For victims of a truck accident, getting through the physical and emotional recovery should not be easier than receiving compensation for the damages and losses they have suffered. Yet, that is very common. Victims often face an uphill battle after a serious accident, even if they have no fault in the case. Still, you may not be sure why you need a Pittsburgh truck accident attorney following a crash.
At Kwartler Manus, LLC, we know you want results, and we offer the resources and tools to help you get them. Here are several reasons why you should call our truck accident attorney after your Pittsburgh accident.
#1: You Are Partially At Fault
If there is any question about who is at fault in your case, seek the help of an attorney before talking to the insurance company. We all know just how risky it is to drive along the Turnpike or to try to get through the downtown Pittsburgh area without an accident. Accidents happen, but understanding your rights is critical.
Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence statute, victims of an injury can pursue compensation for their losses if they are at fault, but only if they maintain under 50% fault. In these situations, the percentage of fault you hold is the amount your claim is reduced.
However, if you are 50% or higher at fault, as determined by the insurance company or court, then you cannot collect any damages at all. This can be a critical financial loss. As a result, it is best to hire a legal team that can find evidence to reduce your fault percentage as much as possible.
#2: You Have Serious Injuries and Need Significant Compensation
Another reason to hire a Pittsburgh truck accident lawyer occurs when you have serious injuries or catastrophic losses. In these cases, expect insurance companies to try to push you to settle your claim quickly because they know just how much they may have to pay if they do not. Your attorney’s job will be to maximize your claim, documenting all of the injuries you have to ensure you receive fair compensation for all of your losses.
If you have any of the following injuries, we encourage you to speak to our legal team before you talk to the insurance company:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries with temporary or permanent paralysis
- Disfigurement from scars, burns, or amputations
- Fractures, including those resulting in crushing or complex injuries
- Internal organ injuries
In these cases, your attorney will look at all possible ways to maximize your compensation, helping you to get the most money possible out of the claim. You need those funds for more than just medical bills.
#3: The Insurance Company Is Pressuring You or Delaying Your Case
Another worrisome situation after a truck accident case occurs when a victim faces complications getting support from the insurance company. In some cases, companies may try to force you to settle a claim quickly, long before you have reached your maximum level of recovery or know what your losses are. Other times, they may constantly ask for more information and delay paying you.
Insurance companies know that, under Pennsylvania law, you have only two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. They want to make this process as frustrating as possible for you, so you settle for less or miss your opportunity. Your lawyer becomes your advocate, preventing this.
#4: You Do Not Know Why the Truck Accident Happened
The truck driver does not have to share with you what caused the accident, but it could play a role in determining who is at fault and who owes you compensation. With the help of your Pittsburgh truck accident lawyer, you will have access to all available evidence to hold those who did this accountable. That could include evidence such as medical records, truck logs, and driver records that you simply do not have access to yourself.
This information could prove to be vital. It may help to demonstrate that the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or another third party is also responsible for your accident.
#5: You May Have to Go to Court
Many truck accident claims will go to court. That means that the victim and the insurance company cannot come to a fair agreement on the amount of compensation owed. This can go on for some time, up until the statute of limitations.
However, in these types of stalemates, victims have the opportunity to seek legal action in the form of a lawsuit filed against the at-fault party. Filing a lawsuit is more complex than filing a claim, and it requires understanding the legal process and your responsibility to prove what occurred and who is at fault. In these situations, it is not wise to go to court without a lawyer by your side.
Seek a Free Consultation by Contacting Our Legal Team Now
Even if you are unsure why you need a Pittsburgh truck accident attorney following a crash, set up a free consultation to discuss your situation. Turn to Kwartler Manus, LLC now for a free consultation to discuss what you are facing.