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If you’ve been involved in a New Jersey truck accident, you’re probably overwhelmed at the prospect of recovery. Not only must you focus on physical and emotional healing, but your ability to rebound financially from medical expenses and lost wages can feel hopeless.
It’s important you know that you are not alone. New Jersey personal injury attorneys work with truck accident victims to recover financial compensation, providing security on their journey to recovery. As soon as you can, research truck accident lawyers in your area to find the help you need.
6 Questions to Ask a Truck Crash Lawyer
1. How Many Truck Accident Cases Have You Negotiated?
Truck accident cases include many variables that differ from other auto accidents. When seeking legal counsel, it’s wise to select a personal injury attorney well-versed in big-rig accidents. You need an attorney knowledgeable about the rules and regulations governing truck owners and operators and trucking companies.
2. Are You Prepared to Litigate My Truck Accident Case?
Most personal injury cases are settled through negotiation. This is often the least protracted and most cost-effective means of winning compensation for injury victims. However, sometimes mediation and negotiation fail, sending the legal case to trial.
Since it’s often difficult to know how a case will unfold, it’s smart to ask your legal counsel whether they are prepared to see your case through trial. Switching attorneys after failed negotiations will cost valuable time, insight, and money. It’s best to retain an attorney who is both a winning negotiator and a successful litigator.
3. Do You Have the Resources to Represent Me Against Corporate Legal Teams?
The majority of truck wreck claims are settled against insurance providers covering the truck driver. In those cases, most skilled truck accident and personal injury attorneys understand the tactics used by big-insurance. They are adept at maneuvering toward a fair settlement for their client.
In other cases involving big truck companies, parts providers, or vehicle manufacturers as liable parties, large corporate legal teams are often a factor. Your attorney will need the time, resources, and experience to effectively argue against a host of high powered attorneys.
4. Who Is Responsible?
Truck accidents are generally more complicated than accidents involving passenger cars only. When a big rig hits you, several parties may share negligence contributing to a crash.
- Was the driver driving under the influence?
- Did the trucking company require the driver to exceed legal drive time?
- Was the driver required to log too many hours without rest?
- Did a mechanical maintenance failure contribute to the accident?
- Was a manufacturer part defect responsible for the crash?
These questions point to different parties who may be jointly or severally liable for the crash. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability and file claims against the appropriate parties.
5. What Damages Can I Recover?
Recoverable damages from a truck crash are categorized into special and general damages.
You can claim reimbursement for special damages up to the actual expenses incurred. For instance, medical costs, property damage, lost income, and any out-of-pocket expenses related to your crash may be recoverable. Your truck accident lawyer will need detailed records of these costs to tabulate recoverable expenses.
General damages are non-economic losses resulting from your accident. These damages include loss of quality of life, loss of consortium, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. There is no objective way of measuring non-economic losses. You will need to rely on your attorney’s experience and savvy to determine your claim’s appropriate value.
6. What Will You Need From Me to Win My Truck Accident Case?
As much as you will rely on your personal injury attorney to represent your truck accident claim, your attorney will need vital information from you for maximum effectiveness.
Ask your attorney what they need from you to best represent your claim. As they make their requests, respond quickly, and comprehensively. The more detailed information you can provide, the more successful your attorney will be at presenting a case that substantiates your claim.
- Photographic evidence of the scene and your injuries
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Treatment plans
- Personal diaries detailing your injuries, recovery progress, and the effect of the accident on your quality of life
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a big rig truck accident on New Jersey roadways, you need to consult a New Jersey personal injury attorney about your right to compensation.
Truck accidents can result in some of the most severe and life-altering injuries of any vehicle collision. Medical expenses, lost income, and lifestyle adjustments are incredibly costly, and you deserve to be reimbursed for costs. Additionally, you have a right to compensation for pain and suffering related to the accident.
Contact our office today for a thorough review of your case by a highly-qualified personal injury attorney. Skilled in negotiating and litigating truck accident cases, our legal team will vigorously pursue at-fault parties. While you focus on healing and recovery, we will fight for the compensation you deserve.