Assessing Damages in Truck Accident Cases

The aftermath of a truck accident can be devastating. For most injured victims and their families, assessing the financial and emotional costs of their injuries and property damage is the last thing on their minds. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash in Alabama, a truck accident lawyer at Moore Law Firm can help you understand how damages are determined and calculated. This can put your mind at ease and help you better understand the claims process.

Various Factors Considered after a Truck Accident

Due to their large size and weight, large trucks often cause catastrophic injuries and significant property damage when involved in an accident. Some vital elements of assessing truck accident damages include evaluating the extent of damage to the truck, other vehicles involved, and all parties’ injuries. A thorough investigation of how a crash happened is essential to determine the cost of economic and non-economic damages and to provide evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Assess Property Damage at the Scene

Taking photos of damage to vehicles and other property at the scene right away provides valuable evidence a truck accident lawyer can use in a personal injury claim. If possible, taking photos at the scene, gathering witness statements and contact information, and obtaining police reports and any other available information is a must.

Trucking companies often send insurance adjusters and investigators to the scene right away, which gives them an opportunity to create their own narrative about how the accident occurred. A truck accident attorney may be able to come to the scene immediately and start their own investigation and documentation of damage and injuries. Contacting a trucking accident lawyer while still at the scene can give you an advantage when it comes to backing up any personal injury claims that arise from the crash.

Document Injuries and Medical Treatment

Seeking medical treatment immediately is critical to protecting your rights and your health after a trucking accident. Medical records provide essential documentation of the extent of victims’ injuries and current and potential costs of future treatment. It’s also important to keep track of ongoing medical care, including doctors’ visits, rehabilitation, and therapy.

Obtain Trucking Company Records

Truck accident lawyers also request the truck’s maintenance and inspection records to determine if there were any mechanical issues that might have contributed to the accident. Truck driver logs, the black box recorder inside the truck, proof of prior violations or accidents, and other company records can show how the company’s and driver’s actions may have led to a crash. All this information has a significant impact on determining liability and proving fault in truck accident injury cases.

Determine Insurance Coverage

It’s vital for your truck accident attorney to confirm the extent of coverage from all available sources of compensation. Most trucking companies carry insurance policies with high limits. However, this means they fight hard to pay as little as possible or deny claims. In addition to the trucking company, this may include policies for the driver, other involved motorists, and your own insurer.

Consult with Experts

Expert witnesses such as accident reconstructionists, economists, and medical professionals often play a crucial role in determining truck accident damages. Their expertise and opinions help truck accident attorneys accurately calculate damages and prove fault in personal injury claims.

Comprehensive Investigation

To accurately determine damages, a comprehensive investigation is essential. This includes examining police reports, witness statements, medical records, accident reconstruction reports, and any available video footage or photographs. Your trucking accident lawyer puts all this information together to create a cohesive argument for damages and obtain the maximum compensation you need and deserve. Failing to perform a thorough investigation can lead to the denial of your personal injury claim and negatively affect the outcome of any subsequent litigation if you take your case to trial.

Truck Accident Cases are Complex

Unlike many claims that involve only passenger vehicles, truck accident claims are rarely straightforward. During your recovery, you should be focused on healing, which makes investigating a crash and determining truck accident damages virtually impossible on your own. In addition to conducting a thorough investigation and accurately calculating damages, your truck accident attorney handles all negotiations with insurance companies and negotiates on your behalf. Having a staunch advocate by your side allows you and your family to focus on healing and moving on with your life. You can rest assured that your truck accident lawyer is fighting for your rights and has your best interests at heart.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Mobile, AL

For the last 35 years, the accident lawyers at Moore Law Firm have served more than 15,000 personal injury victims in Alabama. Our truck accident attorneys are well-versed in handling complex cases and are dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation you can trust. If you’ve been hurt or have lost a loved one in a truck accident, contact us online, use the convenient chat feature on our website, or call us at 251-445-7602. Our truck accident injury attorneys serve clients in Mobile, AL, and surrounding areas.