Every year, thousands of people die from large truck related accidents in the U.S. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020 alone, 4965 people died and roughly 146,930 people got injured in crashes involving large trucks, out of which 71 percent of fatal victims were occupants of other vehicles. For the victims of these accidents and their families, going through the legal process that ensues without the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney can be complex and overwhelming.
Whether compiling a claim to present to the insurance company, or taking the case to a jury in court, here are 4 ways a San Diego truck accident attorney can make the process successful and efficient for the aggrieved party.
Investigate And Collect Evidence
Even if the cause of a collision is not the fault of the victim, this has to be proven convincingly in court. To achieve this, the claims of the victim are not enough and reliable, unbiased evidence is required. A truck accident attorney in San Diego can investigate and collect useful evidence including police reports, videos or photos from the accident scene, statements from eyewitnesses, expert testimony, data from the truck’s onboard electronic information system, and others to present to the jury.
Gather And Compile Medical Bills
Large truck related accidents can be very devastating, with victims often needing emergency medical care in the hospital. As a result, medical bills and other expenses related to care and treatment of victims can add up to substantial amounts. A San Diego truck accident attorney can gather and compile these medical bills and expenses, along with other documents that prove economic loss and present them to the liable parties or insurance companies for compensation or coverage respectively.
Handle Calls From Insurance Adjusters
In the aftermath of a vehicle accident, the victim or their family members often get bombarded with calls from insurance companies asking to give them more details. This is often intended by insurance companies to bait the insured person into giving information that can be used as a loophole to turn the fault on them, so that reimbursement for costly damages would not come under insurance coverage. A truck accident attorney can handle calls from insurance adjusters competently, protecting the victim and their family from giving any information that may be used against them.
File Lawsuits Against Multiple Defendants
While it may occur that the truck driver is the only one at fault, there could actually be multiple parties whose negligence led to the accident. The victim has the right to seek compensation from these parties who have complicity in the cause of the accident. A truck accident attorney can identify all the parties responsible for the accident and help the injured plaintiff file lawsuits against them.
Conclusion
For people who have been injured in large truck related accidents or are survivors of fatal victims, it is very important to understand the rights that they have before they seek compensation for both their economic and non-economic losses. A San Diego truck accident attorney can help the aggrieved parties with all the necessary legal steps and process to successfully receive compensation from defendants and insurance companies.
If you’re looking for a truck accident attorney in San Diego, Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. is dedicated to helping people in the San Diego area who need legal services. Turn to her expertise and experience for all your legal needs.