What Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Do That I Can’t on My Own?
Traffic crash statistics show that thousands of innocent people are injured in accidents involving commercial semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers every day. In Colorado particularly, truck drivers travel day in and day out to major distribution areas in California and Nevada. With large trucks ruling the roads, increased highway congestion, and air pollution, traffic accidents are nearly inevitable.
If you or someone you know sustained serious injuries in a Colorado truck accident, hiring a trusted truck accident lawyer may be your best chance at success in your lawsuit. But what can a truck accident lawyer do that you can’t do on your own? Let’s take a look at how an experienced attorney can be of immense help to you.
Determining Fault and Collecting Evidence
It’s not uncommon for victims to take fault after an accident. Whether due to feelings of guilt, uncertainty, or a lack of understanding of the law, admitting fault will cost you down the road. After calling 911 and seeking medical assistance, the next person you should call is your attorney.
Seasoned truck accident attorneys will advise you to remain silent and ease your nerves. They may also recommend specific steps to take when discussing the accident with other parties, especially insurance companies who will tempt you to admit fault. If you experience post-accident shock or need to receive emergency medical services, your attorney can start building your case and preserving evidence while you attend to more important needs. This includes collecting eyewitness accounts, police reports, and photographs at the scene.
Performing Formal Discovery
If you attempt to handle your legal matters personally, you may miss out on gathering important details about your case. While you know the facts on your side, the other parties involved may have some piece of evidence that you don’t know about. The discovery process in personal injury cases is critically important and often reveals essential evidence to help your attorney effectively prepare your case without the burden of any surprises. During the discovery process, parties and their legal representatives can exchange relevant information through the following:
- Interrogatories: A set of written questions that one party sends to the other to answer
- Requests for production: A formal request that asks a party to produce tangible documents for observation and inspection of new information
- Requests for admission: A written request that asks a party, under oath, to admit, deny, or object to the truth of certain statements
- Depositions: A process where either party can request a sworn, out-of-court testimony about the incident
Establishing Your Damages and Negotiating Maximum Settlement
Determining the value of your injuries requires an in-depth understanding of many factors that contribute to arriving at a final numerical figure. Your truck accident attorney will study the ins and outs of your case, including the extent of your injuries, the nature of your recovery, and the effect your injuries have had on your usual lifestyle.
While having an attorney calculate your damages doesn’t seem like a big deal, keep in mind that insurance companies have one priority: protecting themselves. Insurance adjusters will likely attempt to minimize your injuries and losses by presenting an insultingly low offer. Insurers recognize that you’re in a state of shock, frustration, and despair, so they use deceiving tactics to relinquish their financial responsibility to you after an accident. A compassionate truck accident lawyer in Colorado will be aware of these tactics and will properly evaluate your damages and manage negotiations to ensure you’re adequately compensated.
Recover What You Deserve with Seasoned Colorado Truck Accident Lawyers
Whether your accident resulted from poor choices or another’s negligent behavior, don’t tackle the aftermath alone. You deserve to be represented by a team of attorneys who understand that each of these cases comes with its own unique set of circumstances. The Colorado truck accident lawyers at the Mintz Law Firm are ready to leverage 150 years of collective experience in law to advocate for you.
Here at the Mintz Law Firm, we believe that appointing our firm to fight for you can positively change the outcome of your case. While insurance companies and defendants will be working against you, our legal team will offer you the empathetic advice you need to make conscious decisions moving forward. Let’s pursue the maximum amount of compensation for your damages together. Request your free, zero-obligation consultation by calling (303) 462-2999 or completing a contact form today.