By Contributing Author
Trucking accidents are very different from other types of automobile accidents. Not only do they differ because of the size of a truck, but sometimes they are also carrying hazardous material, which makes them that much more dangerous in transit. If you are in an accident with a truck, finding out who is liable can quickly become complicated. Things like whether the driver was the owner and operator of the truck and therefore an independent contractor, or whether the truck driver was employed by a company, will alter who is responsible for paying if the truck driver is at fault.
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The only way to ensure that you can recover your damages and injuries is to hire a lawyer who specializes in trucking accidents to help guide you through the complexities of the related laws. The good news is that since they typically work on a contingency basis, you can interview several accident lawyers before choosing the best one for your case. However, if you are under time constraints due to mounting medical bills and time away from work, there are things that you can do to help expedite the process.
No matter who you end up hiring, they will need specific documentation and other information from you. The more that you can bring with you to the initial meeting, the easier it will be for your lawyer to get an understanding of what happened and whether they are the best attorney to handle your case. To get the process rolling quickly, make sure to know the five following things for your initial meeting, even if you choose to interview more than one attorney.
1 The details about the truck driver or the company that employs them
You will need to know the following information when meeting with your truck accident attorney:
- The trucking company and name, if one is involved
- The truck driver’s full name and address
- The truck’s license plate number
- If there are any other license or identifying number or details about the truck itself
- If the truck driver carried the proper Commercial Driver’s License
- If there are any other companies or businesses associated with the truck driver
- Any research that you have done on either the driver or the company
2 The specifics relating to the accident itself
Your attorney will need to know specific details about the accident itself, like:
- How did it happen?
- Was there a police report taken?
- Was anyone issued a ticket?
- Were there any photographs or videos that might have been taken at the scene?
- Was the accident high-profile enough to have media coverage?
- Any names or eyewitnesses to the accident that might be contacted
- Exactly where the accident happened
- Were there any extenuating circumstances, like weather conditions or potholes?
- Were any other people or drivers involved?
- Was an ambulance available at the scene?
3 Medical records and documents
To know what you are entitled to for economic damages, you will need to bring details about any medical treatments or tests you’ve had, and other specifics like:
- If there are any activities in which you can no longer participate
- Did you have any medical diagnoses?
- Did you go to the hospital or were you hospitalized?
- What are the treatments you have received to date?
- Were there any x-rays or other tests run?
- What are your current diagnoses or symptoms?
- Have you had previous similar injuries?
4 The specifics about your car
Since you are entitled to property damage coverage, your lawyer will need to know things like:
- The year, make, and model of your automobile
- If there is an outstanding loan or a lien on the car
- How long you have been the owner of the car
- What is the current condition of the car? Is it drivable?
- What type of damages your car sustained due to the accident
- Do you have any estimates for what fixing your car will cost?
- Are there any damages that were there before the accident?
- If you have any photographs of the car both before and after the accident
5 Your personal financial situation
Since the court will likely take into account your current financial situation to determine what you are entitled to recover you will need to have documents about your finances, like:
- Your current salary or wage earnings
- If you are employed
- How many days you have missed work
- Who your insurance company is
- Have you been involved in previous accidents?
- Are you a convicted felon?
Since there is no charge for finding the best truck accident lawyer Houston to defend your case, it is a good idea to shop around before hiring one. Just make sure to have the proper documentation, so that when you find the right one you can expedite the process and try to either find a fair settlement or get a lawsuit underway to recover your damages and injuries.
