The Role Played by Truck Accident Lawyers in Ensuring Justice
The weight difference between trucks and regular vehicles makes truck accidents particularly dangerous. For context, a regular family sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds, which is nothing compared to the average fully loaded truck, which weighs as much as 20,000 pounds. You don’t have to be a physics major to understand that the force of impact in a crash can be catastrophic, especially for the vehicle occupants.
At the same time, trucking companies have insurance policies with large insurance firms with highly paid attorneys handling accident claims. This is why you should only work with a skilled lawyer, like truck accident attorney Ronny Hulsey of Smith Hulsey Law. These legal professionals are specially trained to handle cases involving trucks under tight regulations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. With this in mind, this article will explain the complexities of the trucking industry and show you why filing a suit against these entities can be complex. Keep reading below.
Understanding Trucking Regulations in the US
In Georgia, as in many other US states, individuals must meet special federal requirements to obtain a commercial driver’s license: they must be at least 21 years old, undergo mandatory training that includes a general knowledge test, and renew their CDL every eight years. Additionally, the FMCSA mandates that trucking companies carry liability insurance, the amount of which depends on the vehicle’s weight and the type of cargo it is carrying.
The regulatory body requires motor carriers to have coverage of at least $750,000 per incident through their insurers. However, since such accidents involve several claimants, this coverage is seldom enough to compensate them. Truck drivers are subject to tighter traffic regulations than your average driver. For instance, they are only allowed to drive for specific hours and have mandatory rest periods in between.
The Need for Evidence for Your Truck Accident Claim
Like all other personal injury claims, you must prove your truck accident lawsuit by a preponderance of evidence. It’s essential to call a skilled truck accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can gather evidence while it is still fresh. One of the more recent advancements in this space is using drones to gather evidence. This technology allows lawyers to reconstruct the accident using real-time footage, which can make it easier to determine who was responsible for the crash. In addition, your lawyer will hire expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction experts, who can analyze the drone footage further and help reconstruct the crash.
Finding the Ideal Truck Accident Attorney
Up to this point, you understand the importance of truck accident attorneys for your claim, but how do you find the right one? Remember that a truck accident lawyer is an attorney who has undergone additional training to handle cases like yours. Hence, you should not be afraid to ask for their credentials. Also, check their experience. Have they handled complex truck accident cases before? How many? What is their success rate? Once you verify this information, ask about communications. While you shouldn’t expect them to be available all day, any day, they should at least dedicate some time to work with you on the case, depending on your agreement. Finally, what is your gut telling you? Have you cultivated a good rapport with the potential attorney? Always trust your conscience.
A reliable truck accident attorney will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, countering insurers’ tactics to undermine claims. They will handle all the nitty-gritty while you focus on continuous recovery.
Conclusion: Securing Justice After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be life-altering, but having a skilled attorney by your side ensures you stand a fighting chance against powerful trucking companies and insurers. From gathering crucial evidence to negotiating for fair compensation, an experienced truck accident lawyer protects your rights every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t delay—seek legal counsel to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.