This type of investigation is often complex and time-intensive, which makes a lawyer’s knowledge and experience that much more valuable.

If you are uncertain about how to proceed at any point, the safest step is always to reach out to a lawyer to discuss your options and help determine the best path forward.

Is Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer Worth It?

Yes. In most cases, hiring a semi-truck accident attorney is the best decision you can make to maximize your compensation. 

While the law is technically on your side in terms of providing an avenue to pursue compensation, securing fair compensation depends on how your case is handled. To build a strong claim, you must:

• Gather evidence, such as dashcam footage and driver logs
• Interview witnesses who saw the accident take place
• Perform a thorough investigation to determine the underlying cause
• Calculate compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, both past and future
• Negotiate with highly skilled insurance adjusters and lawyers who are not on your side
• Take the claim to court, if necessary, to assert your right to fair compensation

These are all demanding, time-consuming tasks that require skill, experience, and access to legal resources. A trusted lawyer will be able to handle all of this for you, giving you peace of mind and the time you need to focus on getting better.

Do Insurance Companies Want You to Get a Lawyer?

Absolutely not. Many of the tactics insurance companies use to protect their bottom line rely on taking advantage of accident victims’ inexperience and lack of legal knowledge.

This can take many different forms, including:

• Offering a low-ball settlement that undervalues your claim
• Requesting an on-the-record statement to try to manufacture inconsistencies in your story
• Requesting your medical records in an attempt to criticize your diagnosis and treatment as they relate to the accident

Hiring an experienced semi-truck accident attorney to represent you keeps the insurance company from employing their usual tactics. You will have a significantly better chance of securing the compensation you deserve and moving forward with the support you need.

How Do I Choose the Right Truck Accident Attorney?

Choosing the right lawyer is just as important as the decision to hire a lawyer in the first place, since how well your claim is handled will directly impact how much compensation you recover. 

Some of the most important things to keep in mind when evaluating law firms:

• Make sure they have specific experience representing truck accident victims and winning compensation for them.
• Make sure they have positive reviews and testimonials from truck accident clients.
• Make sure they are willing to take your case to trial if the insurance company is negotiating in bad faith.
• Make sure they provide free consultations and only charge a percentage of your total compensation if and when they recover it on your behalf.

It is also important that you feel comfortable discussing your claim with them and that they are attentive and compassionate. You may be working very closely with them over the coming months, so make sure you trust them and feel confident in their approach to your case.

Contact Burg Simpson for a FREE Case Evaluation Today!

At Burg Simpson, we are proud of the work we have done and continue to do for truck accident victims throughout Colorado. We have recovered over $2 billion in compensation for our clients over the past 45 years. We are Good Lawyers. Changing Lives.®, using our dedication and ample resources to protect our clients’ rights.

Reach out today for a FREE case evaluation with a Denver semi-truck accident attorney. Contact us online or call 303-792-5595 to get started.