Truck accidents are incredibly challenging situations, often resulting in serious risk of injury, emotional trauma, and financial loss. For victims, healing is a priority, but missing work and having a stack of medical bills also mean you need financial help. To maximize your recovery, hire a Pittsburgh truck accident lawyer.
When you work with Kwartler Manus, LLC, we will work aggressively to build your claim and handle every aspect of your case. Consider why having a Pittsburgh truck accident lawyer can prove to be so essential.
Fault Is a Complicated Matter if Evidence Is Not Available
One of the most important reasons to hire an attorney is that you may not have all of the information you need to know who is at fault. That is because more than one party could be at fault in any given situation, but much of the most valuable evidence is out of reach for victims. When you hire a truck accident attorney in Pittsburgh, we go to work gathering all evidence, including:
- Commercial truck logs for maintenance
- Driver dash camera footage
- Hours of service records for drivers who may be too tired
- Witness statements
- Truck driver medical records for intoxication
- Medical records to demonstrate that the driver was not fit
We work within the letter of the law to gather this information. Because we are familiar with the rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, we can ensure that we have all the necessary evidence to demonstrate negligence in your case.
More Than One Party Could Be at Fault
Another critical component of this process is knowing who is to blame. Most often, victims believe the driver is at risk, and they could be. Yet, we can amplify your compensation claim by showing others are at fault as well. Your truck accident lawyer will use the evidence collected to identify all parties at fault. Some examples of who might be at fault include the following:
- Truck driver: Often at fault for driving under the influence, reckless operation, and fatigue
- Trucking companies: Potentially at fault if their trucks are not well-maintained or if they allow an unlicensed truck driver to operate their vehicles
- Truck cargo companies: These are organizations that load vehicles and must follow industry standards to ensure safety to avoid the potential risk of cargo spills or drivers losing control
- Truck manufacturers: Manufacturers may be at fault in situations where the truck’s design or manufacturing was faulty and caused the accident
- Cities and states: Unsafe road conditions could contribute to injuries and accidents
It is possible to seek compensation against more than one provider, and in doing so, you secure financial compensation that matches the losses you have.
The Burden of Proof for Losses Is on Your Shoulders
Another critical reason to seek legal guidance from a Pittsburgh truck accident lawyer is that your losses may be significant, and insurance companies will do all they can to get you to settle for less than you are owed. Your attorney’s job is to document all of your losses allowed under the law. Most victims do not know the extent of their losses, and the insurance company is under no obligation to tell you.
Since you must demonstrate these losses to the insurance company, having an attorney can be valuable in both knowing what your injuries and losses are, as well as assigning value to them. Consider the following examples of common losses recoverable in a truck accident case:
- Medical expenses: Immediate medical care costs, ongoing costs, medications, recovery and rehabilitation-related costs, in-home support, and future cosmetic procedures
- Modifications: Modifications to your home or car due to the accident, as well as other out-of-pocket expenses related to permanent or temporary injury
- Missed time at work: This may include hours missed at work due to your injuries, as well as benefits, bonuses, and other losses you have suffered since you could not work, even contributions to your retirement accounts
- Pain and suffering: Injuries related to truck accidents nearly always cause serious pain and suffering during the accident and after
- Emotional trauma: The onset of mental health complications is also common, especially with losses such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression
Consider other ways this accident could impact your future. You may have permanent injuries that make it impossible for you to work, maintain relationships, or do the things you love to do. You may have permanent losses such as loss of vision, disability, or chronic pain. All of these losses are valuable, and it is up to you to place an accurate value on them to recover fair compensation.
Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer in Pittsburgh Makes the Difference
When you have so much on the line, including physical, financial, and emotional well-being, having an attorney who will fight for truly fair compensation can be critical. Consider that your attorney does not get paid anything until and unless they win your case for you.
Even better, we offer free consultations at Kwartler Manus, LLC. Let us tell you what your losses are, who is at fault, and what legal strategy can help you recover fairly.