Choosing the right big rig accident law firm is one of the most important steps you’ll take after a truck crash. If you have been involved in an accident with a big rig and believe you’re entitled to compensation, you need to understand what you are up against. In all likelihood, the trucking company and its insurers are already building their defense and preparing to fight your claim for compensation.
At Patrick Daniel Law, we know how to hold the negligent party (or parties) accountable and fight for the compensation you need and deserve with an approach that is Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. This level of support is imperative in a case as complex as a big rig accident.
At the same time, the actions you take following an accident can either help or hinder your lawyer’s ability to win your case. Unfortunately, too many accident victims make innocent mistakes along the way, which makes obtaining fair compensation more difficult than it otherwise would have been.
At Patrick Daniel Law, we’re here to help. We understand what’s at stake and how critical it is to recover fair compensation. To speak with our team over a FREE consultation, call us today at (713) 999-6666. Our big rig accident law firm represents clients throughout Texas.
How Do Big Rig Accident Lawsuits Work?
Before we discuss how to win a truck accident lawsuit, we first need to review how big rig accident lawsuits work at a high level:
- Investigation: Our first step is always to complete a thorough investigation to gather vital details and evidence that help solidify how and why the accident occurred.
- Determining Liability: Next, we focus on who should be held liable for the accident, whether that be the truck driver, the trucking company, or another party, such as a parts manufacturer or loading company.
- Negotiation: Once we determine liability, we begin the claims process with the appropriate parties and their insurance companies, which generally leads to a negotiation process and a settlement offer.
- Litigation: If we are unable to reach a fair settlement, we can then file a lawsuit and engage in discovery, depositions, and trial, if necessary.
- Resolution: Whether through settlement or verdict, the case is closed, and any settlement or compensation awarded is disbursed.
The most significant factor in how a case will proceed is whether it can be settled outside of court. Trust your big rig accident law firm to guide you, but make sure you have a trial lawyer who is ready to file a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to play fair.
How Do You Win a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Winning a truck accident lawsuit—or presenting a strong claim that results in a fair settlement—comes down to a few key components, including:
- Proving negligence based on local laws or federal trucking regulations
- Establishing causation between the negligence and your injuries
- Documenting and proving your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and more
- Presenting clear, irrefutable evidence that proves liability
You will likely have a strong, winnable semi-truck crash claim if you can accomplish each of these. On the other hand, if just one component is missing or leaves room for doubt, it could make it difficult to win the compensation you deserve.
How Can You Help Your Big Rig Accident Law Firm Win?
While you should rely on your big rig law firm’s experience, resourcefulness, and support to manage your claim, there are a few key things that you should do to help them fight for your rights. Following these tips will help ensure you have the best chance of recovering compensation.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Integral to winning compensation is your ability to establish a clear connection between your injuries and the truck accident. If you delay medical treatment, it will make this more difficult and could cause it to appear that your injuries were not as severe as you claim. Any delay or gap will be used against you, so do your best to avoid them.
- Preserve evidence: This includes everything related to your medical diagnosis and treatment, along with photos of the accident scene, damaged personal property, communication with insurance companies and other parties, and more. Also, if you collected contact information from any eyewitnesses, you should provide this to your lawyer so they can follow up.
- Follow legal guidance: Seemingly small things can make a big difference in truck accidents, but it may not always be clear why something may harm your claim, so make sure to adhere to your lawyer’s guidance. If you are unclear about why a particular piece of direction is necessary, you should always feel free to ask and gain additional insight.
- Do not speak to insurance adjusters: The insurance company will prefer to speak directly to you instead of your lawyer. They may ask you to provide a recorded statement or release your medical records. Under no circumstances should you comply with these requests. Instead, instruct the insurance company to communicate directly with your attorney and refuse to speak with them unless your lawyer says otherwise.
We also recommend keeping a journal detailing your injuries, treatment, emotional condition, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life. This will help us lay out a clear timeline of events and ensure we capture the full extent of your damages.
Read More: How Do I Deal with Insurance Companies After a Big Rig Accident?
What Not To Do
Just as important as what to do after a big rig accident is what not to do. Some of the most important things to avoid include:
- Posting on social media about the accident
- Admitting fault, or even appearing to do so with phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t mean to…”
- Signing any documents without your lawyer’s review
- Trying to “tough it out” and return to work early, or neglect your doctor’s treatment plan
- Lying or exaggerating at any point in the process
If you do make a mistake, be upfront with your attorney about it so they can take it into account as they build your case. The last thing you want is for your lawyer to be surprised by something you neglected to tell them.
Choosing the Right Big Rig Accident Law Firm
While you play a pivotal role in your case, we mustn’t downplay how critical it is to work with the right big rig law firm. Choosing the right firm may prove to be the most significant decision you make.
While you are considering which firm to hire, make sure they:
- Have experience winning 18-wheeler accident cases
- Have positive client reviews and testimonials
- Are prepared to take your case to trial, if necessary
- Hold the appropriate licensure
- Are resourceful enough to secure medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and other industry specialists
- Take the time to listen to your story and provide valuable input
Winning big rig accident cases is no small feat. It requires a dedicated, meticulous approach, which is what you want in the firm you select to represent you.
Read More: When Do You Need a Truck Accident Attorney in Houston?
Contact Patrick Daniel Law for Help
At Patrick Daniel Law, we fight for real people, not corporations or insurance companies. We hold negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoing so innocent victims can obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.
The first step to achieving this is scheduling a FREE consultation with our Houston big rig accident law firm. Contact Patrick Daniel Law today and let’s start building your case.
