Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney

Understanding why you need a truck accident attorney when you’ve been injured in a crash with a truck may mean the difference between an appropriate settlement or jury award and a small settlement or no settlement at all. Truck accidents are complex—more complex than many other accidents.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need the representation of an experienced truck accident attorney who can sort through the complexities and unique challenges of winning an injury claim.

Among the unique challenges and complexities of truck accident cases are these:

1. Determining the cause of the accident. In every accident, it is essential to understand why the accident occurred. Was the accident due to driver error, failure of some part of the truck, an event on the roadway outside the truck, weather, etc.
2. Determining who to sue. This is a question of liability for the accident. The first essential challenge is to determine which of the people possibly involved is responsible. These people often include:
   1. The driver.
   2. The company that owns the truck.
   3. The company that owns the contents of the truck.
   4. The people who loaded the truck.
   5. Mechanics and/or repair shops that serviced or repaired the truck.
   6. The maker of the truck (cab and trailer)
   7. The manufacturers of truck parts (tires, stabilizers, steering parts, windshield wipers).
3. Companies that insure the truck. Trucking companies are businesses that know the importance of maintaining a strong reputation for safety and are committed to making a profit. They know the value of a top insurance company that will fight for them when lawsuits are filed. These companies have fierce histories in reducing the value of claims and defending their clients’ interests. Suing these insurance companies without the assistance of an experienced attorney may be an exercise in futility. A good truck accident attorney will be able to counter their arguments and persevere in representing your interests.
4. Challenges of winning a large settlement. Many accidents with large trucks result in serious injuries and fatalities. In these cases, demands for financial compensation are typically significant. Insurance companies (also businesses) fight very hard to reduce the amount of these claims. You need an experienced truck accident attorney who knows how to counter the efforts of these insurance companies to avoid paying large settlements.
5. Expert witnesses. In some truck accident cases, expert witnesses are called by the plaintiff and by the defendant to explain how an accident occurred and where the liability rests. Individuals rarely know where to find an expert witness or what to expect of them. Your attorney, however, knows where to find expert witnesses and how they can help your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, and through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your hurts and harms. Call the Virginia attorney known for a unique combination of compassion and fierceness to represent you. Altizer Law, P.C., in Roanoke, VA has been winning maximum compensation for those injured in trucking accidents for more than 30 years. Bettina Altizer and her expert team understand that these cases are about the money. They fight for each client aggressively and tenaciously.