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How do I File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Brittany Golledge
Brittany Golledge

Truck accidents occur on roads and highways every day and, because of the large size of these vehicles, collisions involving trucks can be very serious. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need to seek medical attention immediately and start thinking about how to protect your legal rights. One of the best ways to ensure that you receive adequate compensation for serious injuries and property damage is to file a truck accident lawsuit. It is not always easy to know if you have a winnable case, so one of your first steps should be to contact a truck accident lawyer to discuss your claim. An attorney will help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies and prepare the documents needed to file a truck accident lawsuit in a court of law.

Truck accident lawsuits are designed to compensate accident victims who have been injured because of the negligence of another party. Keep in mind that, to file a successful truck accident lawsuit, you need to be able to demonstrate liability on the part of the truck driver or trucking company. You must also be prepared to show the court that you sustained economic harm as a direct result of the accident. As a victim, you will have the right in a U.S. court of law to seek compensation for everything from medical bills to lost wages and car repairs.

Truckers who have been injured during a collision with a locomotive should try to obtain copies of any reports of the incident that were written by an investigating government agency.
Truckers who have been injured during a collision with a locomotive should try to obtain copies of any reports of the incident that were written by an investigating government agency.

If you feel confident that you have a strong basis for filing a truck accident claim, your first step should be to hire a truck accident lawyer. While you do have the right to represent yourself in court, your chances of success are greatly improved with the assistance of an attorney. Truck accident lawyers are familiar with the laws relating to truck accidents by region and will be able to help you file a valid claim. An attorney will also be able to ensure that you file a truck accident lawsuit in a timely manner and identify all of the appropriate parties to the claim.

An experienced lawyer can make filing a lawsuit simple.
An experienced lawyer can make filing a lawsuit simple.

Prior to filing a truck accident lawsuit, your attorney will gather evidence on your behalf and speak with the insurance company representing the other parties to the lawsuit. Many truck accident claims are settled without the need for legal action; however, it is important to avoid settling prematurely. The injuries suffered in truck collisions often have long-term consequences, and settling a truck accident claim may cause you to lose the right to seek compensation for future medical expenses.

Some truck accident lawyers exclusively serve as defenders for truck drivers who cause accidents.
Some truck accident lawyers exclusively serve as defenders for truck drivers who cause accidents.

The actual process of filing a truck accident lawsuit is fairly simple. All personal injury lawsuits are filed in the form of a complaint, which is a basic legal document that outlines the case, identifies all relevant parties to the lawsuit and states a claim for damages. Your attorney will be responsible for submitting the legal compliant on your behalf. At this point, the lawsuit is considered filed and the next step is to wait for a response from the opposing party. If a settlement cannot be reached, the lawsuit will eventually proceed to a court of law.

Discussion Comments

BryanPerret

If you or a loved one has been victim of a truck accident, it's essential that you: Seek emergency medical attention to assess the state of your health.

Follow through with all prescribed treatments for the best chances of recovery.

Consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer to find out if you are entitled to a settlement for your injuries and losses.

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    • Truckers who have been injured during a collision with a locomotive should try to obtain copies of any reports of the incident that were written by an investigating government agency.
      By: ftfoxfoto
      Truckers who have been injured during a collision with a locomotive should try to obtain copies of any reports of the incident that were written by an investigating government agency.
    • An experienced lawyer can make filing a lawsuit simple.
      By: eccolo
      An experienced lawyer can make filing a lawsuit simple.
    • Some truck accident lawyers exclusively serve as defenders for truck drivers who cause accidents.
      By: torugo
      Some truck accident lawyers exclusively serve as defenders for truck drivers who cause accidents.