Truck Accident Lawyer: Getting Paid What You Deserve
Truck accident lawyer, Mark Grover of Grover Law, has some important tips on what to do and how to get compensated after an 18-wheeler accident. Companies throughout the country use 18-wheelers to transport goods. Today, there are millions of 18-wheelers on the streets and highways. Though these trucks are essential to our daily lives, a large number of 18-wheelers means a large number of truck accidents.
Getting hit by an 18-wheeler is much more dangerous than getting hit by other vehicles. When fully loaded, these massive trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. By comparison, an average car weighs around 4,000 pounds. The average 18-wheeler is also around 70 to 80 feet long. This huge difference in size and weight means an 18-wheeler can cause devastating damage to other vehicles and crippling injuries to people inside them. We hope that you are never involved in an 18-wheeler accident, but if you are, it is important to know how to protect your physical wellbeing and financial future.
There are many factors that could cause an 18-wheeler to hit another vehicle. These factors include driving under the influence, fatigued driving, improperly loaded trucks, speeding, weather, bad maintenance, tire problems, manufacturing defects, and worn brakes. 18-wheelers also have huge blind spots and take a long time to stop compared to other vehicles.
What to Do if Your Car Is Struck by An 18-Wheeler
If your car is struck by an 18-wheeler, you should consider the following tips from an experienced truck accident lawyer in Overland Park and Kansas City. You should immediately call 911 to report the accident and ask for the police and medical services. Even if you and your passengers do not appear to be injured, it is important to be examined by medical personnel because many injuries are not noticeable at first. It is also important for the police to document the details of the accident so these details are on the record and can be used to obtain compensation later. If you can, take some photos of the scene with your phone, such as your vehicle damages, the truck, tire marks, and anything else you believe will help you in getting compensation. If you are in the middle of a road, get yourself and any passengers out of traffic to a safe place to wait for emergency services. If there are witnesses present, you should speak to them about what they saw and obtain their contact information. It is best to not speak to the truck driver but if you do, do not apologize or say anything that could suggest you are at fault or the truck driver is not a fault. The truck driver and the trucking company can and will use anything you say against you to avoid paying you. If you are approached by the trucking company or their insurance company for a statement or to sign any documents, do not do it no matter what they say.
After you leave the scene and have your injuries treated, call a truck accident lawyer immediately. It is crucial not to seek compensation on your own. The legal process for getting compensation is long and complicated. Trucking companies will deny responsibility and their lawyers will use any technicalities in the law to deny you your money or pay you an amount that is way below what you are owed. It can also be hard to figure out who to get compensation from. Because 18-wheeler accidents can be caused by so many factors, different parties can be responsible including the truck driver, the trucking company, truck manufacturers, and mechanics. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate through these roadblocks.
Call a Truck Accident Lawyer Sooner than Later
The sooner you call a truck accident lawyer, the better. As time passes, evidence can disappear, and witnesses can forget important details. Calling a truck accident lawyer early will give the lawyer time to investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove your damages and hold the other party responsible. Then, your lawyer will reach out to the trucking company and other responsible parties to negotiate a proper payout for you. If they refuse to give you the money they owe, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and take the other party to court.
If you’re seeking a truck accident lawyer in Overland Park, contact Grover Law Firm. We want you to be properly compensated for your injuries and damages from an 18-wheeler accident. Our consultations and case evaluations are always free, so you have nothing to lose by talking to us. Feel free to call us, or visit our website for more information.