Why You Need a Lawyer After a Serious Truck Accident
Serious truck accidents require the assistance of a serious truck accident lawyer. These crashes can have life-altering consequences. From the impact your injuries have on your ability to work and enjoy life as you previously did to the financial uncertainties accident victims face, it is a highly stressful, challenging time.
What you need to know at this difficult juncture is that you may be able to recover compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering. However, Colorado truck accident claims tend to be very complex, involving both federal and state laws, multiple parties, and aggressive insurance companies.
For these reasons and many more, it is so important to work with an experienced serious truck accident lawyer after an accident. They can help make sure your rights are protected and that you pursue the full compensation you need and deserve for your damages.
Burg Simpson has decades of experience handling truck accident claims throughout Colorado. We are Good Lawyers. Changing Lives.®, and we are here to help. To get started, call us today at 303-792-5595 for a FREE case evaluation.
Why Hire a Serious Truck Accident Lawyer?
When it comes to severe truck accidents, there are many reasons you should work with an attorney. A few of the most critical include:
- Determining liability can be complex: There may be several parties involved, including the driver, the trucking company, parts manufacturers, loading companies, and more. A lawyer can help evaluate which party or parties are liable for your damages.
- Insurance companies are aggressive: Because truck accident claims can be worth so much, insurance companies fight them harder than most other claims. A serious truck accident lawyer will know how to push back, protect your rights, and offer support.
- You need to recover maximum compensation: If you do have a viable claim, there is a good chance the insurance company will offer a settlement relatively soon. However, this offer may be for far less than your claim is worth. An attorney can help you determine what is fair.
In most serious truck accident claims, the stakes are simply too high to try to handle it all on your own. Working with a lawyer who knows how to navigate the process, stand up to insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation is crucial.
Read More: Why Are Truck Accidents So Serious?
What Are Most Lawyer Fees for a Truck Accident?
Most truck accident lawyers, including Burg Simpson, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not charge you unless and until we recover compensation on your behalf. This serves as a vital safeguard for accident victims who would not otherwise be able to afford an attorney to represent them. If you are awarded compensation, your attorney’s fees will be a portion of the total amount, typically around 33%.
What Does a Serious Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
A serious truck accident lawyer performs several key functions for accident victims, each of which is integral to building a successful case. These include:
- Investigating the accident: Determining liability starts with gathering evidence of negligence. This can include black box data, driver logs, accident reports, hiring documentation from the trucking company, and more. A lawyer will also interview witnesses and recruit the help of experts, if necessary.
- Calculating compensation: Once liability has been established, a truck accident lawyer will work to calculate the full value of your claim. This includes your current and future medical expenses, lost income, and other financial losses, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: Your truck accident lawyer will also handle all communication with the insurance company (or companies) during settlement negotiations.
If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit to take the claim to court. While this might not be the quickest way to recover compensation, it may be the best way to secure a fair settlement if the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith.
Do Insurance Companies Want You to Get a Lawyer?
No, insurance companies would undoubtedly prefer accident victims represent themselves. It is easier to take advantage of people who do not know how truck accident claims work.
Insurance adjusters may use ultimatums or intimidation to make you feel like you have no other option but to do as they request. Unfortunately, many accident victims will not know whether to fight back or comply. A trusted attorney can help guide you to a decision that takes your best interests into account.
Read More: Dealing with the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident
How Do Truck Accident Lawsuits Work?
While every truck accident claim is different, they generally follow this process:
- Investigation
- Filing a claim
- Settlement negotiations
- Filing a lawsuit if a settlement cannot be reached
- Discovery to exchange evidence and information
- Trial
How long this takes ultimately depends on the complexity of the accident and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate a fair settlement. In some cases, this can be completed in a matter of months, though it may take a year or longer for more complicated claims.
When Should I Contact an Attorney?
When it comes to serious truck accidents, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. If you delay, it can make it much more difficult to perform a thorough investigation, which includes gathering evidence and interviewing potential eyewitnesses.
Further, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Colorado is 3 years from the date of the accident. You will likely be unable to pursue compensation after those 3 years have elapsed. While that may seem like plenty of time, it is important to give your attorneys as much time as possible to build a strong case.
Burg Simpson’s Colorado Serious Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Burg Simpson, we combine our local clout and national strength to provide first-rate, personalized, caring legal representation. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the aftermath of a serious truck accident, and we are here to help you get your life back on track.
Contact Burg Simpson today for a FREE case evaluation with a serious truck accident lawyer. We serve clients in Denver, Englewood, and throughout Colorado.