When you are injured, or lose a family member, in a truck accident, hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer is the first step in holding the trucking company (or other at-fault party) accountable. There are several steps in the process of pursuing a truck accident claim, all of which require experienced legal representation. From the moment you hire a truck accident lawyer, your attorney will work to maximize your financial recovery and help ensure you do not do anything that could jeopardize the outcome of your claim.
Attorney Marya Fuller is a specialist in accident and injury law. Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys has helped clients in Olympia and across Washington for over 50 years. Truck accident claims can be very complex and potentially involve liability on the part of multiple parties. We have the knowledge and resources necessary to handle these difficult cases. Call us now for a free case review.
Seven Ways a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Serious or Fatal Accident in Washington
So, what does a truck accident lawyer do? Here are seven important ways an attorney can help you:
1. Conduct a Thorough Investigation to Determine Liability for the Truck Accident
One of the first steps a truck accident lawyer will take is to conduct a thorough investigation. When seeking financial compensation for a truck accident, you need to have as much evidence as possible. The accident report, the trucker’s driving log, the truck’s maintenance history, the truck’s governor and ECM, and the truck’s freight manifest are just a few examples of evidence that could be crucial for proving your (or your family’s) legal rights. Your lawyer can use the formal “discovery” process to obtain these documents and data, and then your lawyer can use them to fight for compensation on your behalf.
2. Walk You Through Your Next Steps
When you hire a truck accident lawyer, your attorney will walk you through your next steps as well. While your lawyer can handle most aspects of your claim on your behalf, you will still need to play a role in the process. Your attorney will explain what to do and what not to do, and your lawyer will be available to answer questions as needed.
3. Calculate the Financial Costs of the Accident
Along with determining liability for the truck accident, your lawyer will also need to determine how much you are entitled to recover. This starts with calculating the financial costs of the accident. These costs may include:
- Medical expenses
- Prescriptions, transportation, home services, and other out-of-pocket costs
- Loss of income and benefits
Washington law allows truck accident victims and their families to recover compensation for the present and future costs of their (or their loved one’s) accidents. Accurately calculating the future costs of a truck accident is extremely important, as these can far exceed the costs that victims and their families incur through the date of their settlement or verdict.
4. Determine Compensation for Your Non-Financial Losses
In addition to recovering their financial costs, truck accident victims and families in Washington can recover compensation for their non-financial losses as well. This includes losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of companionship, consortium, enjoyment of life, services, and support
Your truck accident lawyer will be able to calculate compensation for these losses based on your individual circumstances. Your attorney will work with you, your doctors, and other experts to prove the amount of damages you are entitled to recover.
5. File Your Claim
In truck accident cases, one company may be fully responsible, or it may be necessary to file a claim against multiple parties in order to recover the financial compensation you and your family deserve. Your lawyer can determine what claim (or claims) are necessary, and your lawyer can file all necessary claims on your (or your family’s) behalf.
6. Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
After taking all of the steps discussed above, your lawyer will be able to begin negotiating to secure a favorable settlement. With clear evidence of both liability (who was at fault) and damages (how much you deserve), your attorney will be able to negotiate from a position of strength and work to secure the full financial compensation you and your family deserve.
7. Go to Court if Necessary
Even with clear evidence, a settlement is never guaranteed. While most truck accident cases settle, in some cases it will be necessary to go to court. If a fair settlement offer isn’t on the table, your lawyer can take your case to court and pursue the maximum compensation available under Washington law.
Get Started with a FREE Truck Accident Consultation in Washington
If you need to know more about how a truck accident lawyer can help you, we encourage you to contact Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys PLLC for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
To speak with a lawyer in confidence, call (800) 570-4878 or get in touch online now. Our firm proudly serves Olympia, Tacoma, Shelton, Centralia, Aberdeen, and other areas of the state.
