Name: Tonya's Truck Accident Mediation Case
Uploaded: 2019-08-02
Description: A video by Burger Law

Question 1

Who Can I Sue When I've Been In A Truck Accident?

Accepted Answer

If you've been in an accident where you were hit by a truck, your head is probably spinning even after you've gotten to safety. The accident very likely caused you substantial damages, from medical bills, lost wages, and other damages like pain and suffering. But unlike a regular passenger vehcile accident, there are a number of parties that are involved in the operation of a commercial semi truck. So who can you sue for the damages you've suffered? The answer can be complicated.

Because of the complications related to the responsible parties in the operation of a semi truck or other commercial vehicle, you are often better off with a qualified truck accident lawyer handling your case. Especially when you're going up against big corporations like insurance companies and trucking companies, hiring a lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.

Choose a law firm with a history of success with truck accident cases like yours. Burger Law knows how to go up against insurance companies to recover fair compensation for the damages you've suffered. Let us help you win your St. Louis truck accident case. Call us today at 314-542-2222 to discuss your truck accident case with us for free.


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Who To Sue in Your Truck Accident Case

As with any vehicular accident, there are potentially multiple parties at fault in a truck accident in Missouri or Illinois. Who is legally responsible for compensating you (and, therefore, who you can sue) for your injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages depends on what happened and what caused the accident. It is possible that you may have claims against multiple parties, depending on what factors contributed to the accident.

The Truck Driver
Even when there are other contributing factors, operator error very often plays a role in a truck accident. If the driver acted with any negligence at all, you may have a case against the driver. Some possible acts of negligence include speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, failing to use turn signals or other indicators, driving too long without stopping, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
There are laws limiting how much time a truck driver can spend on the road in one stretch. Your lawyer will help obtain evidence of the truck driver's behavior leading up to and during the crash to determine if you should sue the driver.

The Trucking Company
Another party that is commonly found responsible in truck accidents is the trucking company. The employer can be held accountable for the actions of their employee during their work. There are different employment agreements, though, between the owner of the truck and the driver of the truck. You have a stronger case against the trucking company if the driver was an employee of the company rather than an independent contractor.

In addition to being held to account for the actions of their employees, a trucking company can be faulted for errors such as failing to follow state regulations, improper training, failing to maintain the vehicle, or setting unreasonable standards for travel time and distance, encouraging the driver to speed or drive with little sleep.

Your truck accident lawyer will help you obtain documentation that shows the employement relationship, policies, maintenance records, and other internal documents that show if the trucking company can be sued for their actions.

Shipping Companies and Mechanics
You may have a case against other individuals or companies who worked on and around the truck prior to the accident. This would include the shipping company or the person who loaded the truck - namely responsible if overloading, a spill, or a roll-over contributed to the accident.

The owner of the truck is required to have regular servicing performed on the vehicle. The mechanic or company that worked on the truck to perform maintenance or repairs could be partly responsible for the accident if a mechanical breakdown contributed to the accident.

Manufacturers and Engineers
When there is a failure within the giant machine that is a semi truck, you may even have a case against the truck manufacturer or a company that produces one of the parts used in the truck. When a product defect like brake line failure, tire blowouts, or steering system failures occur, the consequences can be devastating and even deadly. Suing the responsible company will help prevent the use of potentially faulty products on other trucks, which can ultimately save lives.

Suing for Your Truck Accident Case
To make sure you hold all possible parties accountable for their negligence in relation to the damages you have experienced in your truck accident, speak to a knowledgeable St. Louis truck accident lawyer like Gary Burger and the attorneys of Burger Law. We will go to work for you to find evidence of all negligent parties and hold them to account by demanding fair compensation.

Your St. Louis Truck Accident Law Firm | Burger Law
Truck accidents can involve several negligent parties. To ensure that you sue the right parties and get the complete compensation you are owed for the damages the truck accident has left you with, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer like the lawyers of Burger Law. We have a demonstrated history of standing up to trucking companies to get our clients the settlements they deserve. If you've been in a truck accident case and don't know who to sue or need assistance in proving your case against the truck driver, trucking company, shipping company, mechanic, or manufacturer, call 314-542-2222 or send us a message today.

Question 2

What Tricks Do Insurance Companies Use To Avoid Paying Claims?

Accepted Answer

When you have a personal injury claim, be aware of the tricks insurance companies will use to try to avoid paying claims like yours. While there are some occasions where the defendant's insurance company will act in good faith and offer a fair settlement without extensive litigation, it is more common that the insurance company uses tactics to try to trick you into losing our claim.

The insurance company works hard to avoid paying out people whenever they can avoid it. That is why it's so important to have a lawyer on your side who has experience winning personal injury cases like yours and is familiar with the tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. Burger Law has stood up to countless insurance companies over the years, going after the compensation our clients are entitled to. Find out how we can help you by 
calling us at 314-542-2222.



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Tricks Insurance Companies Use To Avoid Paying Your Claim

Insurance agents are rewarded for minimizing the payout the company has to give, or avoiding responsibility for the damages completely. They have developed a series of tricks and tactics they commonly use to try to trick you into settling low or losing your claim altogether.

Beware of the following strategies employed by defendants' insurance companies to trick you into a low settlement or non-settlement.


Stalling
Insurance companies are large corporations. Personal injury victims are very often individuals or families that, sooner or later, really NEED the money from the settlement to move forward with their lives. Insurance companies know this and will intentionally draw out the process as long as they can in hopes that you will give up or get inpatient and accept a low-ball offer.

Offering False Sympathy
Sometimes they will try to appear to be on your side. Their strategy is to blindside you or to build a false sense of trust and camaraderie so that they can - again - manipulate you into a lower settlement.

Spying on you
In some cases, adjusters might go so far as to hire a private investigator to try to catch you going about your day doing things you claim you physically can't do due to your accident-related injuries. But more likely they will look for evidence in your contradictory statements or through your social media activity. They will look for posts from or about you that indicate that you are enjoying your life as normal and able to physically do things you claim you can't.

Lying to you
One of the easiest and most common tactics insurance companies use to minimize your claim is to lie to you outright. They will attempt to trick you into believing you don't have a legitimate claim or otherwise cannot pursue rightful compensation. Read on for some of the common lies insurance companies tell personal injury claimants.



Lies Insurance Companies Tell To Avoid Paying Claims


You have to give a recorded statement. (If they tell you this, speak to your lawyer)
They do not have to pay for medical care if your personal health insurance paid for it.
Do not have to pay your wage loss damages because you took sick time, disability or your employer covered you.
That a lawyer will only take away money from you and out of your pocket in a settlement. (this is false because we would not take a case if we could not add value to it).
That there is no way you could have been as injured as you were from the impact.
That the insured only has a certain amount of insurance coverage so they cannot pay. (Get a copy of the declaration page and the policy terms and make them give you an affidavit that there is no other insurance).
You have to settle now or they will rescind their offer. (They will not).
They can only put so much on the case. (They can get permission to pay more).



Don't Get Tricked By the Insurance Companies
When you've been hurt in an accident where another party was at fault, you are entitled by law to receive compensation to help make you whole again. Unfortunately, the insurance companies who are on the hook to pay you this money often use tricks to try to avoid paying the settlement you deserve for your claim.

If the insurance company is not willing to pay your claim in good faith and are attempting to trick you into settling low or dropping your claim, you owe it to yourself to hire a capable law firm to defend against their tricks and tactics. Burger Law has helped people like you survive their cases and get the full compensation they deserve. Talk to us today; just call 314-542-2222 or reach us here.

Question 3

Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

Accepted Answer

Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident? If you've been injured in a car accident, you may be asking yourself, is it worth it to get a lawyer for a car accident? In many cases, not only is it worth it, but it's necessary in order to be fairly compensated for your injuries and damages. It's especially important to hire a lawyer if you received significant injuries or the negligent driver does not want to take responsibility for their actions. The good news is, talking to our Chicago and St. Louis based car accident injury law team is free. That's why we always recommend speaking to a lawyer before settling your claim. When you discuss your case with us, we will give you an honest and straightforward answer as to how much your claim may be worth and whether it is worth it to hire a car accident lawyer for your case. Call Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

The important part about your car accident claim is that you are fairly and rightfully compensated for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. When considering if it's worth it to hire a car accident lawyer, the important question to ask is: Can they add value to my claim? That is, will you receive more money with an attorney's help, even after factoring in attorneys' fees? Whether it is worth it to get a lawyer depends on a few factors: the circumstances of your accident, the actions of the insurance company and at-fault driver, and the experience and talent of your car accident lawyer. At Burger Law, our Chicago and St. Louis based personal injury law firm has over 20 years of experience securing great compensation for our clients and have seen every type of car accident case. 

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When You Need a Lawyer For a Car Accident Claim

Imagine the following two scenarios:

    A distracted driver accidentally runs a red light and t-bones your car. The driver is apologetic and accepts fault, and after a quick trip to an Illinois or Missouri emergency room for some bruises and lacerations you don't need to take any time off work. The at-fault driver's insurance company agrees to pay for your full medical expenses and the repairs to your car. You ask for a little extra for inconvenience and they oblige.
    You are in a truck accident. Your car is totaled and you've sustained potentially significant back, neck, and spine injuries that could have long-term effects and require further medical care. The driver and their trucking company are trying to blame you for the accident, and their powerful insurance company is downplaying the severity of your injuries. You've missed a lot of time off work and are not sure you'll be able to go back and perform at the same level you used to.


In scenario one, it's likely not worth it to get a lawyer for your car accident claim. It doesn't cost anything to talk to Burger Law's Missouri and Illinois car accident lawyer, so there's no harm in calling us to talk over your case, however we may recommend taking the insurance company's settlement offer as we are unlikely to be able to add much value to your claim and secure you a net gain in compensation. Remember though, never settle without talking to a lawyer first.

However, situations like scenario two always require an experienced and talented car accident lawyer like the St. Louis and Chicago based team at Burger Law. Not only we will be able to prove the truck driver or truck company's liability and hold them accountable, we won't fall for the insurance company's tricks. We stand up to bullies like resistant insurance companies and make sure you receive every bit of the maximum compensation you are owed. Serious injuries can have significant long-terms costs associated with them such as pain medications, doctor's appointments, and assistive devices such as crutches. We use our network of medical and economic experts to calculate exactly how much further medical care you will need and how much it will cost, adjusting for inflation.

Even if your injuries are not as severe as a significant spinal cord injury, you will need an attorney's help at the first sight of lowball offers from the insurance company or if the liable party's story differs from yours.

Another way a Missouri and Illinois car accident lawyer can add value to your claim is by ensuring you receive a full recovery for your noneconomic damages as well. Missouri Senate Bill 239 and Illinois Compiled Statute &#167; 5/2-1115.2 define noneconomic damages as:


    Pain and suffering
    Mental anguish
    Inconvenience
    Physical impairment
    Disability
    Disfigurement
    Loss of ability to enjoy life
    Loss of consortium


A skilled and knowledgeable Missouri and Illinois car accident lawyer will make sure the liable party, their insurance company, and if necessary a judge and jury know the full scope of the impact your injuries have had on your life. It is absolutely worth it to hire Burger Law, we get our clients maximum compensation and to date have won our Illinois and Missouri clients over $175 million in verdicts and settlement.


Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Today | It's Worth It
If you've been in a car accident and sustained serious injuries, the liable party won't accept responsibility, or their insurance company is not treating you fairly, reach out to the Chicago and St. Louis based car accident law firm at Burger Law today. We start working on your case and don't let up until you receive the full recovery you are owed. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can I Sue When I've Been In A Truck Accident?

What Tricks Do Insurance Companies Use To Avoid Paying Claims?

Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

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