How To Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are some of the most severe and potentially devastating traffic accidents on our roads. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), these accidents involve large, heavy commercial trucks. Due to trucks’ huge size and weight, these accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries.

As such, truck accident injury claims require the knowledge of a personal injury lawyer specializing in truck accidents. The choice of your attorney can be imperative in determining the outcome of your case. At Burger Law in St. Louis, MO, our lawyers have experience in handling truck accident cases. We understand the challenging aftermath of these accidents, and we tailor our strategies to suit these unique cases.

What To Consider When Choosing Your Truck Accident Attorney?

When facing the consequences of a truck accident, choosing the right attorney can make the whole difference. Your choice can significantly impact the result of your case and the compensation you may receive.

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a truck accident attorney in St. Louis:

• Experience: When seeking a truck accident attorney, prioritize those with a proven track record in handling these cases. The experience is paramount, as truck accidents have distinct challenges and nuances that demand in-depth knowledge and familiarity with the current and relevant regulations.
• Specialization: Truck accident cases are unique in many ways, and hiring an attorney who specializes in this area enhances the chances of a favorable outcome. Attorneys specializing in vehicle accidents have a better understanding of the industry’s specific laws and regulations. This helps them build a stronger case that can go through the claim process successfully.
• Resources: Investigating truck accidents is both time-consuming and costly. Therefore, you want to ensure that the attorney you choose has the necessary resources and connections to conduct a comprehensive investigation. This includes gathering evidence, obtaining black box data, reviewing maintenance records, and interviewing witnesses.
• Reputation: research the reputation and trustworthiness of potential attorneys before engaging them on your case. You can do this by reading reviews, seeking referrals, and assessing their standing within the legal community. A reputable attorney is more likely to be trustworthy, professional, and dedicated to your truck accident case.
• Communication: Effective communication between you and your legal advocate is necessary for understanding the legal process, the client’s rights, and the strategy being employed in their case. Choose an attorney who can actively listen to your concerns, respond promptly to your inquiries, and keep you informed about the progress of your case.
• Several causes: There is rarely a single cause for a truck accident. Often, truck accidents occur due to a unique combination of breaking problems, improperly loaded cargo, or mechanical failures.

Why Are Truck Accidents Unique?

Truck accidents are indeed unique and distinct from typical car accidents for various reasons. This uniqueness is a key consideration when handling compensation claims arising from truck accidents.

The key factors that make truck accidents unique include:

• Regulations: The trucking industry is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and state authorities. These regulations cover driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, weight limits, and safety standards.
• Multiple parties: Liability for truck accidents often involves multiple parties with varying degrees of responsibility. This may include the employer (trucking company), the truck driver, maintenance contractors, and even the truck manufacturer or its components.
• Severity: The most obvious distinction is the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. A fully loaded truck may weigh at least 80,000 pounds, the same as the combined weight of about 30 cars. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller passenger cars, the potential for severe injuries and extensive property damage is significantly higher.
• Blind spots: Trucks have substantial areas around the vehicle where the driver’s view is limited. These blind spots can be extensive and make it hard for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles on the road.
• Insurance coverage: Trucking companies typically carry substantial insurance coverage to sufficiently protect themselves in the event of accidents. This means that pursuing compensation after a truck accident may involve pursuing with large insurance companies.
• Complex evidence: Gathering evidence in truck accident cases is more involved than in typical car accidents. It requires obtaining data from the truck’s “black box,” reviewing maintenance records, and interviewing witnesses who may have valuable insights into the cause of the accident.

What Can a Truck Accident Attorney Do?

While truck accident victims may pursue compensation claims on their own, we discourage them from going this direction. This is because insurance companies may trick the victims into accepting low settlements. Here’s what your attorney can do:

• Investigation: Your attorney will investigate the accident thoroughly to build a viable claim case. They will interview witnesses and consult with experts if necessary.

• Determining Liability: Identifying the party or parties at fault in a truck accident case may involve several liable parties. This could require the experience of a lawyer to prove negligence and hold the parties accountable.

• Negotiation: You don’t want to face the defendant’s insurance companies alone. Attorneys will negotiate with the opposing counsel and insurance companies to win fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

• Litigation: Negotiations do not always result in a fair settlement. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney will represent you in court and argue your case before a judge.

Their major goal of involving a truck accident attorney in your case is to help you receive the maximum compensation possible. They usually assess your injuries so that they are considered during negotiations. Your attorney will ensure that the settlement covers the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death
• Loss of consortium

Contact a St. Louis Truck Accident Attorney Today

The choice of a lawyer is crucial in navigating the unique issues surrounding truck accident claims. Choosing the right truck accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of the case. At Burger Law, we understand the unique challenges faced by truck accident victims and we are ready to advocate for their rights. If you’ve suffered harm following a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will provide a free case assessment to determine if your case has merit.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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