A commercial truck crash can leave you reeling emotionally and physically, unsure of what to do next. Due to their weight and size, truck accidents often lead to more severe damage, injuries, and complex insurance claims than regular car accidents. With all that complexity, how can you handle dealing with insurance after an accident? You don’t have to go it alone.
Knowing what you are entitled to and taking action can protect your finances and help you regain control. The Beliz Law Firm is dedicated to helping you through this challenging situation and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Taking immediate action after a truck accident can significantly impact the outcome of your insurance claim. Essential steps to take after a truck accident include:
- Contact emergency medical services. Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine, seek medical evaluation to check for hidden injuries like internal bleeding or whiplash.
- Document the scene. Use your phone to take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Gather information. Collect the names, contact details, and insurance information of all parties involved. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.
- Report the accident. Contact law enforcement to report the accident and obtain a written report. Remember to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and submit an SR-1 report.
- Preserve evidence. Keep all documentation related to the accident, such as medical records, repair estimates, correspondence with insurance companies, and the accident report.
- Contact an attorney. You can avoid legal pitfalls, safeguard your rights, and make sense of the intricacies of truck accident claims with the assistance of an experienced truck accident insurance claim lawyer.
Insurance adjusters will work to find every reason possible to reduce or deny your claim. Seeking advice from a truck accident insurance claim lawyer is crucial before providing any statements or information to anyone at the insurance company.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Get the Most Compensation in Your Truck Accident Insurance Claim
Handling the aftermath of and dealing with insurance after a truck accident is no small feat, especially when facing aggressive tactics, unfamiliar policies and laws, and multiple parties. A knowledgeable truck accident insurance claim lawyer can assist you by:
- Identifying all liable parties. Truck accidents often involve multiple entities, including the driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, cargo owner, and sometimes manufacturers of defective parts. A skilled attorney will investigate thoroughly to pinpoint liability and pursue every possible source of compensation.
- Calculating the value of your claim. Insurance adjusters often undervalue claims. When you work with an experienced attorney, they evaluate your damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
- Handling insurance negotiations. Insurance companies often use tactics to delay, deny, or minimize payouts. Your commercial truck accident attorney will skillfully counter these strategies with legal knowledge and negotiate tirelessly to secure a fair settlement.
- Building a strong case. If negotiations fail, your lawyer will collect evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, driver logs, and expert testimony, to construct a compelling case for trial.
- Providing peace of mind. With a truck accident insurance claim lawyer managing the legal and insurance obstacles, you can focus on your recovery, knowing your case is in good hands.
The Beliz Law Firm will work to maximize your compensation after a truck accident. Let us take on the fight while you focus on healing and moving forward.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accidents differ significantly from standard car accidents. A typical car crash usually involves one insurance policy. Truck accidents can involve multiple policies, including:
- A truck driver with personal insurance;
- The trucking company might have a commercial automobile liability insurance policy;
- Truck or trailer owners who may have separate coverage; and
- A cargo owner with liability insurance.
Identifying which insurance policies apply requires thorough investigation and legal experience, making it vital to consult an experienced attorney.
Insurance Requirements for Commercial Trucks
Commercial trucks are subject to higher insurance requirements than passenger vehicles. For example:
- Trucks carrying non-hazardous cargo must have at least $750,000 in liability insurance; and
- Trucks transporting hazardous materials may need up to $5,000,000 in coverage.
These higher limits account for the significant damages—such as severe injuries and extensive property loss—that can result from truck accidents. Understanding these requirements can help you gauge the resources available for your claim.
Common Challenges and Questions Involving Truck Accident Insurance Claims
Filing a claim after a truck accident is often fraught with challenges, including:
- Complex liability. Multiple parties may share responsibility, making it difficult to determine fault. Your lawyer will identify all potential sources of compensation, ensuring a thorough evaluation of each party’s responsibility.
- Aggressive insurance companies. Insurers are dealing with car insurance claims every day and scrutinize them closely, often looking for reasons to deny or minimize payouts.
- Extensive investigations. Resolving a truck accident claim may involve accident reconstruction experts, driver logs analysis, and maintenance records review.
These legal complexities can be challenging to manage alone. An experienced attorney is essential to protect your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?
California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be decreased based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
The time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits in California is typically two years from the accident date.
The Beliz Law Firm: Your Partner in the Pursuit of Justice
At The Beliz Law Firm, we understand the stress and uncertainty you face after a truck accident. With years of experience handling complex insurance claims, our team is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. From identifying liable parties to negotiating with insurance companies, we’ll handle every detail so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us take on the burden of dealing with insurance after a truck accident so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Resources:
- California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, link.
- Insurance Filing Requirements. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, link.
- Insurance Requirements. California Department of Motor Vehicles, link.
- So You’ve Had an Accident, What’s Next?. California Department of Insurance, link.
- Personal Injury Cases. California Courts, link.