Big commercial trucks and 18-wheelers are often responsible for the most disastrous accidents in Connecticut. More often than not, the truck driver is to blame, but there could be other parties at fault too. If you suffered injuries and further losses in such a truck crash, you should undoubtedly meet a seasoned lawyer for a free case consultation. If you have never worked with an injury lawyer, the whole process can be overwhelming, to say the least. We have enlisted the things you can expect when working with an accident lawyer.
A transparent and fair assessment
First and foremost, the potential attorney will check the available information and evidence to determine whether you can file a truck accident claim. If you were somewhat accountable for the mishap, your fault percentage would determine whether you can file a lawsuit against other liable parties. In that context, Connecticut is a modified comparative fault state. Your lawyer is expected to give you a transparent and fair overview of the possible outcomes, although they cannot guarantee a specific result.
Investigate the case
What if the loading service had overloaded the 18-wheeler? What if there was a product or part defect? Was the trucking company aware of such a defect and continued to use the vehicle anyway? There are various possibilities in a truck accident, which is why an in-depth investigation is critical. Your accident lawyer will take care of the various steps, which include gathering evidence and documents and finding black box data. They will also interview witnesses to get a better overview of liability. Lawyers often need to collaborate with medical experts and specialists who deal with accident reconstruction.
Negotiate to WIN
Trucking companies are backed by a team of legal experts, and insurance companies have the best attorneys representing their rights. In other words, if you decide to negotiate independently, you could end up with a much lower amount. Lawyers know what it takes to spot tricks and negotiation tactics. Because they get a part of your settlement (the contingency fee), they are interested in getting a higher settlement as much as you are.
If nothing works as expected, your lawyer will still take further action and prepare for a trial. Litigation requires effort, and the attorney is expected to try your case before a jury. Don’t forget to get a case assessment immediately after the truck crash and look for an expert with relevant experience.